Barry Edward Waguespack

Barry Edward Waguespack, a distinguished tax attorney whose career and warmth touched the lives of countless friends, colleagues, and family members, passed away on June 13, 2026. Born June 5, 1947, in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Stanislaus "Stan" Waguespack Jr. and Irma Hickson Waguespack, Barry was the youngest of their three sons and the last of the children to grow up on Felicity Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana, a place that shaped his deep roots and lifelong love of his home state.

Barry graduated in 1965 from St. James High School, where he proudly played in the band and earned all-district honors in football, finishing his high school career as valedictorian. He went on to attend Louisiana State University, where he became a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and forged the lifelong friendships that meant so much to him. Barry earned his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School in 1971 and was admitted to the Louisiana bar in 1972.

His distinguished legal career began at the Chief Counsel's Office of the Internal Revenue Service, where he served from 1972 to 1976, first in Washington, D.C., and later in Boston, Massachusetts. While in Boston, Barry attended Boston University and earned an LLM in Taxation in 1976. He often spoke of those years in Boston as some of the best of his life, shared with his beloved wife, Jan.

Barry built a respected law practice in Baton Rouge, concentrating in federal, state, and local taxation, as well as corporate, probate, and estate planning law, employee benefits plans, criminal tax, and oil and gas law. Over the years he was admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

Beyond his accomplishments, Barry will be remembered for his devotion to his family and his generous spirit. He leaves behind his loving wife, Jan; his daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Jake Mayo, and their two children, Hill and Molly; his son, Matthew Waguespack, and his wife, Laura, and their son, Hudson; twelve nieces and nephews, and his faithful dog, Honey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Irma Waguespack, and his two older brothers David and Stan J. Waguespack.

A memorial reception will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd. Please contact the family or Barry’s office for details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge: 8476 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Baton Rouge, Dr. Mary Raven and Dr. Danielle McMechan for their compassionate care and support of Barry and his family. They also wish to thank Beth Erwin, Barry’s secretary of nearly thirty years, for her unwavering support and loyal service.

Barry's warmth, intellect, and steadfast loyalty to those he loved leave a legacy far richer than any professional achievement. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.