January 2004 Obituaries

William Anthony
“Tony” Vondenstein, Sr.
William Anthony
“Tony” Vondenstein, Sr.
MOWATA - Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2004 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Mowata for William Anthony “Tony” Vondenstein, Sr., 79, who died at his residence Friday, Jan. 30, 2004, at 6:20 p.m.
Fr. George Hefner, pastor of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.
A rosary will be recited at 2 p.m. Sunday at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley.
Visitation may be observed Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until time of funeral services.
Interment will be St. Lawrence Mausoleum in Mowata.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy P. Vondenstein; one son, William A. Vondenstein, Jr. and his wife, Renee of Crowley; one daughter, Kathleen Shetler and her husband Mike of Lake Charles, LA; one brother, John Joseph Vondenstein of Duson; three sisters, Mary V. Fontenot of Memphis, TN, Annie V. Schultz of Crowley and Rita V. Foret of Iota; 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
His parents, Peter and Helen Wirtz Vondenstein, preceded Mr. Vondenstein in death.
Pallbearers will be his six grandchildren, Eric Vondenstein, Kurt Vondenstein, Greta Vondenstein, Mike Shetler, Jenny Hanson and Amy Shetler.
He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. He served his country in the United States Army and was a Rice Farmer in Acadia parish most of his life. He drove school bus #22 for the Acadia Parish School Board until his retirement.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Joey Paul Fontenot
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for Joey Paul Fontenot, I, 48, who died Monday, Jan. 26, 2004 in Malaysia.
Mr. Fontenot was a member of the Masonic Lodge #243 and also Habibi Shriners of Lake Charles.
Fr. Joe Steffus will be officiating for the services.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley.
He is survived by his wife, Janet H. Fontenot of Crowley; his mother, Thelma F. Jones and her husband S.D. of Crowley; three daughters, Angela F. Arceneaux and her husband Jamie of Temple, Texas, Allyson F. Trahan and her husband Nelson of Youngsville and Ashley L. Fontenot of Crowley; three sons, Christopher P. Fontenot of Crowley, Jason H. Fontenot of Rayne and Joey P. “J.P.” Fontenot, II of Crowley; three brothers, Douglas A. Fontenot of Atlanta, Jeff H. Fontenot of Church Point and Karl M. Fontenot and his wife Maureen of Crowley; two sisters, Denise F. Greene and her husband Allen of Crowley and Kim F. Leger and her husband Macky of Crowley, nine grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Andrew Habetz Jr. of Rayne, Harold Habetz and his wife Priscilla of Lafayette, Martha H. Pierret and her husband Paul of Scott, Doris H. Carmouche and her husband Henry of Bear Creek, Texas, Alice H. Pastor and her husband Michael of Crowley; Mildred H. Matte of Lafayette, and Milton J. Habetz Sr. and his wife Karen of Crowley; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
His father, Jasper H. Fontenot, precedes Mr. Fontenot in death.
The pallbearers will be Douglas Fontenot, Jeff Fontenot, Karl Fontenot, Macky Leger, Eric Roberts and Allen Greene Jr.
Visitation may be observed Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley will be in charge of the arrangements.

