Louis J. Michot was born on November 5, 1922 in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was the son of Louis J. Michot, Sr. and Adele Marie Domas Michot. He graduated from the Cathedral High School in 1939 and joined the United States Marine Corps during World War II. During his four-year marine service, he was an anti-aircraft battery gunner officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6). On September 7, 1946 he married Patricia Ann Smith and they had 10 children.

Michot was a businessman, philanthropist, and politician. His business enterprises included the Burger Chef restaurant chain, transportation, oil drilling, insurance, banking and international trade. He served as a Democrat in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1960 to 1964 and was elected to the Louisiana State Board of Education from 1968-1972. He was then elected State Superintendent of Education and served from 1972-1976. During his term, he championed vocational-technical education and brought educational television to the state.

MIchot was always active in civic and community affairs receiving numerous awards nationally and locally. He passed away on March 6, 2012.