Luke Valcour Landry was born November 3, 1873, in Maringouin, Iberville Parish, Louisiana, of the marriage between Luke Valazie Landry and Hermance Lefeaux. Born of French ancestry he was a true Frenchman with a zest for life and a keen sense of humor. He is, however, listed in the 1880 census of New Orleans, - vol 23 - E D 11 - Sheet 15 - Line 51 - "Luke Valcour Landry is enumerated as white born in Alabama on 22 December, 1877 and residing at 846 Camp St. with Louise Barley as a boarder".

He received his early education in the public schools of Iberville Parish. As a young man, he commenced his pursuit of life with the assets bequeathed him by his parents: a fine physique and an inquiring mind. He attended Tulane University, Louisiana State University and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from which latter institution he received his degree in law. During his college career he found employment which made possible his continued pursuit of knowledge and eventually his college degree.

Upon graduation from college he obtained employment as a clerk for the Federal Government. Subsequently he was with the State Department serving that agency both in Washington, D.C., and as a Border Guard in the State of Arizona.

Early in the twentieth century he returned to his native state and was duly admitted to the practice of law before the Louisiana Bar. At this time he commenced what ultimately proved to be forty years of continuous service with the Federal Government at the United States Customs House in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 1908 he was married to Josephine Scharpe of which union three children were born, namely: Major General Robert B. Landry, U.S.A.F., Retired; Colonel E. Scharpe Landry, U.S.A., Retired; and Val Louise Landry, wife of Brig. General Milton F. Summerfelt, U.S.A.F., Retired.

During his Federal employment and after his retirement therefrom in 1947, he engaged in the practice of law. It was in his chosen profession of law that he found opportunity to do those things in which he was most interested. He had a boundless faith in human nature and a burning desire to be of assistance to others. On innumerable occasions his concern for the welfare of his fellow man motivated his voluntary giving generously of his time, effort, counsel and worldly goods to those in distress or less fortunate than himself. He never sought material profit from his labors or endeavors and hence did not become a man of great means: the yardstick by which so many are prone to measure success in life. Nevertheless he achieved a success and satisfaction which so few seek or earn during their brief stay on this earth; a smile in appreciation for a favor extended; a handshake or a tear of heartfelt gratitude for assistance granted constituted sufficient remuneration which he banked in his heart.

No more fitting epitaph could be penned than that suggested by one of his many friends, also a member of this bar, who said of Luke Valcour Landry: "He was one of the finest gentlemen of our age. He devoted his life to his fellow man, sharing the sorrows and joys of his friends, acquaintances and associates. He walked in virtue and humility with a feeling of sincere gratitude to his God for the moments of life granted to him."

[Signed]

Herbert W. Christenberry, Chairman
Paul B. Landry
Stanley A. Baron
Memorial Committee