April 2003 Obituaries and Death Notices from the Crowley Post Signal:
Cleophas Seaux
CANKTON - Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at a time pending Mass at St. John Berchman Catholic Church for Cleophas Seaux, 86, who died Monday, April 28, 2003 at 3:45 p.m. in Lafayette General Medical Center.
Interment
will be in St. John Berchman Cemetery in Cankton. The Rev. Mario Romero, pastor, will officiate at the services.
Musical selections will be provided by Valarie Andrus. The songs will b Amazing Grace, Here I Am Lord, J’Irai La Voir Un Jour, and How Great Thou Art.
Mr. Seaux was a native of Rayne and a resident of Cankton for most of his life. He retired as a farmer, having far,ed for most of his life. Mr. Seaux was a parishioner of St. John Berchman Catholic Church in Cankton.
Survivors include his wife, Verdie Myers Seaux of Cankton; three brothers, Claby Seaux of Scott, Leo Seaux and Leman Seaux, both of Crowley; one sister, Bertha Seaux of Crowley, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Seaux and the former Louisa Cormier, both natives of Rayne; four brothers, J.B. Seaux, Abbie Seaux, Lyman Seaux and Joseph Seaux; and four sisters, Ella Seaux, Beulah Schexnayder, evola Cormier and Annie Mae Seaux.
A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.
Melancon Funeral Home of Carencro (896-6366) is in charge of arrangements.
Varice Bourgeois
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Varice Bourgeois, 85, who died at 2:50 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2003 at his home in Crowley.
Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. A rosary was said at 7 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home.
Visitation was observed Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
He is survived by three daughters, Mary B. Dupuis and husband John of Rayne, Shirley B. LeJeune and husband James of Jennings and Charlotte Sue B. Ritchie of Lake Charles; a son-in-law, Darby Thibodeaux of Rayne; seven grandchildren, J.D. Thibodeaux and Tina Clement of Rayne, Mark Clement of Carencro, Carissa Guidry of Jennings, Derek LeJeune of New Orleans, Monica LeJeune of Monroe and Melissa Hammond of Lafayette; eight great grandchildren; four sisters, Elvie Voorhies of Beaumont, Texas, Nelma O’Banion of Orange, Texas, Mary Gongaware of Pasadena, Texas and Ramona Leverett of Vidor, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; his former wife, Clarice Barousse of Jennings; two loving caretakers, Christine Mire and James Thibodeaux of Crowley.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Elvie Bourgeois; brothers, Leo Bourgeois Jr. and Albert Bourgeois; sisters, Frankie Rue, Armant Robinson, Eva Richard, Pearl Besse, Ora LeJeune and Leontine Kirtley; a daughter, Laura Thibodeaux; and granddaughter, Patty Marie Guidry.
A native of Carencro, he lived in Crowley for the last 60 years and worked as a farm laborer deliveryman, roustabout and offshore cook.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley was in charge of arrangements.
David D. Thibodeaux
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at 3 p.m. at the Geesey Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for David D. Thibodeaux, 68, who died on Sunday, April 27, 2003 at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Rev. Lloyd Singley officiated for the services. The visitation was observed on Monday, April 28 from 4-10 p.m., and on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until service time.
Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Laura Thibodeaux of Crowley; three sons, Otis James and his wife Emily and Kenneth and his wife Sue, all of Crowley, and Timothy and his wife Theresa of Midland; three daughters, Brenda Trahan of Lake Charles, Denise McClure and her husband Dennis of Crowley and Michelle Thibodeaux and her husband Tommy of Rayne; 10 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a beloved pet, Patches D. Thibodeaux.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Amanda Louvierre Thibodeaux; and, three brothers, Philip and MIke Dunphy and Otis Thibodeaux.
Mr. Thibodeaux served during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley was entrusted with the arrangements.
CHURCH POINT – Mrs. Emise Leger, 95, was remembered during a funeral service on Monday, April 28, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial was in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.
Harry “Mayo” Harrington
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2003 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Estherwood for Harry “Mayo” Joseph Harrington, 84, who died April 26, 2003 at his residence in Johnson Bayou.
Fr. Russell Harrington will be officiating for the services. A rosary is pending for 7 p.m. tonight at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley. Visitation may be observed today from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in the Estherwood Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Neomia K. Harrington of Johnson Bayou; three sons, Wilbur Harrington of Crowley, Jimmie Harrington and Bobby Robert Harrington both of Johnson Bayou; one sister, Doris H. Dautrel; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Mayo is preceded in death by his parents, Sonjust and Theosa Leleux Harrington; one grandson, Christopher Harrington; two brothers, Hilton and Jimmy Harrington and one sister, Lillian Gautreaux.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Rosita Sensat
Funeral services are pending for 10 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2003 at St. Michael’s Church in Egan for Mrs. Rosita “Black” Campbell Sensat, 77, who died April 26, 2003 at the Crowley American Legion Hospital.
Fr. David Broussard will be officiating for the services. A rosary will be recited tonight at 7 p.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley. Visitation may be observed today from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Sensat Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Nolan L. Sensat of Egan; two daughters, Mary Lou Harrington of Crowley and Linda LeJeune of Evangeline; two sons, Terry Sensat and Billy Sensat both of Egan; two sisters, Melia Clement of Egan and Ledgia Credeur of Rayne; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Sensat is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Celesine Newman Campbell; two brothers, Adras and Armille Campbell; five sisters, Agnes Kibodeaux, Amelia Benoit, Rose Latiolais, Ada Richard and Verdie Schexneyder.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley will be in charge of arrangements.
Terry Stritch
LONDON, ENGLAND - Terry Stritch, 82, died April 23. He was the brother of Mary Stritch Trahan of Crowley.
He is survived by two sons, Andy anmd wife Rose Stritch of Sherbrooke, Canada and Stephen and wife Bini Stritch of West-Sussex, England and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services are pending.
IOTA - Leta Trumps Langston, 89, of Iota died at 11:35 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2003 at the Crowley Guest House. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. today, Friday, April 25, 2003 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Iota. Interment
will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery. A special service will also be held on Monday, April 28, 2003 at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Iota. Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Iota.
Rheinoldt John
“R.J.” Leonards
WELSH - Funeral services for Rheinoldt John “R.J.” Leonards, 83, will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church.
The Rev. Monsignor Charles Dubois will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mr. Leonards died Thursday, April 24, 2003, at a Lake Charles hospital.
Visitation will be observed until 9 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. until the time of services Saturday. A scripture service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday.
A native of Crowley, Mr. Leonards had lived in Lake Charles since 1942. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Lake Charles.
He was a rice and soybean farmer.