Don Lewis Richard
Funeral services for Don Lewis Richard, 62, of Crowley, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb, 3, 2004, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Crowley with Fr. Gary Schexnayder, pastor, officiating. Mr. Richard died at 6:10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley.
Mr. Richard was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as a medic, and retired from Halliburton after 23 years of service as a mechanical designer.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Hamil Richard of Crowley; two sons, Derek Lee Richard and his wife Amanda of Houston, and Ryan William richard and his wife Nicole of Sugar Land, Texas; two sisters, Barbara “Bobbie” and her husband Joe Badon of Crowley and Linda and her husband Clyde “Shoe String” Martin of Crowley; one grandson, Chase Matthew Richard.. He also had many loving nieces and nephews.
Honorary Pallbearers will be his three brothers-in-law, Joe Badon, Shoe String Martin and Larry Alexander.
Pallbearers are Richard Badon, Jack Alexander, Larry Spatgens, Vernon Joubert, Jay Williams and Shawn Montgomery.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mathew and Florence Hartwell Richard.
Visitation will be observed at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley fro 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, and from 8 a.m. until service time Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004.
The rosary will be prayed Monday evening at 6:30 p.m.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Michael C.  Hoffpauir
RAYNE - Memorial services will be held Monday Feb. 2, 2004 at 6 p.m. in the Gossen Funeral Home Chapel for Michael C. Hoffpauir, 53, who died Jan. 29, 2004 at his family’s residence in Rayne after a long battle with cancer.
Mike is survived by his mother Pat Breaux Hoffpauir of Rayne; one sister Josette Hoffpauir Baker and her husband Jerry of Rayne; his Godchild and Nephew Chris Baker of Rayne. He was preceded in death by his father Harold Hoffpauir.
Michael was a 1968 graduate of Rayne High School, and attended Northeast State University. He was a life long resident of New Orleans. Before his illness Michael worked on restoration and rehabilitation of historic French Quarter Homes.
Visitation will be Monday Feb. 2, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. until services at 6:00 p.m.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Volunteers of America, 114 Exchange Place Lafayette, La. 70503.

CHUCH POINT – Shelbie Mae Briggs, 2 days, died at 4:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chapel in Church Point. Burial was in the church cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point.

RAYNE – Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2004 in Gossen Funeral Home Chapel for Adam Joseph Guidry, Sr., 76, who died at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 in Crowley American Legion Hospital.

JENNINGS – Josephine Monceaux Miller, 92, of Gotts Cove, died at 1:05 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 at the Jeff Davis Living Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2004 at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Jennings. Burial will be in the Abshire Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings.

CROWLEY – Marjorie Broussard Hanks, 87, died at 3:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley.

RAYNE – Cleveland Credeur, 80, of Rayne, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 at his farm. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne. Burial will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home in Rayne.

CHURCH POINT – Michael Dwayne Carrier, 24, of Church Point, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 at Mercy Baptiste Memorial Transplant Institute Medical Center in New Orleans. Funeral services are pending under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

Joseph ‘Papa Joe’ Burton
MOWATA - Funeral services for Joseph “Papa Joe” Burton, 86, were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Mowata. Mr. Burton died at 2:58 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 at his residence in Mowata following a lengthy illness. Burial was in the church mausoleum with Fr. George Heffner officiating.
Visitation was observed at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Iota on Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.
Mr. Burton is survived by his wife, Josephine Ronkartz Burton of Mowata; seven sons, Charles Burton and his wife Stephanie of Sulphur, Thomas Burton and his wife Donita of Sulphur, Wayne Burton and his wife Sandra of Scott, Carl Burton and his wife Keta of Iowa, James Burton and his wife Judy of Malvern, Ark., Dale Burton and his wife Shiela of Castle Rock, Colo. and Danny Burton and his wife Vanessa of Bryan, Texas; two daughters, Deborah Longenbaugh and her husband Stephen of Sulphur and Josette Pruett of Slidell; one sister, Hubertina Burton of Iota; 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joann Burton; his parents, Hubert and Josephine Burton; his brothers and sisters; and a son-in-law, Charles Pruett.
Mr. Burton was retired from the U.S. Army and was a past police chief for the Town of Iota. He loved to garden and share his harvest with members of his community. Mr. Burton had a great love for his entire family and loved ones.
Pallbearers for the funeral were Michael Burton, Joey Burton, Charlie Burton, Robert Burton, David Burton, Jeremy Burton, Aaron Burton, William Burton and Nicholas Burton.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Iota was in charge of the arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Amy Courville, of Church Point, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 at Acadia-St. Landry Hospital in Church Point. Funeral services are pending under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

