By the Designated Writers

TEDDY ALLEN: Broadmoor’s subdivision in Shreveport in particular and America in general lost a gentle and easy-going, wise soul Sunday night in Bobby Aillet, just past 90 in years, just past 630 in Louisiana Tech Bulldog years. The school’s football stadium is named after his dad, he and his wife Dorothy had eight children who attended Tech, and he loved the school like birds love the sky. He felt comfortable there. There’s so much to tell … and we want to. But for now, see below for a podcast from December 2018, just to hear his voice. Coffee at his kitchen table. A little about his dad’s mesmerizing life and career, a bit about his officiating career of more than a quarter century, and all that is good. But the atmosphere is what comes through: his kitchen, in this house he lived in for nearly 70 years, the pictures on the icebox, the Christmas plywood cutouts in his yard representing all the layers of Aillets he and Dorothy blessed us with. To hear his voice is a joy…

JOHN JAMES MARSHALL: When I was growing up, I couldn’t understand how that man I used to see in my neighborhood was the same guy I saw on TV refereeing college football games in the SEC. And then I found out that he was the son of the guy who the Louisiana Tech football stadium was named after … mind blown. The Aillets lived one street over from me and whenever I would walk/ride my bike to school or church, I’d always pass by their house. I knew Mr. Aillet in many ways, but he was such a joy to run into no matter where it was — at church, at a game or just out for a walk. Always had a wave or a handshake. When we started SportsTalk on the radio, he was one of the first guests we had. It was only an hour show but I could have listened to him for hours. So many stories to tell and they never got old. Even in his 90s, I’d see Mr. Aillet quite a bit, whether it was at the grocery store or grabbing a bite to eat. He always had time to talk and I always had time to listen. Everybody who even knew him will tell you the same thing — what a nice man. He lived a great, great life. He was dedicated to his family, his job, his school, his church and to everything and everybody he came in contact with. The neighborhood won’t seem the same without him.