It takes a person of pure heart to serve as a shining example to his community through commitment and hard work.

In November of 2008, council woman Eva Morrison named Von “Bud” Thibeaux citizen of the month with those exact characteristics in mind.

In spite of his hectic career, Von has always made time for his family and has managed to leave a lasting impression on the youth of Kaplan.

When Von was 12, his parents Joyce and Noah Thibeaux, along with his four siblings, moved from Maurice to Kaplan.

In 1980, Von graduated from Kaplan High School.

Shortly thereafter, Von started working at Abrom Kaplan Hospital as a custodian in the housekeeping department.

After about a year, Von’s diligence paid off and he was transferred into the surgery department, where he has remained for 28 years.

In that time span, Von has worked his way up to an orderly position. He also assists the doctors during surgery as a second scrub technician.

At the present time, Von has worked in surgery at Kaplan Hospital longer than any of the others. He says the technology has changed a lot in 28 years, but one thing has remained the same, the feeling of fellowship.

“Once I got into surgery, I loved it from the start,” he said. “I wouldn’t give it up for nothing in the world. It is an exciting place to be and we’re all one big family. Everybody works together. I would like to thank Dr. Mammen and Dr. Romero for giving me the opportunity to work with them.”

As a supplement to his employment at the hospital, Von has also worked as a driver delivering medication for Kaplan Health Mart Pharmacy.

In addition to his busy work schedule, Von decided he could do more to give back to his community. He became very involved with sports and started out as an umpire for the girls’ softball league. He coached the girls’ softball team and the boys’ baseball team.

Presently, he coaches the Vermilion Football League C Division Team 1 which won the Super Bowl in 2008.

In 2007, Von was inducted into the Hall of Fame for coaching the Vermilion Youth football team.

In total, Von has spent 14 years contributing his talents as coach to various leagues.

Von was also a volunteer on the committee of the Hollins Meaux Educational and Recreational Center.

“We would work a lot with the kids,” Von explains. “The center would provide after school tutoring, dances, karate, and even summer programs. Even though the center is no longer open, it still holds a special place in Thibeaux’s heart.”

As Von’s wife, Veronica, said, “It was a great program. It gave the kids something to do after school.”

Von also holds a publicly appointed position on the Finance Committee for the City of Kaplan. The committee meets monthly and discusses the financial situation of the City and also budgeting issues.

The youth of the area are a top priority for Von and he does his best to encourage them to better their lives.

“One thing I can say is that both of my parents passed away, and they always told me that working would not kill anyone. Work for what you want. I try to tell my kids to work for what they want – it’s there if you want it.”

Von and his wife of 23 years, Veronica Cole-Thibeaux of Abbeville, reside in Kaplan. The couple have three children: Tiffany, Daylon, and MaCaylon and one grandson McKenzie.