Survivors include three brothers, Ferdinand Leonards of Winnie, Texas, Edmund Leonards of Crowley, and Anthony “A.P.” Leonards of Lake Charles; two sisters, Clara Marie Wilfert of Crowley and Sister Mildred Leonards, Sister of Divine Providence, of Lafayette.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph Leonards of Welsh and Leo Leonards of Crowley; and two sisters, Sister Bernadine Leonards, SDP, of San Antonio, Texas, and Henrietta Gayle of Lake Charles.
Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh is in charge of arrangements.
Hazel Adams LeLeux
Funeral services for Hazel Adams LeLeux, 85, of Crowley, will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, at Immaculate Heart of Marty Catholic Church.
Burial will be at Abshire Cemetery.
Mrs. LeLeux died at 10 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at Lafayette General Medical Center.
She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Altar Society.
She is survived by two daughters, Betty Richard and her husband Newjay, and Debbie LeLeux; two sons, Donald LeLeux and his wife, Diana, and Michael LeLeux and his wife, Marie, all of Crowley; three sisters, Mabel Saltzman of Groves, Texas, Estelle Adams of Crowley and Lenora Marascalco of Grenada, Miss.; a very special friend and companion, Louis Broussard, also of Crowley; nine grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clevenis “Clay” LeLeux; a brother, Alton Adams; and two sisters, Emay Stelly and Elisa Adams.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Brandon and Mark LeLeux, Thomas Scott and Patrick Richard; and her great grandson, Chad Richard.
Visitation will be observed from 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Thursday and again from 8 a.m. until the time of services Friday. A rosary will be prayed at the funeral Home at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.
Lillie Mae Burke, 69, of Crowley died at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2003 at her residence. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at Woodlawn Mausoleum in Crowley. Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley was entrusted with arrangements.
RICHARD - Mrs. Hillman Turner, nee Lynell Young, 88, will be buried in services at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2003, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Interment
will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.
CHURCH POINT - Mrs. Frank Daigle, nee Patty Ann Leger, 57, died Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 2:05 p.m. at the West Jefferon Medical Center in Marrero. She was a native of Church Point and a resident of Belle Chase. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. Interment
will be in Sacred Heart Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.
CHURCH POINT - E.G. Brouillette, 86, of Church Point died Sunday, April 20, 2003 at Doctor’s Hospital in Opelousas. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment
will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.
RAYNE - Walter Boudreaux of Rayne, 78, died Monday, April 21, 2003, at tje Crowley American Legion Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at St. Joseph Church in Rayne. Interment
will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.
RAYNE - Ada Marie Seaux Daigle, 76, died Monday, April 21, 2003, in Rayne Guest Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment
will be St. Joseph Cemetery No. 1 under the direction of Gossen Funeral Home Inc. of Rayne.
Marilyn Morgan Hebert
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church for Marilyn Morgan Hebert, 87, who died at 9:33 a.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2003 at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Rev. Bob Hollis, pastor of First United Methodist Church, will officiate for the services. The visitation will be observed Tuesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. until service time at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F, Crowley.
Interment
will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery.
Survivors include one daughter, Judy H. Jukes and her husband, Harry, of Crowley; a sister, Lillian Blackburn of Houston, Tx.; two brothers, Richard Morgan of Crowley and Harry Morgan of Nederland, Tx.; two grandchildren, James B. Jukes and his wife, Doretha, of Marble Falls, Tx, and Margaret J. Waldrep and her husband, Michael, of Jacksonville, Fl.; seven great-grandchildren, Sherry Lynn Miller and her husband, Lucas, Gus Jukes, Leigh Ann Jukes, Jon Jukes, Cody Jukes, Baleigh Whitman and Nicholas Wilkerson; two great great-grandchildren, Zoe Miller and Logan Miller; a special nephew, Lloyd Morgan of Morse, La.; and, a host of other wonderful nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Renus Hebert; four brothers, Jack, Chester, Paul and Woodrow Morgan; and, two sisters, Willie Duhon and Laura Petry.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Bonnie Jeanette Bertrand
MERIDIAN, MS. - Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church for Bonnie Jeanette Bertrand, 67, who died on Friday, April 18, 2003 in Crowley, La.
Reverends Alan Randle, Gerald Chaney and Lannis May officiated for the services. Burial was held in the church cemetery.
Visitation was held on Monday, April 21, from 5-8 p.m. at the Barham Funeral Home, and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Ulysses “Pete” Bertrand of Meridian, Ms.; two daughters, Debbie Rawson of Meridian, Ms. and Deanna Weaver and her husband, Randy, of Decatur, Ms.; one son, Dewayne Bertrand and his wife, Janet, of Crowley; seven grandchildren, Tiffany and Rebecca Rawson, Taylor and Aaron Bertrand, and Tiffany, Cameron and Caleb Weaver; one sister, Barbara Vunkannon and her husband, Billy, of Milton Florida; one brother, Tommy Bolton of Jay, Fl.; one mother-in-law, Ida Bertrand of Crowley; four sisters-in-law, Ella Sonnier and her husband, Preston, of Crowley, Sadie Parent and her husband, Mike, of Lake Charles, Ella Dartez and her husband, George, of Nunez, and Hazel Bertrand of Milton, Fl.; one brother-in-law, Andrus Bertrand his wife, Nola, of Crowley; and, several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Bertrand was preceded in death by her parents, Mittie and William Bolton; her father-in-law, Polite Bertrand; and, two brothers-in-law, Norris and Ruston Bertrand.
Mrs. Bertrand was a homemaker, a member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church and the Zero community.
Pall bearers will be Fred Frey, Levi Hostetler, Wendell Hostetler, Mac Hostetler, MIchael Hosch and Jimmy Doggett. Honoree Pallbearers will be Rae Carol Enzor, Barbara Frey, Jessee Bonner, Sylvia Hosch and Dru Fisher. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
Donations may be made to the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church Cemetery, the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church Building Fund, or the Zero Community.
Barham Funeral Home of Meridian, Ms., phone 601-485-5071, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Johnson Hugh Yeager
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 21, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Parkerson Avenue Baptist Church for Johnson Hugh Yeager, 84, who died on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at the Landmark Guest House in Crowley.
Rev. L.C. Lord will officiate for the services. The visitation will be observed Sunday, April 20 from 1-10 p.m. at the Duhon Funeral Home, and on Monday from 9 a.m. till time of service at Parkerson Avenue Baptist Church.
Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Rayne.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Viola H. Yeager of Crowley; two daughters, Carolyn Y. Eisenbrown of Atlanta, Georgia, and Linda Y. Barnett and her husband John of Cape Coral, Florida; one son, Jim Yeager and his wife, Ida, of Rayne; one half-sister, Olivia Mullen of Texas; one half-brother, John B. Yeager, Jr., of Mesquite, Texas; ten grandchildren, Ericka E. Keen, David Eisenbrown, John Eisenbrown, Matthew Pritchard, Stacy Horwath, Bronson Yeager, Brantley Yeager, Heather Y. Smith, Billy Yeager and Melissa Yeager; and, six great grandchildren, McKensey Keen, Jack Eisenbrown, Kyle Smith, Kyle Keen, Andrew Eisenbrown and Trevor Yeager.
He was preceded in death by a son, Bill; his mother, Pearl H. Yeager; his stepmother, Mary W. Yeager; his father, John B. Yeager, Sr.; two brothers, Henry and James Yeager; and, one half-sister, Hannah Malcolm.
Johnny was born in Clarks, La. on December 24, 1918. He was raised in the Masonic Home in Alexandria, LA. He graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria. From 1941-1945, he served in the United States Army where he was stationed in England and France. He returned to Alexandria where he finished Alexandria Business College while working for Roy. O. Martin Sawmill. After working in the office and sawmill for a couple of years, he went on the road selling lumber to lumber yards in Southwest Louisiana. In 1952, he moved his family to Rayne. While in Rayne, he started his own business known as Johnson H. Yeager Wholesale Lumber Co., which he operated for 43 years.
Johnny was an avid sports fan and was an LSU Football fan for over 35 years. He worked with and coached Little League Baseball teams in Rayne for many years. At that time, boys from ages 8-12 played on the same team. These teams played the games on the St. Joseph School field. He was on the first Rayne Recreation Committee and remained active on this committee for many years. While on the committee, he worked with city officials to get grants for the development of playgrounds and parks. He was instrumental in helping to develop what is known today as Gossen Park.
He worked with the Rayne High School Athletic Department for many years. He also served as a past President of the Quarter Back Club.
Johnson was elected to the Acadia Parish School Board in 1973 and served for 22 years. He worked hard for the education of the children in Acadia Parish. He worked very diligently to try to get computers in all of the schools. He made monetary donations to try to accomplish this goal. He also provided several scholarships to RHS students to help them to further their education. Johnny retired from the Acadia Parish School Board because of ill health. He served from January 1, 1973-December 31, 1994.
He attended the First Baptist Church of Rayne for many years. He was also a member of the choir for many years. Johnny loved music and had played the clarinet in his younger years.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Alice Marie
Marx Le Blanc
On Friday, April 11th at 1:30 a.m., Alice Marie Marx, beloved wife of Maj. Victor Andre Le Blanc; daughter of the late Frank Joseph Marx Sr. and Williamina Celeste Girault; mother of Andre Victor Le Blanc, Christian Jules Le Blanc, Michelle Marie Le Blanc, Denis Charles Le Blanc, Marc Joseph Le Blanc, Jean-Paul Le Blanc, Mrs. Anne-Marie Le Blanc Dupuis, and the late Victor Andre Le Blanc Jr.; sister of Frank Joseph Marx Jr. and the late Preston August Marx, and Mrs. Betty Mary Antonini; grandmother of Nicholas Le Blanc, Mark Le Blanc, Stephen Le Blanc, Jacques Le Blanc, Jacob Le Blanc and Colin Dupuis; age 72 years, a native of New Orleans, died.
Relatives and friends of the family, also the employees of Ochsner Hospital and Clinic are invited to attend the funeral.
Wake and Rosary will be at 11 a.m., at Lakelawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., followed by religious services at St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Ave. at 2 p.m., on Monday, April 21st. Interment
will be private.
For directions and to sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
CHURCH POINT – C.W. Walters, 68, died at 10:57 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at Cabrina Hospital in Alexandria. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at Church Point Pentecostal Church. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Sacred Heart Cemetery in Church Point. Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Joseph A. George
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, at a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Catholic Church for Dr. Joseph A. George, 78, who died at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at his residence.
Entombment will be in St. Joseph No. 2 Mausoleum.
The Rev. Bill Roskoski, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, will be the celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the services. Joni Hamilton, organist, will sing for the services “Ave Maria,” “On Eagles Wings,” “Psalm 23” and “Be Not Afraid.”
Survivors include his wife the former Janice Scheree Billiot of Rayne; two daughters, Leisa Jo George of Rayne, and Kathi G. Ledet of Lafayette; two sons, Jeremy Joseph George and Joseph Thomas George, both of Rayne; five grandchildren, Jamie Kartsimas and his wife Denise, Leisa Kartsimas, Kay Ledet and Joseph Ledet, all of Lafayette, and David Michael George of Rayne; one great granddaughter Jade Eleni Arceneaux of Lafayette; two brothers and four sisters.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom George and Dora Khoury; grandmother, Mathilda George; one son Joseph Antoine George Jr.; and two brothers.
Joseph A. George, M.D., a native of Crowley, was the son of Tom George and Dora Khoury. He graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1941 and went on to obtain a degree of medicine from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1952.
He practiced medicine in Lake Arthur, Kaplan, Lake Charles, and Rayne for a total of 51 years.
He was in the Army Air Corps from 1943-1945 and a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Air Medal with four oak clusters. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Medical Corps with the rank of Captain in 1954. He also served in the Louisiana National Guard and the United States Army Reserve.
He was a member of the Louisiana State Medical Society, the Acadia Parish Medical Society, the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians and a Life Member of the American Academy of Family Practice Physicians.
He served on the board of directors of the Kaplan State Bank and Rayne State Bank. He was on the board of directors of the Syrian, Lebanese, American Club of Louisiana, the Cedars Club of Lafayette and a founder of the Phoenician Club of Acadia Parish.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Friday from 1 until 10 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday from 8 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m.
Pallbearers are Jamie Kartsimas, Jeremy George, Joey Ledet, Ken Bell, Willis Arceneaux and Darryl R. Billiot.
Arrangement have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, 334-3141.
Shel Kanter
Memorial services will be held Monday, April 21, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Shel Kanter, 71, who died at 4:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at his residence. The family will visit with friends and relatives from 5:00 p.m. until the time of services Monday.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Kanter became a regular in the homes of Acadia Parish residents since his arrival at KSIG in 1956 with the early morning, "Bill and Shel Show."
The trademark show of Radio Station KSIG, the antics of Bill Williams and Shel Kanter entertained, informed and heaped praise on their many listeners each weekday morning for a total of 42 years.
Whether it was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico or his daily mystery quiz, Shel Kanter was a familiar voice for the families of Acadia Parish in the mornings.
Shel then continued the same early morning show after the death of his longtime sidekick Bill Williams two years ago. His last show was the day before he died, Monday, April 20, 2003.
