Joseph Escude, Sr., our founding father, was born in 1885 in Moreauville, Louisiana. His early years in funeral service began by shaving, combing and dressing a deceased acquaintance. He was asked to do the same again and thus, Joe Escude's future was laid out. After the 1927 Flood, friends and family encouraged Mr. At forty-two years old, he received his certification in Dallas and opened the fir
st Escude's Undertaking Parlor in a small warehouse here in Mansura. Joe Sr.'s only son, Joe Escude, Jr., was born in 1913 and became his first assistant and apprentice at age fifteen. Escude and Son acquired one of the first motorized funeral coaches in the area. started out by making and painting wood crosses and building wood liners in graves. He assisted his father in homes to prepare and lay out the deceased' loved ones. In 1934, a larger building was constructed and still serves as the Escude Life Insurance and Monument Office. Until June of 2005, Mr. Joe Sr.'s Embalming Parlor, served its same purpose. The new funeral service building is located around the block on St. Jean Street. Joe Escude Jr. was 19 years old in 1932 and followed in his father's footsteps by attending embalming school in Nashville. He got his license in 1934 at age 21. They made a good team and the embalming business caught on and prospered. Joe, Jr. bought his father out in 1948. He expanded into the life insurance business going "on the road" as the town's first agent. The insurance company continues today with seven active agents who still go "on the road" to customers homes. Personal, old fashioned service is a must. Joseph Escude' Sr. died in 1959. Another partnership developed in 1957 when Mr. Jr.'s oldest son, Gaon became a funeral director. He also helped in the insurance agency until they opened a new parlor in Cottonport in 1960. Where he and his wife lived until 1967. Ira Escude', the youngest sibling, got involved in the business through experience with his father in 1960 and recieved his embalming license in 1966. Mrs. Priscilla Escude' Allums, only daughter of Mr. Joe Escude'Jr., has worked with the insurance and monument department for most of her adult life. She also serves as secretary of the board of Escude's Inc. The Escude's, now in their third generation of business, have continued to work together for many years and will certainly leave a lasting impression and legacy in Avoyelles Parish. The Escude' name remains synonymous with old fashioned basics, friendly service and good business.
