Lelan Lee "Buddy" Self's Obituary
Lelan Lee "Buddy" Self, 94, went to be with the Lord on May 16, 2025. He was born April 5, 1931, as a twin, in Rattan, Louisiana, to Sam and Ruby (Byrd) Self.
Buddy joined the U.S. Army at an age too young, nearly completing basic training before the truth came to light. His twin sister had successfully forged their mother's signature to get him in, but Momma Ruby contacted her local congressman and had Buddy sent back home. A year later, he was officially drafted and served in the infantry during the Korean War until its conclusion.
After his service, he and his wife Dorothy headed west to the oil fields of Odessa, Texas, where they spent the next ten years. Upon returning to Hornbeck, Buddy "stick-built" two chicken houses that eventually grew into a thriving broiler farm with four houses. His agricultural legacy continued with the creation of a large herd of Brahma cattle that roamed the Peason Ridge Military Reservation.
Although he eventually retired from poultry farming, Buddy never strayed far from the land-raising cattle, dogs, goats, rabbits, or just about any animal that caught his eye.
An avid fox and coyote hunter since the age of 10, Buddy cherished the sound of a good "race" with his dogs in pursuit. Later in life, he shifted to chasing rabbits and shared his deep love of animals with his grandchildren, whom he adored.
In 2011, he began mentoring his daughter-in-law in the ways of cattle farming, ensuring that his cherished line of Black Angus cattle would live on. Most days of retirement found him in his pickup truck, "out in the grass fields" after lunch-napping, reading the newspaper, or simply listening to the peaceful sound of cows pulling up grass. He knew the story of every cow as if it were second nature.
Buddy also had a love for the wide open West. He explored the beauty of Canada, Alaska, Yellowstone, Colorado, the Pacific Coast, and Big Bend, Texas-often behind the wheel with no care in the world. Nothing could come between Buddy and a good road trip filled with stories (and more than a few accidents along the way). Sign Post Forest on the Alaskan Highway proudly holds a set of Buddy's dog name tags mounted above the Hornbeck city limit sign.
He always avoided interstates and took the most scenic routes, preferring to admire cows grazing in hay fields with no reason to be in a hurry.
He never drove anything motorized with safety in mind. Over the years, he ran over many things that just "got in his way" and became well-acquainted with wrecker drivers, insurance agents, and body shop owners. He was "that guy" who, in his earlier years, totaled his vehicle in a wreck, bought it back from the insurance company, totaled it again, and even tried to buy it a third time.
He received the Holy Ghost at Leesville First United Pentecostal Church and now rejoices in glory with his beloved wife, Dorothy, whom he treasured for 51 years until her passing in October 2000—and continued treasuring her memory until he took his last breath at Willis Knighton Hospital in Shreveport, the same hospital where she passed away; following in her footsteps.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Self; and his sisters, Ivory Jarod, his twin Lela McMillan, and Julie Moses.
Lelan left to cherish his memory are his son, Greg (Pam) Self of Hornbeck; granddaughters, Megan (Ricky) Brown of Pickering, Ashlyn (Joshua) Gault of Hornbeck Ashley (Travis) Nichols of Merryville, and Courtney Anderson of Lafayette: as well as many nieces and nephews. The highlight of his later days was his great-grandchildren: Alonna, Everly, Bladen, Carina, and McKinley. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Companion Care (Patricia), the staff at Woodlands, and the caregivers at Willis-Knighton Hospital for their kindness and support throughout Buddy’s journey.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Labby Funeral
Home in Leesville, Louisiana.
Graveside service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Mitchell Cemetery in Anacoco, Louisiana, with Pastor Mark Christian officiating.
Pallbearers: Joshua Gault, Ricky Brown, Travis Nichols, Randy McMillian, Randy Rodgers, and
Jim Wise.
Honorary Pallbearer: Bladen Gault.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.labbymemorialfh.com
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