Emil Louis Houvenaeghel

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved father, Emil Louis Houvenaeghel, who peacefully went home to be with Jesus the morning of November 5th, 2026.

Known to many as ”Lou” or “Packy”, he was born June 29th, 1938 in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to Emil Louis and Rosa Alba Houvenaeghel, a gold miner and businesswoman.

A friend to all who crossed paths with him, he was known for his kindness, thoughtful listening and sage advice. He never met a stranger. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the family he created with the love of his life of 60+ years - Melba.

He came to the United States when he was 9 years old. He completed his early education in New Orleans and went on to join the United States Army. He traveled the world and shared many stories of his service, the friendships he made and the doors that it opened for him. He married Melba in 1963 in Lafayette, Louisiana where they began building their life together. They moved to Slidell, Louisiana in 1968.

Louis developed a love for aviation and had a natural aptitude for all things mechanical. So as a young man when opportunity came calling, he took a job with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI) in 1963. In 1968 he joined Chevron where he spent the rest of his career eventually retiring as an Aeronautic Inspector.

After retiring in 1993, he quickly developed his passion for golf. He eventually began marshaling at Oak Harbor Golf Course. Through his love of golf, he made many dear friends and connections and always had great stories to tell about his days on the links.

In addition to golfing, he enjoyed driving cars for the Manheim Auto Auction for many years. He loved being outside enjoying nature, taking annual family beach trips and traveling with Melba and his family. He often complained about having to get dressed up to attend formal affairs with Melba, but once he arrived, he loved every minute of it and it was hard to get him off the dance floor and out the door to go home.

He is survived by his 3 children Gina (Rich), Debbie (Frank) and Louis. Also survived by his beloved sister, Ida Stringham (Dan). He was “Packy Lou” to 5 grandsons Todd (Kate), Justin (Lindsay), Zackary (Grace), James (Hannah) and Tanner. He was also blessed with 9 precious great grandchildren Clark, Jack, Harrison, Mollie, Grace, Barrett, Jhett, Gritt and Owen as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was devoted to his sweet granddog Tiffany who was his faithful, vigilant companion.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Melba, his parents and his brother Albert.

In this time of grief and loss let us all remember how he touched our lives and the joy and laughter that always surrounded him. He will be greatly missed, but we can rejoice that he is home again with his sweetheart Melba and with his heavenly family.

A Catholic Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life to honor his wonderful legacy will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026  at St. Genevieve Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Mass at 11:00 a.m.  A private interment will take place at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to World Venture, a faith-based organization that Louis has supported for many years through his grandson Justin and his family who serve in Japan. Donations can be made online at https://worldventure.com/pworker/4000-215-mitchell-justin-and-lindsay/

Or you may send a check to: World Venture, 20 Inverness Pl E, Englewood, CO 80112-5622. Please indicate: Justin Mitchell - 4000-215” on the memo line.

Donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital may also be considered, as Louis also avidly supported them throughout the years.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.