An avid poet, Kanter frequently enjoyed to read poetry on the airwaves.
Shel was also very active in the International Rice Festival volunteering his time to various events and commentary on the festival for the past 45 years. During that time he also served as chairman of both the Children's Parade and the Grand Parade. In 1982 Shel was honored as Grand Marshall of the Friday Children's Parade then again in 1992 he and Williams were honored as Grand Marshalls of the Saturday Grand Parade.
Just last year, Shel was given the prestigious President's Award by officials with the International Rice Festival for his untiring efforts.
He was a member of the Rice Festival Board of Directors for over 35 years.
Shel was also a member of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce where he was a past boardmember. In 1968 he was honored by fellow Chamber Boardmembers as “Outstanding Director.”
Shel was also a dedicated volunteer and area spokesman for United Blood Services.
A longtime sports enthusiast, Shel was also a umpire for the Crowley Recreation Department and American Legion Acadia Post 15 for many years. Shel was also the business manager for the American Legion Post 15 baseball team for 15 years and served as the president of the Crowley Umpire Association for a period from 1967-1973. Shel also served on a Citizen’s Committee Board of the CRD for a period of four years.
Shel could often be caught mikeside broadcasting any number of high school or recreation department sporting events through the years.
In 1997 both Kanter and Williams were honored by the Louisiana House of Representatives for their work in the radio industry, especially in a time of crisis.
A member of the Air Force beginning in 1951, Shel was in the Korean War. He was presented with a Bronze Service Star and National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He was also an active member of Crowley's VFW Post 6720 and American Legion Acadia Post 15.
Survivors include, his wife, Deanie Daley Kanter of Crowley; three daughters, Patty Simon and her husband O.P. Simon of Crowley; Dianne McClelland and Angie Abshire, both of Crowley; one sister, Fra Dolin and her husband, Pete Dolin of Chicago, Ill.; Morton Kanter and his wife, Eloisa Kanter of Anaheim, Calif.; six grandchildren, Trey Simon, Ryan Simon, Hal Morgan, Deanie McClelland, Kenny Abshire and Mamie Abshire; three great grandchildren, Danielle Morgan, Nate Morgan and Cole Michael Simon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Anna Kanter; one brother, Mel Kanter; one daughter, Laura Kanter; one son, Rick Kanter; one grandson, Eric Stutes; one nephew, Paul Berko and a son-in-law, Kenneth Lee Abshire.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Shel will now join former broadcast partner Bill Williams for another version of the Bill and Shel Show in the heavenly skies.
RAYNE - Percy Leger, 76, died at 9:05 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2003 at his residence in Rayne. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery in Mire with Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne in charge of arrangements.
Verdie Campbell
Schexnayder
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Verdie Campbell Schexnayder, 74, who died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at Bayou Village Nursing Home in Crowley.
Fr. Joseph Greenwell will be officiating for the service. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. Burial will be in Sensat Cemetery in Egan.
Visitation was observed Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
She is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Schexnayder of Crowley; one son, David Lee Schexnayder and his wife Libby of Lake Charles; two daughters, Barbara Ann Youens and her husband James of Rayne and Gail Marie Toups and her husband Aaron of Lake Charles; three sisters, Melia Clement of Egan, Rosita Sensat of Egan and Ledgia Credeur of Rayne; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Schexnayder is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Celestine Newman Campbell; two brothers, Adras and Armille Campbell; and four sisters, Agnes Kibodeaux, Amelia Benoit, Rose Latiolais and Ada Richard.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.
Willie Lee Laviolette
ESTHERWOOD - Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at St. Mary Catholic Church for Willie Lee Laviolette, 94, who died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Fr. Rusty Richard will officiate for the service. A rosary was recited Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Estherwood Cemetery.
Visitation may be observed Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday.
He is survived by his son, Willie Clifford Laviolette and his wife Alice of Crowley; four daughters, Rosie Jean LaPoint and her husband Pierre “Bee” of Estherwood, Alma Monceaux of College Station, Texas, Louethel LaComb and her husband Oran of Lake Charles, and Anda “Nan” Connor and her husband Jimmy of Lake Charles; three sisters, Rose Spell of Lake Charles, Vivian Meche of Crowley and Lillian Lejeune of Jennings; 20 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Mr. Laviolette is preceded in death by his wife, Dee Margaret Laviolette; his parents, Eugene and Ida Dupuis Laviolette; one son-in-law, Leade Monceaux, and one granddaughter, Jessica LaPoint.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Joseph Corbert Miller
IOTA - Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota for Joseph Corbert Miller, 79, who died Saturday, April 12, 2003 at Jennings American Legion Hospital.
Fr. David Broussard will be officiating for the services. A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m.
Visitation was observed Sunday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Burial was in the church cemetery.
He is survived by two sons, Dicky J. Miller and his wife Linda from Indian Bayou and Joey Miller and his wife Karen from Lafayette; two daughters, Hilda “Sister” Caswell of Egan and Ava Doga and her husband Harvey of Egan; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, and former wife and friend, Clerda Miller.
He is preceded in death by two sons, Buck and Hillard Miller; one daughter, Vicky Miller; his parents, Maurice and Amelia Leger Miller; five brothers, Martin, George, Placid, John and M.G. Miller; and two sisters, Nanette Comeaux and Mae Comeaux.
Mr. Miller served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a retired mechanic for Conoco. He enjoyed camping, hunting and carpentry, but most of all loved his family and friends.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Iota has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Loretta Hebert Voinché
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, in the Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for Loretta Hebert Voinché, 83, who died Sunday, April 13, 2003 at 12:15 a.m. at Dautrieve Hospital in Opelousas.
Rev. Rodless LeLeux will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be observed Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
Survivors include one daughter, Charlotte V. Guinn and her husband Carrol of New Iberia; one granddaughter, Jennifer Romero and her husband Don of Lafayette; one grandson, Barry Guinn and his wife Laura of Ruston; four great grandchildren, Elizabeth and Michael Guinn and David and Matthew Romero.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Voinché, and one son, Richard Voinché.
Mrs. Vionché was a secretary at St. Michael Elementary for a number of years.
Pall bearers are Barry Guinn, Don Romero, D.J. Voinché Jr., Raywood Frederick, Kelly Frederick, Dennis Broussard and Gayle Frederick.
The family of Mrs. Voinché request memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Ave. F, Crowley, 783-3313, is in charge of arrangements.
CROWLEY – Rev. Hubert A. Terry Sr., 74, died Sunday, April 13, 2003 at his residence in Crowley. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, at Crowley Bible Missionary Church. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Semmes, Ala. Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley in charge of arrangements.
George P. Hebert
Funeral services for George P. Hebert, 81, were held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 14, at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley with the Fr. Joe Greenwell officiating.
