King Gabriel LXXXV David Aloysius Koke, Jr. brings years of Mardi Gras experience to his reign

When Lafayette native David Aloysius Koke, Jr., was asked by the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association to reign as Gabriel LXXXV, King of Carnival, for the 2024 Mardi Gras season, he did not hesitate to accept. Koke said he was surprised by the honor, but deep down was cautiously hopeful that one day he might follow in the footsteps of so many distinguished gentlemen.

“Being asked to be Gabriel was not in my wheelhouse,” Koke said. “And, on a random Sunday afternoon, after working hard all week, Betsy and I were grilling outdoors, and I was drinking a long neck beer, which I seldom do. And out walked a group of men that, as they walked out, I recognized each of them and (it was then) that I had an inkling.”

Koke comes from a long line of Mardi Gras royalty and participants. He is a third generation Krewe of Gabriel member. He and his family have participated in the Lafayette Town House Ball, the Krewe of Bonaparte, and Les Brigands de Lafitte. Koke was a Royal Duke to Gabriel LXIV. His mother, Mary Ruth Billeaud, was Honor Maid to Evangeline X, Mary Virginia Hamilton and his father, David Aloysius Koke, Sr., served as a Royal Duke to Gabriel XVII. His maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Wilfred Billeaud were members of the Krewe of Gabriel.

Koke’s two daughters were presented as debutantes in the Krewe of Gabriel’s Fall Presentation Ball in 2012 and 2017. His daughter Elizabeth was honored to reign as Queen Evangeline LXXV in 2014. His daughter Claire served as an Honor Maid to her cousin Evangeline LXXX Madeline Mercer Busch in 2019. Both daughters were Royal Maids in Les Brigands de Lafitte and Elizabeth served as Queen in 2013. In 2006, his son David was a Royal Page to Gabriel LXVII. Koke’s son Henry was a Royal Page to Gabriel LXXII in 2011.

Betsy Koke was a Royal Maid in the Lafayette Town House Ball. She was presented as a debutante for the Krewe of Gabriel in 1984 and was Queen of Les Brigands de Lafitte in 1985. She reigned as Queen Evangeline XLVII in 1986. Koke’s father-in-law, Henry William Busch, Jr., reigned as King Gabriel LVII.

Koke says even with all of that family history, he won’t be taking his duties lightly.

“When the attention is on them, it is a little different than when you are the one in the spotlight and you are not accustomed to it,” he said. “But I welcome the responsibility to serve as Gabriel 85th. ”

Koke is the son of the late Dr. David Aloysius Koke, Sr., and Mary Ruth Billeaud Koke. A native of Lafayette, Koke and his wife Betsy have four children: Elizabeth, David, Claire, and Henry.

“I love Lafayette tremendously,” he said. “My father came from out of state, but I have a very strong maternal family here. While I was an only child, I never felt alone or isolated. I always felt I had friends. It was paramount to my mom that I had fun.”

Koke attended Cathedral-Carmel and graduated from St. Thomas More Catholic High School. He was honored as the first Cougar of the Year at STM in 1983. He received a bachelor of science degree in business from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Koke was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and served as an officer.

Koke works at the Dwight Andrus Insurance Agency, now a Division of HUB International Gulf South. He has been a Certified Insurance Counselor for 33 years, attending numerous conferences and educational seminars.

As a member of the business community, Koke knows how much Mardi Gras means to Lafayette.

“It is remarkable how big the economic impact is in Lafayette,” he said. “It is very important to our community. It has grown tremendously. We had to change the parade route to accommodate the number of floats and krewes. Now, everyone can enjoy Mardi Gras in some form or fashion.”

Koke has been involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout his career. He is a member and Past President of The Beaver Club of Lafayette, a former board member and chairman of fundraising for the Lafayette Boys and Girls Clubs, and a member of Community Foundation of Acadiana Founder’s Society. He has also served on the Cathedral-Carmel School Board for many years, as well as numerous fundraising committees for the school. Koke’s commitment to Catholic education includes serving on the St. Thomas More Foundation Board, St. Thomas More Capital Campaign Board, and the St. Thomas More School Board as President in 2015-16.

Koke said he is excited about the events that will take place during his reign, including riding in the parades on Fat Tuesday and the past Kings dinners. But what he is most excited about is the Kings Luncheon on the Sunday before Mardi Gras. Why?

“Because I think it is a great party,” Koke said. “Sentimentally, it is one of my favorites. And, it is where Betsy and I had our first date. So, it is especially meaningful for both of us.”