Byron (Barney) R. Congdon passed away Feb. 7, 2018, at Lakeview Regional Hospital in Covington.

Barney leaves behind the love of his life, Patricia Kenan his wife of many years. He is survived by his son, Nickolas Congdon of London, England and his granddaughter Nikita Congdon of London. He is also survived by his step-children, Paul Blache (Melinda), David Blache, Kevin Blache and Michelle Blache Sorto (Julio); and step-grandchildren, Victoria Blache, Jacob Blache, Gabrielle Sorto, Alexandra Sorto, Valentino Sorto and Kristof Sorto.

Barney graduated from Bogalusa High School, attended Southeastern Louisiana University and graduated from The University of Hawaii with a B.F.A. Barney served in the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning) at Scofield Barracks, Hawaii. Whilst enlisted in the Army he served in Thailand and Vietnam. Barney was a Federal Employee serving with the United States Department of Interior for over 35 years with agencies: USGS, BLM and Minerals Management Services (the agency that regulates oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico) as Chief of Public Affairs.

As a professional artist, he designed and featured an exhibit, “Rigs to Reef” at the 1984 World’s Fair. He also designed an exhibit featured at The Aquarium of the Americas, “Americas Energy Future”. Representing the Department of Interior, he designed exhibits featured at the annual OTC in Houston, Texas. His professional affiliations were NPAS, NOGS, and NOMA.

Barney received the White Egret Award from then-Gov. Edwin Edwards for his work on the Adopt-A-Beach Anti-Litter Program. Barney was invited to the White House by President Ronald Reagan and attended for his work in the Take Pride Gulf Wide Program addressing the issue of marine debris in the Gulf of Mexico. Also, he was awarded the Meritorious Award for his outstanding accomplishments from the U.S. Dept. of the Interior.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gail Tweedy Congdon; his uncles, Al Tweedy and Barney Tweedy; and special uncle, Coach Jim Shannon.

He and his wife Pat loved and enjoyed their teacup Chihuahua, Clotile.

Barney and Pat would like to thank his nurses of many years, Barbara, Gloria and Susan of Southeast Louisiana Home Health.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.