Longtime Louisiana Horseman Raymond Reed Loup Passed Away At The Age of 82

Raymond Reed Loup passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge at the age of 82.

Born on March 11, 1944, in Baton Rouge, Raymond was a native of Port Allen, where he was part of the inaugural kindergarten class at Holy Family Catholic School. He went on to graduate from Catholic High School in 1962, where his standout high school athletic career earned him several athletic scholarships.

A fierce and tough competitor, he accepted a football scholarship to Louisiana State University, where he played for the Tigers as a standout halfback and defensive back under Coach Charles McClendon before earning his degree in business. Raymond was inducted into the Catholic High School Hall of Fame as a Grizzly Great (1988) for his athletic achievement, leadership, and character.

Raymond married the love of his life, Mardell Sarradet Loup, with whom he shared 59 wonderful years. Three years after marrying, they started a family as Raymond began his career in site work construction.

Over the years, he led several heavy civil construction companies, including Rad-Ton, LLC, for the last 39 years, and partnered in numerous other business developments and ventures. A true visionary, he developed many subdivisions throughout West Baton Rouge Parish, both individually and alongside close friends.

On February 4, 2001, Raymond was the blessed recipient of a heart transplant at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. This gift of life granted him and his family 26 extra years to love, laugh, and create memories.

Grateful for every extra moment, Raymond lived every single day to the fullest with a giving heart. Dedicated to his community, Raymond served as Director of Water and Gas for West Baton Rouge Parish, was the first President of the West Baton Rouge Jaycees, served as a member and two-time President of the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission, and was a lifetime member of the Catholic High Men's Club.

Beyond his civic and business achievements, Raymond was an avid AQHA horse breeder and owner, holding lifetime memberships in the American Quarter Horse Association and the Louisiana Quarter Horse Association. According to Equibase, since 2000, Raymond has won 54 races and earned more than $734,000.

Always believing in giving back, he gave generously as a sponsor and contributor to local sporting events, youth athletic teams, and numerous community, educational, and church organizations.

Above all his accomplishments, Raymond was most proud of his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his six grandchildren from the stands at their sporting and dance events. Raymond recently became a great-grandfather to a great-grandson, who brought him immense pride and joy.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife, Mardell Sarradet Loup; two children, Randall Paul Loup (Hayley Gassie Loup) and Toni Loup Maurer (David); six grandchildren who lovingly called him "Papa," Mason Reed Maurer (Catherine Bonaventure Maurer), MaKenzie Blair Maurer, Reed Paul Loup, Ryder James Loup, Maxwell David-Ray Maurer, and Harper Mae Loup; one great-grandson, Myles Reed Maurer; sister, Bonnie Loup Cotten; sister-in-law, Patsy L. Loup; nieces and nephews, Kurt Loup (Wendi), Kenny Loup (Jackie), Johnette Cotten, David Cotten (Tara), and Michael Cotten (Meagan); as well as many cherished great-nieces and great-nephews.

Raymond and his family extend their heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated long-time employees, loyal friends, and family who supported his horses, business, and livelihood over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Paul and Helen "Sis" Lefebvre Loup; brother, Barry Loup; and brother-in-law, John D. "Buddy" Cotten.

Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m., celebrated by Rev. Arun John. Entombment will follow in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ochsner Health Heart Failure Program. Please direct gifts to Ochsner Health Philanthropy, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, Suite 1E600, New Orleans, LA 70121, or online at ochsner.org/giving, specifying the Heart Failure Clinic in memory of Raymond Reed Loup.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond, please visit the funeral home’s floral store.