Rev. Kenneth Wayne Corumia
Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 31, 2004 at 11 a.m. at First Church of God in Christ in Crowley for Rev. Kenneth Wayne Corumia, 50, of Crowley, who died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004 at Riverwest Medical Center in Plaquemine.
Burial will be in the West Crowley Cemetery with Bishop R.L. Bosly presiding.
Visitation will be observed Friday at the church from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral.
He is survived by his mother, Adee Corumia of Crowley; two sons, Therion Wilridge and Kenan Corumia of Albany, N.Y.; three brothers, Gene Corumia of Crowley, Michael Corumia (Mella) of St. Martinville and Harold Corumia (Dena) of Crowley; two sisters, Patsy Woolridge (Osmond) of Crowley and Betty Dugas (Mark) of Mermentau; and a special friend, Ashley Boutee of Jeanerette.
Rev. Corumia was pastor of St. Matthews Christ Sanctified Church, an administrative assistant with Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Crowley, and a reserve police officer with the Crowley Police Department.
Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

Nela Benoit Bourque
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Crowley for Nela Benoit Bourque, 78, who died at Jennings American Legion Hospital on Jan. 25, 2004.
Father Gary Schexnayder will be officiating for the services.
Sister Justine Baker led the rosary at 6:30 p.m. Monday evening.
Visitation may be observed from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and from 8 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
She is survived by two daughters, Karen Doucet of Welch and Ann Dubois and her husband Michael of Crowley; five sons, Ronald Barbari of Lafayette, Dale Doucet and his wife Mary Ann of Jennings, Keith Doucet of Scott, Earl Doucet and his wife Tammy of Crowley and Richard Doucet and his wife Tammatha of Welch; five stepdaughters, Earline and her husband Tommy LeBlanc, Wanda Cormier, Jean L. Gary, Janelle and her husband Francis DeRouen and Joetta and her husband David Monceaux; two sisters, Lunia LeBlanc of Crowley and Armanie Fielder of Lake Charles; her significant other, Wilfred Langley; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Bourque is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ozzia LaFosse Benoit; and four brothers and three sisters.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Vivian McFarlain
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 24, 2004 at 2:30 p.m. for Vivian Perry McFarlain, 73, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Crowley with Reverend Truman Stagg, pastor, officiating. Mrs. McFarlain died at 4:15 p.m., Thursday, January 22 at Southwind Nursing Center in Crowley. Interment was in the Ebenezer Cemetery.
Mrs. McFarlain was a registered nurse and a nursing supervisor at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley for many years.
She is survived by her three sons, Randall McFarlain of Delane, Fl, Michael McFarlain and his wife, Elaine, and Harold McFarlain and his wife, Glenda, all of Crowley; two sisters, Dell Sykora of El Campo, Tx and Violet Gaspard of Indian Bayou, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew McFarlain, a son, Kevin McFarlain, and two brothers, Donald and William “Bill” Perry.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Harry John LeBlanc
Funeral services for Harry John LeBlanc, 91, of Crowley, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Crowley with Fr. Gary Schexnayder, pastor, officiating. Mr. LeBlanc died at 4:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at Lafayette Care Center. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Mausoleum in Crowley.
Mr. LeBlanc was a native of Rayne and lived most of his life in Crowley. He worked as a delivery man for Crowley Laundry for 21 years. After his retirement, he worked for the City of Crowley in the Maintenance Department. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the American Legion Post 15 of Crowley.
He is survived by a son, Donald J. LeBlanc of Dallas, GA; a daughter, JoAnn Huval of Broussard; a brother, Herbert LeBlanc of Crowley; six grandsons; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ivy Mae Newchurch LeBlanc; and a brother, Louis LeBlanc.
Pallbearers will be Chris, Ricky and Blake Cuccio, Stephan and Jeff LeBlanc and Lyle O. Fogleman Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith, Mark, Carl and Michael LeBlanc, Garland Hamie Sr. and Terry Dunphy.
Visitation will be observed from 2:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. until service time Monday.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday evening.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Vincent Lee Bossley
TEXAS - Vincent Lee Bossley Sr., 82, of Bay City, Texas went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004. He was born July 12, 1921 in Crowley to the late Manuel and Modeste Wainwright Bossley.
Mr. Bossley was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a resident of Bay City for the past 50 years where he and his brother, Dick started Bossley Dryer. He was also a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army, a member of the American Legion and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3070.
Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Walter “Red” Taylor of Bay City, Betty Jo and John Foelker of Sugarland, Texas, and Rebecca and Todd Nicklas of Sealy, Texas; his sons and their wives, Vincent Lee and Mita Bossley Jr. and Billy and Dawn Bossley, all of Bay City; a brother, Ludger Bossley of Crowley; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jason, Natasha and John Vincent Bossley, Robbe and Collin Kelly, Beth and Johnathan Foelker, Holly, MacKenzie and Will Nicklas; and three great-grandchildren, Nicklas Rosa, Brittnee Richmond and Taylor Bossley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jane; his sisters, Madeline Ziegler and Maureen Trahan; his brothers, Hayes Bossley, Dick Bossley and Harold Bossley.
A rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Thursday evening at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.
The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday morning at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating.
Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Jason and John Vincent Bossley, Robbe Kelly, Collin Kelly, Johnathan Foelker and Gene Williams.
Honorary pallbearers are Ludger, Vincent Jr. and Billy Bossley, Walter Taylor, John Foelker, Todd Nicklas, Dr. Robert Kelly, Gilbert Saha, Blue Sliva and Joe Crane.
Memorials may be made to the Holy Cross Catholic School Foundation.
Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City (979)245-4613 is in charge of the arrangements.