Visitation was observed from 1 until 7 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. until the time of services on Monday. A rosary was recited at the funeral home at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
Interment
was in the St. Joseph Mausoleum in Rayne.
Mr. Hebert died at 5:45 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2003, at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
He was retired as a salesman from Byars Brothers Brick Co.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Florence Leger Hebert of Crowley; two daughters, Sandra H. Foreman of Lafayette and Carole H. Hoffpauir and her husband Richard, also of Lafayette; five grandchildren, A. Paul Foreman and his wife Robin, Michelle Foreman Jones and her husband Jeffrey A., all of Lafayette, Kim Hoffpauir Owens and her husband Alan of Las Vegas, James A. Foreman of Lafayette and Todd Hoffpauir and his significant other Monica Landry of Tampa, Fla.; six great-grandchildren, Morgan, Natalie and Maggie Foreman, and Tyler Garrett and Spencer Jones.
Mr. Hebert is preceded in death by his parents, George and Esperie Mendoza Hebert, and a sister, Grace Stansel.
Pall bearers were Paul Foreman, James Foreman, Todd Hoffpauir, Jeffrey A. Jones, Travis Stansel Richard and Al Foreman Jr.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Mr. Hebert’s two sitters, Lucy Smith and Alverta Douglas, and to Dr. M.N. Katira.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of arrangements.
RAYNE - Linda Ann Cormier, 53, died Friday, April 11, 2003, at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 14, at Abundant Life Assembly of God Church. Interment
will be in Abshire Cemetery. under the idrection of Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne.
Ethel Miller Seilhan
IOTA - Funeral services for Ethel Miller Seilhan, 79, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. David Broussard officiating.
Visitation will be observed from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. until the time of services Monday at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Iota. A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Burial will be at Andrus Cove Cemetery in Lake Arthur.
Mrs. Seilhan died Friday, April 11, 2003, at American Legion Hospital in Jennings.
She is survived by three daughters, Nickie Bertrand of Lake Arthur, Matilda LaCombe of Iota, and Emily Fabacher and her husband Bill of Iota; four sons, John LeGros and his wife Eve of Iota, Cyrus Seilhan and his wife Judy of Baton Rouge, Douglas Seilhan of Iota, and Abbie Seilhan and his wife Sandra of Iota; one sister, Agnes Clement of Jennings; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Seilhan was preceded in death by her first husband, John Foster LeGros; second husband, Isaac Seilhan; her parents, Cyrus and Celesteine Reed Miller; a grandson, John Foster Dupuis; a great granddaughter, Victoria Ann LeGros; and two brothers, Abbie and Willie Miller.
Pallbearers will be Travis Seilhan, Douglas Seilhan Jr., Jonathon Seilhan, Nathan LaCombe, Brock Ruppert and Chester Landry.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Iota is in charge of arrangements.
Lucille Turner Luther
Funeral services for Lucille Turner Luther, 78, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Visitation may be observed from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday and from 8 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday. A rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Monday.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Luther died Friday, April 11, 2003, at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
She is survived by one son, George W. Luther III of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; two daughters, Mary Sellers of Crowley, and Janice Abbonizio of Robesonia, Pa.; and five grandchildren, Karen and Danny Abbonizio, Gregory and Stephanie Luther and Christa Sellers.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Luther Jr.; her parents, John and Manila Eldridge Turner; one sister, Audrey Hardy; and two brothers, Eldridge and Warren Turner.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.
CHURCH POINT - Leslie “Mary” Daigle Cormier, 86, died at 12:05 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2003. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home.
GUEYDAN - Mary Jane Hebert, 66, died at 9:10 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2003, at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 1 a.m. Monday, April 14, at St. Peter Catholic Church with burial in the Gueydan Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Gueydan.
CROWLEY – Freeman Levige, 73, died at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at the Crowley Guest House. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. at the Old Crowley Cemetery on Monday, April 14, 2003. Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Stedman Paul Sonnier
Funeral services for Stedman Paul Sonnier, 47, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2003 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Fr. Gary Schexnayder, pastor, officiating.
Mr. Sonnier died at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Crowley Guest House. Interment
will be in Quibodeaux Cemetery in Midland.
He is survived by his mother, Pearl Quebodeaux Sonnier, a daughter, Natalie Sonnier, and a son, Jason Sonnier, all of Crowley; four sisters, Priscilla S. Foreman of Lake Arthur, Kathleen S. Viator of Maxie, Yvette M. Sonnier and Tina Sonnier, both of Crowley; two brothers, Tony Sonnier and John Sonnier, both of Crowley; and a granddaughter, Katie Monceaux, also of Crowley.
He was preceded in death by his father, Johnson Sonnier.
Visitation was observed from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m. Thursday and again from 8 a.m. until the service Friday morning.
A rosary was recited at the funeral home at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Ida LeLeux
MORSE - Funeral services for Mrs. Ida Trahan LeLeux, 76, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2003 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morse with Rev. Donald Pousson officiating.
Burial will be in the Hanks Cemetery in Morse under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings.
Funeral home visitation will be from 10:30 Thursday until the time of the funeral service Friday morning.
A rosary led by Mrs. Betty LeGros was recited at 6 p.m. Thursday evening in the funeral home chapel.
Mrs. LeLeux died at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2003 in the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in Sulphur.
She was a resident of Morse and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Nora Malone of DeQuincy and Joy Jones of Sulphur; four sons, Bernice LeLeux of Miami, Fla., Nolan LeLeux of Darrell LeLeux of Morse and Curtis LeLeux of Morse; two sisters, Daisy Mae Hanks of Morse and Vivian Primeaux of Kaplan; three brothers, Eugene Trahan of Winnie, Texas, J.C. Trahan of China, Texas and Buford Trahan of Crowley; 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by he parents, John and Gustin Chataignier Trahan; her husband, Nolan J. LeLeux; one grandson, Erin Ross Jones; and one great grandson, Matthew Graham.
Pall bearers are Nolan LeLeux, Burton LeLeux, Dusty Young, Marv Malone, Tim Malone and Ken Malone.
Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings is in charge of arrangements.
CROWLEY – Anthony Lee Campbell, 53, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at Christian Villa Nursing Home in Crowley. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Burial will be in South Crowley Cemetery with Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Crowley in charge of arrangements.
Harold James Ceasar Sr.
Funeral services for Harold James Ceasar Sr., 67, of Crowley will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2003 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Crowley. Rev. Donald Burnette, pastor, will officiate the service.
Mr. Ceasar died Saturday, April 5, at the Crowley American Legion Hospital.
Burial will be in the West Crowley Cemetery.
Visitation will be observed Saturday from 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the church.
