Embattled Mayor Dies A Day After Stroke Hits Times Picayune 05-17-1996 ************************************************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ Eunice Mayor Hubert "Kutch" Rougeau died Thursday at Lafayette General Medical Center from complications after a stroke caused him to collapse in his home a day earlier. Rougeau, pronounced dead at 8:29 a.m., would have turned 59 Saturday. "Kutch truly loved this city (Eunice)," said his wife, Sue. "He enjoyed serving as mayor and I am thankful that my husband was able to fulfill his dream if only for a short time. He wanted to help as many people as possible. Kutch always made himself available to anyone and did his best for our city." Rougeau, a former city planner, won the mayor's office in 1994, capturing 52 percent of the vote in a runoff against Alderman Ken Peart. Rougeau replaced Curtis Joubert, who retired. Controversy dogged Rougeau throughout the 18 months of his administration. He was the subject of a recall drive. Rougeau also was awaiting a court date on malfeasance charges. A grand jury indicted him on one count of malfeasance in office over alleged irregularities in several purchasing orders for cleaning supplies and equipment at City Hall. That case was scheduled to go to jury selection June 3. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony Catholic Church.