Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet has ordered all flags at Lafayette Consolidated Government to be flown at half-staff, in honor of former Mayor William "Dud" Lastrapes, Jr. who died on Wednesday at the age of 94.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet has ordered all flags at Lafayette Consolidated Government to be flown at half-staff, in honor of former Mayor William "Dud" Lastrapes, Jr. who died on Wednesday at the age of 94.

The gesture takes immediate effect and will continue until sunset on the day of Lastrapes's interment.

Lastrapes became a reporter and newscaster for the newly opened KLFY-TV Channel 10. He would leave KLFY to go into radio for a short time, but returned to KLFY to become the news director, a position he held until 1970.

Boulet expressed her condolences and highlighted the contributions made by Lastrapes to the Lafayette community in a news release issued Thursday.

"Mayor Lastrapes was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the betterment of Lafayette," Boulet said. "His leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to our city will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him."

William "Dud" Lastrapes, Jr. served as the Mayor of Lafayette from 1980-92. During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous initiatives including the construction of the Cajundome and some of the early planning for the Camellia Bridge.

Latest news