He is survived by his wife, Lena Pete Ceasar of Crowley; six sons, Harold Ceasar Jr. of Lafayette, Kenneth Beverly and Carlton Pete, both of Crowley; Kelvin Ceasar of Spanway, Washington, D.C.; Jerome Ceasar of Houston and Girard Harris of Port Arthur, Texas; three daughters, Patrice Ceasar of Houston, Katrina Simon and Saundra R. Richard, both of Crowley; one brother, Manuel Ceasar of Compton, Calif.; one sister, Dorothy Duckett of Redlands, Calif.; 28 grandchildren; six great grandchildren and a host and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gussie Molton Ceasar; one son, Timothy Beverly; and two sisters, Ida Mae Head and Annie Mae Dancing.
Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements.
CROWLEY – Reeman Levage, 73, died at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at Crowley Guest House. Funeral services are pending with Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
RAYNE – Frank E. “Sam” Morgan, 79, died at 10:15 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2003. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003 at Ebenezer Nazarene Church in Ebenezer. Burial will be in the Indian Bayou Methodist Church Cemetery. Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne is in charge of arrangements.
Sheila Marie Duhon
Funeral services for Sheila Marie Duhon, 45, of Crowley will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2003 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Greenwell officiating. Miss Duhon died at 6:10 p.m. Monday, April 7, at American Legion Hospital in Crowley. Interment
will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
She is survived by her mother, Wanette Landry Duhon, and a son, Glenn Dufrene Jr., both of Crowley; two brothers, Roland Duhon Jr. of Crowley and Ricky Duhon of Surprise, Ariz.; her fiancé, Carl Fuselier, and his son, Jason, both of Morse.
She was preceded in death by her father, Roland Duhon Sr., and a brother, Lernay Dale Duhon.
Visitation will be observed fro 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 10, and again from 8 a.m. until the service on Friday. A rosary will be recited at the funeral home at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Emile C. Jabusch
Funeral services for Emile C. Jabusch, 77, of Crowley will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Crowley with Fr. Gary Schexnayder officiating. Mr. Jabusch died at 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at the Jennings American Legion Hospital.
Mr. Jabusch was a retired farmer and a lifelong resident of Crowley.
He is survived by four sisters, Annie J. Chase, Mary Jabusch, Lena J. Adams and Mildred J. Lemaire, all of Sulphur; a brother, Bob Jabusch of Thibodaux; a foster son, David Easley of Houston, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be observed from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Wednesday and again from 8 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Interment
will be in the Old Crowley Cemetery under the direction of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley.
Betty Jane Hebert
SPRING, TEXAS - Funeral services for Betty Jane Hebert of Spring, Texas, formerly of Iota, will be held Friday, April 11, 2003, at St. James Catholic Church in Spring, Texas. Mrs. Hebert peacefully passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2003, after battling valiantly for several years.
Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. with a rosary to follow on Thursday, April 10, at St. James Catholic Church.
She cherished the life that she had been given and is survived by her husband, Thompson Wallace Hebert; two sons, Joel and John Hebert; one daughter, Renee Hebert; three brothers, Joel, Van and Eugene Pousson; three grandchildren, Jessi, Tim and Jeremy Hebert; and many other family members and great friends. This courageous woman will be greatly missed by all.
Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery in Humble, Texas (281-443-3340) is in charge of arrangements.
Elijah Matthews
Funeral services for Elijah Matthews, 80, were held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2003, in the Mount Zion Baptist Church. Rev. Keith Matthews officiated.
Burial was in East Crowley Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings.
Mr. Matthews died at 4:45 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2003 in the Lake Charles Care Center. He was a native of Crowley and a U.S. Army Veteran.
He is survived by a sister, Alberta Bernard of Richmond, and a brother, Columbus Matthews of Rayne.
Brenis J. Kershaw
JENNINGS - Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. today, Tuesday, April 8, 2003 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for Brenis J. Kershaw, 55, who died at 6:50 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003 at his residence.
Rev. Jude Brunnert officiated for the services. Burial was in the Andrus Cove Cemetery
Visitation began on Monday, April 7, from 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., and on Tuesday, April 8, from 8 a.m. until the time of services.
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.
Survivors include his wife, Faye Daigle Kershaw of Jennings; two daughters, Mrs. Jeffery (Deidra) Dunagan and Dawn Kershaw, both of Jennings; one son, Brenis (Jay) Kershaw, Jr. of Jennings; two brothers, Eugene Kershaw and James Kershaw, both of Jennings; and, six grandchildren, Adam Kershaw, Ashlyn Kershaw, Zachary Kershaw, Delainie Dunagan, Hannah Dunagan and Jarrett Campos.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Olive LeJeune Kershaw; one brother, Sammy Kershaw; and, one grandchild, Seth Kershaw
Mr. Kershaw was a lifelong resident of Jennings, graduating from Jennings High School in 1965. He attended college in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Kershaw was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was the supervisor for the John Deere stores in Welsh, Kaplan and Crowley. He was also a member of Immaculate Conception Church.
Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings was entrusted with arrangements.
CHURCH POINT – Elton Godeaux, 88, died Saturday, April 5, 2003 at Acadia-St. Landry Guest Home in Church Point. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 7, at the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Church Point. Burial was in church cemetery on Hwy 35 with Fr. Niki Trahan officiating.
Anna C. Fluitt
GUEYDAN - Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at First Baptist Church of Gueydan for Anna C. Fluitt, 91, who died at 11:40 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003 at Lafayette General Medical Center.
Burial will be in the Gueydan Cemetery with Rev. Jesse Owens officiating.
Visitation hours include Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
A native and resident of Gueydan, she was born Sept. 8, 1911 in Gueydan.
She is survived by five sons and their spouses, Norwood D. King and wife Corinda of Waxahachie, Texas, Burl C. Fluitt of Crowley, David N. Fluitt Jr. of Indian Bayou, Calvin Isaac Fluitt and wife Brenda of Mountain Home, Texas and Jerry R. Fluitt and wife Rebecca of Gueydan; four daughters, Mrs. Oran (Mary Lou) Smith of Estherwood, Mrs. Ralph (Jo A.) Murff of Porter, Texas, Mrs. Benny (Katy Lee) Conrad of Cedar Creek, Texas and Mrs. Ronnie (Deanna) LeMaire of Gueydan; one brother, Nelson Buck Campbell of Gueydan; 31 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, David N. Fluitt; two sons, George Fluitt and Robert Dale Fluitt; two sisters, Mrs. Alberta Bougard and Mrs. Edna C. Rabalais; two brothers, Huey Campbell and Calvin Campbell; and her parents, Cleveland J. and Agnes Trahan and Campbell.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Gueydan has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Tanya Louise Hornsby
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Leo Catholic Church in Roberts Cove for Tanya Louise Hornsby, 19, who died at 6:45 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2003.
