Howard L McBride

Howard L.E. McBride, age 97, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge La. entered into eternal rest, September 6, 2023, in Katy, TX. He was born in Dry Prong, Louisiana on November 17, 1925, to Rufus and Ruth McBride. He was a WWII Veteran serving first on active duty and later as a 2nd Lieutenant with the LA National Guard. Much of his professional life was devoted to the hospitality industry, managing high-profile properties including the Bellemont Motor Hotel in Baton Rouge for over 20 years. During that time, he met, and the hotel entertained, many celebrities such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, many important dignitaries, sports figures, and government officials. Photos and autographs were some of his most cherished possessions and he would love to entertain people with stories from those experiences. He left the Bellemont in 1978 but devoted the next twenty years to the business before retiring to his Baton Rouge home with Louise. He was a longtime member of University Baptist Church, and an avid LSU and New Orleans Saints fan. He was often frustrated when he couldn’t find the game on TV or when his teams didn’t win by what he felt was an acceptable margin. He was a gentle, sweet, soft-spoken man, who loved his family, friends, and pets. He was preceded in death by Louise, his wife of 36 years, siblings Frankie Lofton, Jo Nell Stewart, Dalton McBride, Travis McBride, Ray McBride, grandson Wayne McBride, step-sons Larry and Mike Talbert, step-daughter Gaye Talbert. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Bob McBride (Hilda), sons Larry McBride (Dorothy), and Gary McBride, daughter Donna Ratcliff (Bracy), stepdaughter Julia Hardy (James), stepson James Talbert (Patty), many nieces, nephews, grand-children, and great-grandchildren—and he will be deeply missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to one of these organizations: The National WWII Museum, Capital Area Animal Welfare Society, Dante's Hope Animal Rescue, or potential donors may email hsars2018@gmail.com to support Heart & Soul Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.

A visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA, beginning at 12:00 PM, followed by graveside services at Gardens of Memory Mausoleum, at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, September 14, 2023.