Robert James Ardoin

August 29, 1939 - December 9, 2024

A Catholic Mass of remembrance will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church on December 27, 2024 at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. Daniel Picard, honoring the life of Robert J. Ardoin, who passed away on December 9, 2024 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.
Robert was born on April 29, 1939 in Abbeville. “Poncho”, as he was known to his family and friends, attended Mount Carmel and graduated in 1959. In 1963 he graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a degree in history. He lived in New Orleans until 2005 when he and his wife, Emilia, moved to Lantana, FL. In 2021 he moved to Springfield, IL to be near his son and his family.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who made friends easily. He was a published author of short stories and a prolific poet. He is fondly remembered by his friends as a vibrant storyteller. He loved history and valued learning. When he married his wife of 37 and a half years, Emilia who was from Guatemala, he endeavored to learn Spanish to help deepen the connection with her side of the family. He was a devout Catholic who loved God. He gave The Lord praise in everything he did and shared His message of love and joy with everyone he met.
He is survived by his son, Robert B. Ardoin and spouse Angela C. Ardoin, two grandchildren Daniel Paul Ardoin and Charles “Charlie” Emile Ardoin of Springfield, IL; his sisters, Antonia “Toni” Ardoin and Verna Lee Ardoin of Abbeville, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Emilia Lima Ardoin; his parents, M.J. “Doc” Ardoin, Sr. and Leona C. Ardoin; his siblings, M.J. Ardoin, Jr., Natalie Ardoin Primeaux, and Marlene Ardoin Wall.
He will be interred with his wife, Emilia, at All Saints Mausoleum in New Orleans, LA at a later date.