The Rev. Francis Bourgeois, pastor of St. Leo Catholic Church, will be the celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the services.
Survivors include her parents, Ronald “Tuba” and Rose Thevis Hornsby of Branch; one brother, William Hornsby of Branch; two sisters, Faye Smith of Branch and Karen Cart of Iota; one nephew, Tye Cart of Iota; maternal grandmother, Agnes Thevis of Branch.
She was preceded in death by, maternal grandfather, William Thevis; paternal grandparents, Aaron “Buck” Hornsby Sr. and Shirley Murphy Hornsby.
A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday, and from 8 a.m. Wednesday until time of the services.
Arrangement have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home Inc. of Rayne, 334-3141.
Clifton Comeaux
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2003 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for Clifton Comeaux, 81, of Patterson, who died at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2003 at Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Visitation will be observed from 10 a.m. Sunday until the service on Monday morning.
He is survived by one son, Lawrence Comeaux of Crowley; one daughter, Cynthia LaSalle of Patterson; one brother, Collins Comeaux of Iota; three sisters, Mrs. Roy (Winnie) Regan of Crowley, Geraldine Ewing of Egan and Clara Douglas of Egan; and four grandchildren, Greg LaSalle, Telly LaSalle, Marsha Comeaux and Amy Comeaux.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Georgette Chachere Comeaux; his parents, Edward and Edna Leger Comeaux, and two brothers, Edward Comeaux Jr. and Lil Jay Comeaux.
Mr. Comeaux served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.
Bonnie Baker
GUEYDAN - Funeral services for Bonnie Baker, 48, of Lyons Point will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2003 at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Gueydan with Rev. Roy Kibodeaux officiating. Burial will be in Istre Cemetery
A native of Gueydan and resident of Lyons Point, she died at 2:20 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2003 at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Visitation will be observed from Saturday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday.
She is survived by three sons and their spouses, Floyd Francis Baker Sr. and wife Natasha of Crowley, William Lynn Baker Jr. and wife Priscilla of Crowley and Charles Ray Baker and wife Sonia of Crowley; a daughter, Mary Myrtle Romero and husband Randy of Lyons Point; two brothers, Floyd Francis LeBlanc Jr. of Gueydan and Ricky Dale LeBlanc of Gueydan; three sisters, Sherman Ann Martin of Gueydan, Kathy Marie Clark of Gueydan and Juanita Bertrand of Gueydan; and four grandchildren.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Gueydan is in charge of arrangements.
Francis Darrell Hebert
BOSSIER CITY - Funeral services for Francis Darrell Hebert, 59, of Bossier City will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2003 in Centuries Funeral Home Chapel.
Officiating will be Fr. Charles Glorioso, pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Burial will follow in Centuries Memorial Park.
Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Hebert was born in Iota on Jan. 19, 1944 and passed away on April 3, 2003 on the Island of Singapore where he was employed by Baker-Hughes Oil Tools. He was employed by Baker-Hughes for 25 years and was also a former employee of Crystal Oil Co. He has resided in the Shreveport/Bossier City area since 1982 and was also a U.S. Navy veteran.
Darrell is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Earline Fontenot Hebert; two daughters, Tanya Jordan and husband Griffin of Ore City, Texas and Karen Bowden and husband Shane of Haughton; a son, Chad Hebert and wife Shelly of Shreveport; two brothers, Olan Hebert and wife Marie of Crowley and Ronald Hebert and wife Marie of Lafayette; two sisters, Murleen Chester and husband David of Crowley and Ranella Hebert of Montana; a sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Bob Mouton of Shreveport, and seven grandchildren.
Centuries Funeral Home in Bossier City (686-4334) has been entrusted with the arrangements.
CHURCH POINT – Curry J. Elkins, 80, died Friday, April 4, 2003 at Opelousas General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 7, at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.
Mrs. Jane Primeaux
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for Mrs. Jane Primeaux, 55, who died at 5:16 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2003 at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with Fr. Joseph Greenwell officiating.
A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.
Visitation will be observed Friday at 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Survivors include three sons, Kenneth Primeaux, Keith Primeaux and Patrick Lee Primeaux, all of Crowley; one daughter, Janell Davy of Crowley; one sister, Le Bertha Savoy of Church Point; and six grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Lee Primeaux; her parents, Armagene and Edith Doucet Miller; two brothers, Burton (Burt) Miller and James Miller; and two grandsons, Dustin and Justin Davy.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.
Lou Ella Bartlett
LAKE CHARLES - Mrs. Lou Ella Bartlett, 78, of Westlake, died at 8:25 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2003, in a Lake Charles Hospital.
She was a native of Crosby County, Texas and lived in Dumas, Texas many years prior to moving to Westlake in 1980. Mrs. Bartlett owned and operated Mrs. Burger in Lake Charles for many years and was still a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dumas, Texas.
Survivors include her husband, James R. Bartlett of Westlake; three sons, James H. and wife Cheryl Bartlett of Crowley, Mike Bartlett of Crosbyton, Texas and David Bartlett of Lake Charles; two daughters, Letricia Alden of Lake Charles and Louisa Gail Valdez of Gallup, NM; two sisters, Lee F. Case of Litchfield, AZ and Joyce F. O’Neal of Phoenix, AZ; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Doyle Evans will officiate.
Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery.
Visitation will be fro 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. until time of the services on Saturday at the funeral home.
Family and friends will meet at 12 noon Saturday in Mrs. Burgers.
Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles is in charge of arrangements.
Doris Edel Daly Burke
INDIAN BAYOU - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2003 at Indian Bayou Methodist Church for Doris Edel Daly Burke, 88, who died Wednesday, April 2, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Rev. Ross Genger will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Indian Bayou Methodist Cemetery.
Visitation may be observed Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
She is survived by two daughters, Brenda K. Bojarski of Forest Hill, MD and Marsha B. Sieber of Lafayette; four sons, Michael Gene Burke of Houma, Darryl Dean Burke of Lafayette, Henry Byron Burke of Houston and Thomas Don Burke of Houma; 14 fourteen grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Burke is preceded in death by her husband, Solomon Morgan Burke; one daughter, Donna B. Crawley; her parents, Robert and Pearl Dubose Daly; and three sisters, Marjorie Ball, Melba Holle and Gwen Abramson.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Lloyd A. Monceaux
Lloyd A. Monceaux, 71, died Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at his residence in Groves, Texas. A native of Lyons Point, he had lived in Groves for 45 years.
