Harry "Bay" Cyprien Thibodeaux, 80, of Seneca, also known affectionately as "Papadeaux", passed away peacefully  on Saturday, October 7, 2023, while surrounded by loved ones.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Seals-Campbell Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Harry was born on March 7, 1943 to Harry C. and Irene Anna (Duplantis) Thibodeaux in St. Martinville, LA. On December 24, 1965, he married Judith Sears of Waukegan, IL who survives.

After completing high school Harry served in the U.S. Navy. Upon discharge he lived briefly in California where he met the love of his life, Judy. Together they settled in Illinois where they raised their three daughters. Professionally, Harry was a Pipefitter until he retired in 2008. He was a member of Pipefitters Local 597 for nearly 52 years. He was a 4th Degree Black belt in the Shorei Ryu form of Okinawan karate. Harry volunteered as an EMT on the Seneca Fire and Ambulance Squad. He was a marathon runner and enjoyed woodworking and metalworking. Harry was, if nothing else, tenacious. When he gave himself to a task, he went all in. He was a fighter, surviving cancer on three separate occasions. He loved his family and will be missed until we meet again.

Survivors include his wife, Judith Thibodeaux of Seneca;  three daughters, Debra Breyne of Seneca, Jennifer (Eric) Sands of Bloomington, and Kathryn (James) Steiner of Mt. Pleasant, WI; 13 grandchildren, Jessica (Barry) Stech of Minonk, Zachary (Heather) Breyne of Seneca, Monica Breyne of Bloomington, Leah (Alex) Marik of Peoria, Matthew, Grace, Isaac, Titina, and Nzuzi Joy Sands of Bloomington, Hannah Bounds of Harrison, NJ, Ayla Bounds of Minneapolis, MI, Megan (Sam) Steiner Potier of Arlington, VA, and Matthew  Steiner of Greendale, WI; two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Elliott Stech of Minonk; and three brothers, Terry James Thibodeaux of Sonora, Mexico, Gene Francis Thibodeaux of St. Martinville, LA, and Donald Paul Thibodeaux of Joliet.

Harry was proceeded in death by his parents, Harry C. and Irene Anna Thibodeaux; three brothers, Melvin Herman Thibodeaux, Glenn Wayne Thibodeaux, Ray Allen Thibodeaux; two sisters, Faye Anne Robichaux and Mary Dean Thibodeaux; and a son-in-law, Jeffrey Allan Breyne.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

Seals-Campbell Funeral Home

1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341

815-795-515 www.sealscampbell.com