LeRoy (Red) Gary
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for LeRoy (Red) Gary, 80, who died at 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004 at the Rayne Guest Home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley with Fr. Gary Schexnayder officiating.
Visitation will be observed from 8 a.m. on Thursday until the time of the services at 1 p.m. that afternoon.
Mr. Gary is survived by his wife, Annie Belle Gary of Crowley; two daughters, Elia G. Roy of Crowley and Cecile Gary of Eunice; two brothers, Rene Gary of Sulphur and Leo Gary of Meaux; two sisters, Annie Lorena Gary Mire of Kaplan and Helen Gary Wray of DeQueens, Ark.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Mr. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Aurelie and Amy Gary; one sister, Marie Zula Gary; and two brothers, Dewey and Jean Gary.
He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict. A member of the American Legion Post #15 of Crowley, he was also a former member of the KC Council at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for 40 years. He was also a former member of the VFW Post #6720 of Crowley.
The family wishes to thank everyone that gave special care to Mr. Gary and to all who took time out to visit him. A special thanks is also expressed to Dr. Stringfellow, Hospice, Rehab and Rayne Guest Home.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Mrs. Joseph T. Winn, nee Roberta LaCombe, 62, of Bristol, died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004, at Acadia-St. Landry Guest Home in Church Point. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at Guidry Funeral Home Chapel in Church Point. Burial will be in the United Pentecostal Cenetery in Evangeline under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

Preston Guillot
Funeral services for Preston Guillot, 77, of Houston, formerly of Crowley, will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2004 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church with Fr. Rusty Richard officiating. A reception to honor his life will be held at the church parish hall following the Mass.
Mr. Guillot died at 3 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003 at Spring Branch Hospital in Houston.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley.
He is survived by his wife, Wilda Stutes Guillot of Houston; three sons, Anthony T. Guillot, Frederick L. Guillot and Gregory P. Guillot, all of Houston; a daughter, Paula M. Guillot of Houston; a brother, Lawrence Guillot of Crowley; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Guillot and Eugenie (Legnion) Guillot; a sister, Bertha G. Romero; a brother, John R. Guillot; and a daughter, Linda Faye Guillot.
Mr. Guillot was a parishioner of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston and served his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy. He worked in the rice industry for 50 years.
Arrangements and cremation were handled by Earthman Funeral Home in Houston.