Mr. Monceaux retired from Gulf Oil as an accounting clerk with 30 years of service. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Groves, where he also taught CCD. He was a member of the Groves Knights of Columbus Council 3491 and the Holy Name Society. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Don Golasinski officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas, under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home of Groves.
A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Levingston Funeral Home.
Mr. Monceaux is survived by his wife, Patricia Monceaux of Groves; two daughters, Virginia Monk of Warren, Texas, and Rachel Lawson of Groves; three sons, Kenneth Monceaux of Nederland, Texas, Mark Monceaux of Bridge City, Texas, and Darin Monceaux of Groves; one sister, Elaine Schexnyder of Beaumont, Texas; one brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Winoea Monceaux of Crowley; one brother-in-law, Eddie Hanks of New Orleans; 11 grandchildren and one step-grandchild.
Levingston Funeral Home of Groves is in charge of arrangements.
William “Jay” Gautreaux
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, at a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Duson, for William “Jay” Gautreaux, 68, who died at 7 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at his residence.
Entombment will be in St. Theresa Church Mausoleum.
Survivors include his wife Marie Leger Gautreaux, and two sons, Jonathan Gautreaux and his wife Connie and Philip Gautreaux and his wife Trudy, all of Duson; three grandchildren,Jade Gautreaux, Josh Gautreaux and Mitzi Thibodeaux, all of Duson; three sisters, Gracy Schexnayder and Marjorie Villejoin, both of Crowley, and Alma Leger of Lake Charles.
The Rev. Martin Leonards, rector of St. Theresa Catholic Church, will be the celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the services. Pat Menard, soloist, will sing for the services, “Be Not Afraid,” “Eyes Have Not Seen,” “Shall We Gather at the River” and “Amazing Grace.”
He was preceeded in death by his parents, Felician and Alice Burris Gautreaux; three brothers, Curley Gautreaux, Waylon Gautreaux and Jimmy Gautreaux; two sisters, Ula Gautreaux Cuccio and Silvay Gautreaux Kibodeaux.
A resident of Duson, Mr. Gautreaux was a member of St. Thresa Catholic Community. He was a member of American Legion Post 15 and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.
A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Theresa Church Hall.
The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Mike Mounir for 26 years of excellent health care and also to Hospice of Crowley.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday and from 8 a.m. until time of services on Friday.
Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne is in charge of arrangements.
CENTER, TEXAS – Jerry Warren Martin, 67, died at 8:03 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003 following a brief illness. Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 3, at 11 a.m. at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas. Watson and Sons Funeral Home (936) 598-4331 is in charge of arrangements.
Jason T. Simmons
GRANT - Funeral services for Jason T. Simmons, 34, of the Bundick Lake Community, will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, in the Palestine Baptist Church in Grant with Rev. Alan Knuckles and Rev. Dale Gary officiating.
Burial will follow in Palestine Cemetery under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
Visitation will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and from 8 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the Palestine Baptist Church.
Mr. Simmons died Monday, March 31, 2003, from injuries received in an oil field accident near Moss Bluff.
Born in Lake Charles and a former resident of Crowley, he lived in Bundick Lake since 1993. He was a graduate of Crowley High School and was employed as a tool pusher with DBL Drilling, Inc.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crowley and attended Palestine Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a diver.
Survivors include his wife, Pally Simmons of Bundick Lake; two sisters, Melanie Simmons Lormand of Grant and Janet Simmons Touchton of Fort White, Fla.; parents, John R. “Bob” and Lynette Simmons of Grant; and maternal grandmother, Thelma Lindsey of Dry Creek.
Labby Memorial Funeral Home of DeRidder is in charge of arrangements.
CHURCH POINT – Ms. Dorothy Madeline Boudreaux Tweedel, 78, died Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 12 p.m. at Doctors Hospital in Opelousas. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Church Point. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Carencro under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.Joseph C.
‘J.C.’ Klumpp
TEE MAMOU - Funeral services for Joseph C. “J.C.” Klumpp, 81, of Basile, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at St. Jules Catholic Church in Tee Mamou with Rev. Ken Domingue officiating.
A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery Mausoleum.
Mr. Klumpp died at 1 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2003 at his residence.
He was a native and resident of Basile and served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was a retired Division Land Supervisor with Texas Gas Transmission. He was a member of the American Legion, the Southwest Dev. Center Parents Club and was on the Board of Directors for the Nezpique Gas Co.
Visitation will be observed Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Kyle Joseph and Sharon Klumpp of Terrytown and Mark Klumpp of Basile; two daughters, Linda K. Babineaux and Jean K. Sullivan, both of Lafayette; four sisters, Lucy Guillory of Jennings, Cleo Leger of Basile, June Wood of Basile and Marie Fish of Houston; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Angelique Klumpp; his wife, Eva Marcantel Klumpp; two brothers, Dominique Klumpp and Roman Klumpp, and two sisters, Nazie Francois and Laura Hoffpauir.
Pallbearers are Mark Klumpp, Billy Babineaux Jr., Joel Guidry, Scott Klumpp, Bryan Klumpp and Brian Young.
Honorary pallbearers are Felix Klumpp, Kenneth Roy, Harold Dean Klumpp, Rex Fagan, Edward Rachel, Gerald Breaux, Bob Sullivan, Milton Thibodeaux, Milton Arceneaux and Charles Klumpp.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Richard James Quibodeaux
IOTA - Funeral services for Richard James Quibodeaux52, of Iota, were held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 31, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Rev. David Broussard officiating.
A rosary was said 7 p.m. Sunday evening. Burial was in LeBlanc Cemetery in Midland.
Mr. Quibodeaux died at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2003 at his sister’s residence.
Visitation was Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until the service.
Mr. Quibodeaux was a native of Crowley and a resident of Iota. He played French music.
He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Ronald J. (Brenda) Mallet of Minden and Mrs. Bennie (Bonica) Miller of Iota.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Lucy Quibodeaux Sr.; his brother, Louis Quibodeaux Jr.; one niece, Sodenia Mallet, and one great nephew, Daniel Stakes.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Roy Smith Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Roy Smith Sr., 68, of Crowley, who died at 9:33 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Bayou Village Nursing Center in Crowley. Burial will be in Ky Hebert Cemetery in Roberts Cove.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
He is survived by two sons and their spouses, Roy and Julie Smith Jr. of Rayne and David and Amanda Smith of Hicks; two daughters and their spouses, Linda Ann and Ralph Finimore of Bossier and Lisa Regan of Roberts Cove; one brother, Rev. Harold Smith of Marks, Miss.; one sister, Virginia Klumpp of Roberts Cove; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hattie Hollie Smith, and one sister, Veronica Sue Clark.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the La. High School Boxing Association.
Duhon Funeral home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.
