Louis "Bud" Turcotte, III.

Louis "Bud" Turcotte, III, a lifelong figure in the community of Sarita, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025. Born on November 10, 1950, Bud was a devoted family man whose love for his big family, son's, grandchildren, and friends remained central to his life. He was loved and enjoyed by many.

Bud attended Our Lady of Consolation Catholic School in Vattman, Texas before graduating as the Salutatorian of Kaufer High School in 1968. He continued his education at Southwest Texas State University, where he earned a Magna Cum Laude degree in Business Administration in 1975.

As a young boy Bud worked with his Godfather and Uncle, Joe Turcotte, on the Kenedy Ranch, where he learned about hard work, how to speak spanish, how to rope and work cattle alongside the vaqueros that worked on the ranch. This experience fostered a strong love for his small community. Upon completion of his education, he moved his family back to Sarita to partner with his parents to build the Buckhorn, which was a convenient store and liquor store. He operated the Buckhorn for many years. In 1985 he embarked on a new adventure and established San Pablo Outfitters, becoming a forerunner in recreational hunting. He continued that business until 2006. Bud also made significant contributions to the Sarita community as a Kenedy County official, serving as a Justice of the Peace from 1983-2003, County Commissioner from 2007-2010, and County Judge from 2011-2021 when he retired. As a Justice of the Peace, he married countless couples and took his role very seriously. As a judge, he was instrumental in the development of the wind farm in Kenedy County. It was said that he was a "down to earth" judge and even allowed county employees to bring their dogs to work to work on Friday's. He often helped neighbors and others without recognition. He cared about the people in Sarita and the county as a whole.

A man of varied interests, his love for the great outdoors was huge. He had a profound love for fishing, frequently spending time on Baffin Bay or Port Mansfield's East Cut. He taught countless people how to fish and how to get caught on the rocks in Baffin Bay. Having grown up all his life hunting, he was considered a crack shot and everyone was warned not to bet against him. Because of his love for the water, scuba diving was something he also enjoyed with his family and friends. Many memories were made on the water, in the water, and on the ranch, including teaching countless nieces and nephews how to water ski! Because of the harvest of the field and water's Bud was an excellent cook, serving up fried backstraps, fried fish, ceviche, guisada, carne seca, and his Kings Inn Tartar sauce. He was an ace knife sharpener, and friends and family would bring their dull knives to him.

As a family man he was loved by all and was known as Bud, Son. Brother, Dad, Papa, Primo, Uncle Bud, Godfather, Badger Bud, and "Mr. Magic". Bud coached both of his son's through T-Ball all the way through Little League and All Stars. Any sports his sons participated in, he was there as the most avid fan! He livened up many parties with warmth, food, wit, mariachi music, and love. He could be counted on in a pinch and never shied away from the task at hand. He was a man's man. He will be sorely missed, and his family was graced by having him in their lives.

Bud is survived by the mother to his children and wife of 42 years Lisa Moncrief Turcotte; children Chaunce Turcotte and Ryan Paul Turcotte; grandchildren Quint Turcotte, Emmy Ann Turcotte, and Angel Rose Orta; siblings Katie (Leonard) May, Betsy (Buddy) Deere, Susan (Robert) Anderson, and Andy Turcotte; and 16 nieces and nephews, and 12 Godchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Louis Edgar Turcotte, Jr., and Joyce Mynier Turcotte, sister Marie "Stella" Turcotte (Dennis) Page, and nephew Jason May.

Special Thanks goes out to Marsha and Greg Hopper and Elara Hospice. May his soul and all the faithfully departed, rest in peace. Amen.

A holy rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sarita, Texas. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:00n a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sarita, Texas. Services will conclude that afternoon.