Lynn Allen Iverson
MOWATA - Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Mowata for Lynn Allen Iverson, 62, of Germantown, who died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004 at his home in Tupelo, Miss.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Germantown under the direction of Canale Funeral Directors.
Mr. Iverson was a communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and was an Army veteran where he served as a captain. He was a past president of the Society of Human Resources Managers and a past president of the Tupelo Business Personal Association.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Gayle Hensgens Iverson of Germantown, formerly of Crowley; two daughters, Gretchen C. Iverson and Ingrid A. Iverson, both of Germantown; two sons, Eric H. Iverson of Memphis and Nicklaus A. Iverson of Knoxville, Tenn.; three sisters, Erla Steiner and Shirley Peterson of Sisseton, S.D. and Debbie Iverson of Minneapolis, Minn; one brother, Royce Iverson of Sisseton, S.D.; and five grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Dale Gautreaux
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 at St. Michael Catholic Church for Robert Dale Gautreaux, 51, who died Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at Crowley American Legion Hospital.
Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley.
Mr. Gautreaux was a native of Mermentau and worked as a Welder most of his life.
Survivors include his wife, Marjorie K. Gautreaux of Crowley; his mother and stepfather, Jane Domingue Sonnier and Carl Sonnier of Crowley; one son, Kurt James Gautreaux and his wife Krystal of Mermentau; his four daughters, Carlotta Olivier and her financé Bahji-Racca, Amanda F. Gautreaux and Darlene M. Gautreaux all of Jennings, Kelly G. Mangrum and her husband Bradley of Topsy, LA; five grandchildren, Brittany and Rodney Oliver, Blise and Bryant Gautreaux and Leighanne Mangrum; one brother, Gene N. Gautreaux of Crowley; two half-brothers, Ricky L. and Carl W. Broussard, both of Crowley; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Norris L. Gautreaux Sr.; and a sister, Barbara G. Leblanc.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday and 8:00 a.m. until time of funeral services on Wednesday. Also a Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Lorraine “Tantie” Latiolais Andrus, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004 at 11:30 a.m. at her home in Church Point. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004 at St. John Berchman Church in Lewisburg. Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of the arrangements.

RICHARD – Wilson Arabie, 44, of Port Arthur, Texas, died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard. Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of the arrangements.

RAYNE - Olide Dupuis, age 66, of Crowley, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at his residence. Funeral sevices were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne with Fr. Bill Ruskoski officiating. Interment was in the Arceneaux Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

Hardy R. LaSage
JENNINGS - Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Jennings Church of Christ on Cutting Avenue for Hardy R. LaSage, age 53, who died Jan. 18 as a result of an automobile accident.
Brother Paul Estes, Brother Antoine Valdetero and Jack Harris will officiate for the services. Burial will be held Greenwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Matthews and Son Funeral Home and again on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until time of the service at the Jennings Church of Christ.
He was born Sept. 23, 1950 in Jennings and was married to Nancy Jane Crowl.
He was a native of Jennings and a resident of Evangeline. He was retired with Shell Oil as an operator. Presently he was a bus driver with the Acadia Parish School Board. He also worked part-time as a gauger. He loved to care for cattle. He served six years in the National Guard. He was a member of the Jennings Church of Christ. He was a member of the Gideon’s and he served in different capacities of the church. He also spoke about the Gideon’s to different churches.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Crowl LaSage of Evangeline; his parents, Mervin and Anna Richard LaSage of Evangeline; his maternal grandmother, Enola Richard of Jennings; three step-sons: Troy Smith and wife Heide of Houston, Todd Smith and wife Toni of McAllen, Texas and Tim Smith and wife Racheal of McAllen, Texas; three daughters: Cheri Quibodeaux and husband Quinton of Jennings, Amy Amador of Jennings and Leah Hebert and husband Jonathan of Jennings; one step-daughter, Tami LaSage and husband Thomas J. of Houston; one brother, Choney LaSage and wife Jaquetta of Iota; one sister, Phyllis Smith and husband Terry of Evangeline; and eight grandchildren.
Mr. LaSage was preceded in death by his first wife, Harriet McLean LaSage.
Pall bearers will be Kenneth Bruchhaus, Roland Hebert, James Stackhouse, Barry Thompson, Blaine O’Connor and J. E. Serrin, all members of the Gideon’s. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Wiegand and Alfred Goble.
The family suggests that memorial be made to: The Gideon’s International, 2430 Pomroy Road, Lake Arthur, La. 70549.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Florence Atkinson Nelson
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2004 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Florence Atkinson Nelson, 97, who died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004 at Maison de Lafayette.
A native of Ebenezer, Mrs. Nelson was a nurse at the American Legion Hospital for many years. Her husband, Floyd Nelson, preceded her in death.
Survivors include two brothers, Johnny Atkinson of Sulphur and Stanley Atkinson of Crowley; and two sisters, Ruth Henry of Lafayette and Maridel Jones of San Antonio, Texas.
Visitation was observed Sunday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F in Crowley, 783-3313, www.geesey-ferguson.com were entrusted with the arrangements.

