John Marshall Chamberlin

A funeral service for John Marshall Chamberlin will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rambin, Louisiana. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Rambin, Louisiana. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rambin, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Father Mark Franklin.

John was born on November 7, 1932 to Phillip and Ruby Chamberlin and passed away at the age of 91 on August 4, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don Chamberlin, Aubrey Chamberlin, Phillip Chamberlin, Jr.; twin sister, Eleanor Prudhomme; brothers-in-law, Gerald Prudhomme and Edward Layfield; son, Ronald Reagen Chamberlin; and beloved wife of 62 years, Omie Jeanine Chamberlin (MaMa). 

He is survived by five children Cynthia Jeanette Layfield, Eric Marshall Chamberlin and wife, Marie, John Michael Chamberlin, Mark Steven Chamberlin, and Lisa Dawn Radford and husband, Lance; daughter-in-law, DeeDee Chamberlin; and sister, Rose Alicia Prudhomme.

He leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great- grandchildren, all of whom will miss their PaPa tremendously. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, Brown Boy.

John was known by many names including Daddy and PaPa, but we all knew him as Booger Chamberlin. He started off working in the forestry industry, but his passion was his music. 

He began playing music when he was 16 years old and continued throughout his lifetime. The sounds of his steel guitar or dobro brought all of us to our feet as Steel Guitar Rag rang out. His influence on other musicians is vast, as well as his children and grandchildren. 

Booger Chamberlin could play that steel guitar like no other. It was a true definition of the man himself. Whether it was playing at Christmas, crawfish boils, fish fries or just a good ole fashioned hootenanny, the sound of his playing filled Rambin with love and much fun. 

Along with music, PaPa was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox. Whether he threw his cap down because they were losing or whether he was clapping and whooping, he never gave up on them. And they eventually won the pennant!

John loved life and his family. He instilled bonds that are unbroken today. In the words of our beloved Booger Chamberlin, “Dadurn,” we will miss you. We love you. May you dance a jig with MaMa.

Honoring John as pallbearers will be Adam Chamberlin, Eli Tanner, Eric Chamberlin, Kade Chamberlin, Matt Radford, and Toby Chamberlin.