Obituary: Lawrence Keith Burleigh – Track & Field 1951-53 – Military Veteran – July 14, 2016

Lawrence K. Burleigh, Sr.

LAFAYETTE Lawrence Keith Burleigh, also known as Larry, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2016. He was 84 years old. Mr. Burleigh was a native of Sunset, Louisiana and a graduate of Jeanerette High School where he won the State Championship in the 100-yard dash in a record time that stood for 10 years. He ran collegiate track for LSU and USL.

After graduating from USL in 1954, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was a First Lieutenant serving for three years in Europe where he developed a lifetime love of Italy. He attended Loyola University School of Law where he obtained a Juris Doctorate in 1960, graduating second in his class.

Mr. Burleigh moved to Morgan City in 1965 and began practicing trial law with an emphasis onadmiraltyandmaritimelaw. He obtained thelargest verdict in a maritime case in Louisiana. He practiced in Morgan City for over 25 years with his partner and long-time friend Joseph Streva, before moving  his office to Lafayette where he practiced for another 20 years with his son Larry, Jr.

Mr. Burleigh was a true "lawyer’s lawyer" who was respected by judges and his colleagues for his legal skill and professionalism. He loved representing his clients in the courtroom and always maintained a close personal friendship with his clients. He was recognized as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" for over 30 years and was inducted as a Fellow into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Burleigh was elected as the President of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association in 1976 and also served as the President of the St. Mary Parish Bar Association in 1971. He also taught trial tactics seminars for many years at Harvard University and Duke University.

Mr. Burleigh was a wonderful and loving father and was always proudest when speaking of his children. He is survived by his children Lyn Hungerford, Jack Burleigh (and wife Arden), David Burleigh, Larry Burleigh, Jr. (and wife Linda), and Bob Burleigh; grandchildren Laura Roy (and husband Brian), Matthew Hungerford, Olivia Burleigh, Michael Burleigh, John Burleigh, Laine Burleigh, Greg Burleigh, and Matthew Burleigh; brothers Francis Burleigh (and wife Tesie), and Ivan Burleigh.

He was preceded in death by his son and the light of his life in later years, Daniel Burleigh; his brother Bubba Danel and his sister Bessie Lee Barry.

Mr. Burleigh’s family would like to give special thanks and gratitude to his home attendants Erchestal Harrison, Olivia Harrison and her family, Ms. Barbara, and AAA Hospice who provided him with comfort and loving care. Friends are invited to a Visitation with the family from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. onWednesday, July 20, 2016 at The Delhomme Funeral Home at 1011 Bertrand Drive in Lafayette.

Please visit the 1952 and 1953 years of the Track Photo Gallery at www.athleticnetwork.net for photos of Lawrence and his teammates.