RAYNE - Lula Lavergne, age 62, of Duson, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at Southwest Medical in Lafayette. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2. Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

Marilyn ‘Tootsie’
Wright LaCroix
RAYNE - Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004 at a Mass of Christian Burial in Gossen Funeral Home Chapel for Marilyn “Tootsie” Wright LaCroix, 82, who died at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2004 in Crowley American Legion Hospital.
Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery #2.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Russell “Puggy” Broussard and Sharon Breaux Broussard of Rayne; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde LaCroix; her parents, William Wright Sr. and Mathilda Boutte Wright; one sister, Evelyn Wright; and one brother, William Wright Jr.
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Friday evening.
Visiting hours were observed from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday.
Arrangements were entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, 334-3141.

George Freeman Jr.
Tony Freeman
Tá Miera Freeman
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004 at 11 a.m. at the International Rice Festival Building for George Freeman Jr., 5, Tony Freeman, 3, and Tá Miera Freeman, three weeks, who died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004 at 2:20 a.m. in a tragic house fire at the family’s home.
The Rev. Donald Burnette will officiate for the services.
Burial will be in the Old Crowley Cemetery.
Visitation will be observed Saturday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service at the International Rice Festival Building, 717 West Mill St., Crowley.
Survivors include the children’s parents, Chinyere Skinner and George Freeman Sr. of Crowley; one sister, Ashlynn Skinner of Crowley; one brother, Cortez Skinner of Crowley; paternal grandmother, Donna Freeman of Crowley; maternal grandparents, Sheila Ann Skinner of Eunice and Gary Joseph of Ferriday; paternal great-grandparents, Sedonia Freeman of Crowley, Lillie Dupre and Albert Dupre, both of Eunice; maternal great-grandparents, Audrey Gallow of Eunice, Alex Joseph of Denver, Colo. and Louise Skinner of Eunice; paternal great-great-grandmother, Edna Robinson of Eunice.
The Freeman children were preceded in death by their paternal grandfather, George Dupre; maternal great-grandfather, Ed James Skinner; and paternal great-grandfather, Isaac Freeman.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Ave. F, Crowley, have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Alfred Andrus
Funeral services for Alfred Andrus, 46, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004 at First Church of God in Christ in Crowley with Rev. Tracy Andrus officiating. Burial will be in Houston National Cemetery in Houston.
Mr. Andrus died Friday, Jan. 9, 2004 at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport.
He is survived by his mother, Alice V. Andrus of Lafayette; two daughters, Angela Andrus of Crowley and Anita Andrus of Lake Charles; seven brothers, Rev. Tracy Andrus of Prairie View, Texas, Johnny Bellard of Chesepeke, Va., Clarence Bellard of Aldomorgoda, NM, Houston Vallier of Oakland, Calif., Warren L. Andrus Jr. of Baton Rouge, and Walter, Willie and Percy Andrus of Lafayette; two sisters, Eloise Guillory of Oakland, Calif. and Josephine Ledet of Lafayette; and four grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father, Warren Andrus Sr.; a brother, Michael Andrus; and his grandparents, Alfred and Essie Andrus and Mary Thomas and Toussaint Vallier.
Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

