40 Years in Medicine Doing God’s Work

Volunteer and benefactor, the ever­smiling Dr. Billy Preau likens his upholstery work in Abbey Caskets to the "domestique," a team member in bicycle races such as the Tour de France who assists the team captain during the competition. There isn't a lot of fame and glory associated with this role, but in the end, the domestique's seemingly small contribution can carry the race team to victory. For Billy, there are no small roles as an Abbey volunteer, especially when the focus is for the greater glory of God.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Dr. Preau graduated from LSU Medical School in 1982, completing his anesthesiology residency at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in 1985. The road to becoming a doctor started at age four when Billy's father became gravely ill with a rare bone cancer. At such a young age, Billy was terrified, and he remembers his mother praying to St. Therese of Lisieux and promising that if her husband recovered, she would go to church every day. Billy's father survived.

"I go to church every day now because I'm living that promise that my mother made to St. Therese. I was in awe of the doctors helping my dad, and I wanted to go to medical school and save lives like they did. The best doctors are also the most compassionate people," said Billy, who retired from medicine last year after 40 years of dedicated service.

In 1992 Billy and his wife of 38 years Jane moved to Covington, just a few miles from the Abbey. The couple had attended Mass at various churches in the area, but once they saw the peaceful reflection of the Abbey Church in the adjoining pond, everything changed for them.

"We knew the Abbey was what we had been seeking. Once you walk into the Abbey church, you feel like this is what religion is. It feels utterly genuine," Billy said.

Jane and Billy volunteered for several years in Abbey Bread until they took a break when their son Alexander was born in 1999. Fast forward about 15 years later, and Billy once again volunteered much of his time in Abbey Caskets as the official upholsterer of the coffins, the last step in the production process. Billy's contributions to the Abbey not only involve his time but also his treasure. He and Jane generously support the Deo Gratias gala, ABB EE Honey, Monk Run, and Abbey Caskets. In fact, their most recent donation was a costly piece of equipment for the Caskets building, a full-shop dust collector.

"In my career in medicine, I've tried to take care of people by easing their pain or suffering. Now with the caskets, I'm taking part in the final resting place of someone's mom, dad, child or loved one. It's my small part to help make that coffin as perfect as God's love," Billy said humbly.

Besides volunteering at the Abbey, Dr. Preau works with neighboring St. Benedict Church delivering food to the needy. Billy has also traveled abroad several times over the years for mission trips with groups of other doctors to offer free medical services in Nicaragua, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic.

Whether Billy is upholstering a casket, catching bees with fellow volunteer Jeff Horchoff, or lending his medical assistance to elderly monks in the infirmary, he is selflessly dedicated to supporting the Abbey.

"The Abbey is so special because of its mission with the Seminary College. What could be greater than supporting a place that educates men to become priests and then sends them off to spread the word of God?" Billy said, smiling all the while.