The Most Reverend Jude Speyrer, D.D. was ordained to the priesthood on July 25, 1953.  He was appointed the first bishop of Lake Charles on January 29, 1980 and was ordained and installed on April 25, 1980.

He served as bishop and administrator of the diocese until February 22, 2001, when his successor was installed. Bishop Speyrer died on Sunday, July 21, 2013. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on July 31 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Bishop Glen John Provost. Bishop Speyrer was interred on the grounds of Saint Charles Center in New Bethany Cemetery.