Coach, a prominent figure in the Mardi Gras Indian community, passed away on Friday, August 5th.

Collins Anthony "Coach" Lewis was a member of several Mardi Gras Indian gangs, including the FiYiYi and Mandingo Warriors.  He also volunteered with the BackStreet Museum.  Coach got his nickname from coaching the Louis Hunters, the youth football team for Tambourine and Fan, with whom he was involved for approximately 40 years.  Officially, he was the FiYiYi's Commissioner of Sewing! 

The funeral arrangements will take place at Charbonnet-Labat-Glapion Funeral Home, located at 1615 St. Phillip St.

Visitation begins at 8 am

A Cultural Presentation follows at 9 am

The funeral begins at 10:30 am, and the procession will begin at 11:15 am.

Following are a few pictures of his many activities that show his dedication to preserving, protecting and sharing the cultural heritage of the Mardi Gras Indians.  He will be missed.

(All photographs courtesy of CGrimes)