John Baer Oppenheimer

Lafayette - John Baer Oppenheimer, 77, of Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, with his devoted wife, Barbara, by his side. John was born on June 25, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa, to James Oppenheimer and Carrie Baer Oppenheimer. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Valley High School with the Class of 1968. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, majoring in Marketing, from Drake University and later received a Master of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Arizona. Following his service in the U.S. Army Reserve, John began his career in marketing. He served as Assistant Brand Manager for Mountain Pass Canning Company, a division of Pet, Inc.; Marketing Services Manager for Volume Shoe Corporation, a division of May Department Stores; Marketing Manager for Bruce Foods Corporation; Director of Marketing for Lafayette General Medical Center; and Director of Marketing for LaHaye Eye Center. John's passion for marketing and education also led him to serve as a marketing instructor at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette Regional Technical Institute, and the University of St. Francis. He later obtained his Louisiana Real Estate License and served as a business broker with Sunbelt Business Brokers. Throughout his career, John was known for his knowledge, professionalism, ability to connect with people, and commitment to helping organizations and individuals succeed. John's greatest accomplishment, however, was the life he built with his family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Soileau Oppenheimer, and the couple recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Also left to mourn him is his daughter, Amber O. Boudreaux, whom he loved with all his heart, and her husband, Kalyb, whom he loved as a son. He is also survived by Amber's mother, Connie Shannon; his sisters, Nancy O. Swartzendruber and husband, Arlis, and Judy O. Lonsberry and husband, Scott; nephew Michael Lonsberry and wife Allison, and their children Bennett James and Cora Camile; and nephew Matthew Lonsberry and wife Amber. Preceding him in death were his parents, James B. Oppenheimer and Carrie Baer Oppenheimer; grandparents; cousins, Ralph Marks and Joseph Lee Marks; Aunt Rose Marks; and Uncle Henry Oppenheimer. John had a lifelong love of sports, especially for the University of Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns athletics and New Orleans Saints. Although he and Barbara were not alumni of UL, at the suggestion of a friend, they became ABC members (Alumni by Choice) of the UL Alumni Association. He also enjoyed following the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. He was an avid sports fan and found great enjoyment in watching and attending games. John also loved to cook and took great pride in preparing food for family and friends. He loved to do the grocery shopping (sale items only), which was quite all right with Barbara, except for the over-abundance of pantry items and frozen foods that he came home with! He especially enjoyed cooking with his smoker, grill, and barbecue pit. His crawfish etouffee, brownies, strawberry pie and chocolate cake were always a hit for family and friends. For John, cooking was about more than the food—it was about bringing people together, sharing conversation, and creating memories. In order to stay in touch with his good friends, he was the self-appointed scheduler of their Lunch Club meals every other month. He loved to fish, especially with friends and family, from the Atchafalaya Basin, to offshore, to Lake Missaukee, Michigan. He also couldn't pass up a good bargain. Over the years, he went to many garage sales and estate sales, and came home with many treasures. He and Barbara loved to travel. Among their trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Panama Canal, South America, and the Caribbean, they also traveled to the Smoky Mountains, Michigan, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, New England, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Gulf Shores, Disney World, South Carolina, and Arkansas. His faith was an important part of his life. John was a member of Covenant Methodist Church, where he served on the Church Council and Finance Committee and participated in the Fellowship Sunday School class. He was previously a long-time member of Asbury Methodist Church, where he served on various committees over the years, and former member of the Lafayette Jaycees. He was Barbara's steady rock, helping to care for her two brothers during their final years of life. For the past 12 years, John also generously volunteered with United Christian Outreach, giving his time to help others in his community. John was also an organ donor. Even in death, he gave one final gift---offering the chance to help others through his donation. John will be remembered for his generous spirit, steadfast faith, quick wit, love of family and friends, passion for sports, joy in bringing people together, and his willingness to be there when someone needed help. He lived a life marked by service, accomplishment, friendship, and love. Visitation will be at Covenant Methodist Church, 300 Martial Avenue, on Saturday, August 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following. Inurnment will follow in the Asbury United Methodist Church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Covenant Methodist Church , United Christian Outreach , Tunnel to Towers Foundation , or a charity of the donor's choice. The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to John's local physicians and their staffs, as well as the physicians, nurses, and staff of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for the care and compassion shown to John and his family. The family is grateful for the many prayers, expressions of love, and acts of kindness extended to them by their relatives, church families, and many friends during this difficult time. John will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. The lives he touched will remain a lasting part of his legacy. May he rest in eternal peace in the presence of the Lord. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555.

John Baer Oppenheimer

June 25, 1949 - July 26, 2026