Lloyd James Nickel
Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 16, 2004 at 11 a.m. for Lloyd James Nickel, 75, at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley. Mr. Nickel died at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004 at Memorial Medical Center Mercy Campus in New Orleans.
Entombment will be in Woodlawn Mausoleum in Crowley. Officiating for the funeral service will be Fr. Rusty Richard, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Crowley.
Mr. Nickel was a graduate of Scott High School and Southwest Louisiana Institute (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette). He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving in Alaska during World War II. Mr. Nickel was a gold professional and a member of the Professional Gold Association from 1959 until present. He managed and operated Bayou Bend Country Club in Crowley for over 40 years.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Privat Nickel of Crowley; a daughter, Mary Aline Nickel Melanson and her husband Michael; five sons, Jack Edward Nickel and his wife Phillis, Randall Jules Nickel and his wife Jeanne, Jeffrey Paul Nickel and his wife Stacy, and Stephen Lloyd Nickel and his wife Courtney, all of Crowley, and James William Nickel and his wife Susan of Baton Rouge; a sister, Shirley N. Leonards of Roberts Cove; and 21 grandchildren, Jennifer, Mamie and Courtney Melanson, Jason, Justin, John, Caroline and Jack Nickel, Jeff and Ashley Duhon, Elizabeth, Brice, Taylor, John David and Sarah Nickel, Samantha Jarman, Maggie, Isabella, Riley, Catherine and Oliver Nickel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Woodley Nickel and Mary Nugent Nickel; and a brother, Mabry Syr Nickel.
Pallbearers will be his five sons and son-in-law, Dr. Michael Melanson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Jack Frank, Causby Hamic, Norris Breaux, Walter Armento, the Honorable Judge Don Aaron (Ret.), Juan Olguin, Lloyd Abadie and Joe B. Stoma III.
Visitation will be observed from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday and again from 9 a.m. until service time Friday.
A rosary will be recited at the funeral home at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Michael Elementary School, Notre Dame High School or Episcopal School of Acadiana scholarship funds.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. of Crowley is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

RAYNE – Evans Cormier, 80, died at 3:10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2004 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004 at the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne. Burial will be in the St. Bernard Cemetery #2 in Breaux Bridge.

Shirley Seaward
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for Ms. Shirley Seaward, 49, of Crowley, who died at 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004 in Crowley. Burial was in LeBlanc Cemetery in Midland with Deacon Rodless Leleux officiating.
Visitation was observed from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. the day of the funeral service.
She is survived by two sons, William Wheat of Grayson and Frank Phillip Wheat of Clarks; a daughter, Francis Yvette Wheat of Gonzales; a brother, Charles S. Seaward Jr. of Olla; a sister, Wanda Mae Finley of Abbeville; and five grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Betty Jane Seaward; and a brother, Frank Poncho Seaward.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Anthony Michael Clark
Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 5, 2004 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gueydan for Anthony Michael Clark, one month old, who died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004, at his residence in Crowley.
Interment was officiated by Rev. Mitchell Guidry. Services opened at 10 a.m. Sunday Jan. 11 and a rosary was recited at 6 p.m.
Baby Clark is survived by his parents, Nakia and Amanda Hoffpauir Clark of Crowley; a sister, Krislyn Hoffpauir of Crowley; his paternal grandparents, Blayne Faulk and Mona Clark of Gueydan; and maternal grandparents, Terry and Vern Hoffpauir of Crowley
He was preceded in death by Dolly Hoffpauir, Jack Hoffpauir, Willis Faulk and Paul Allen Cormier Sr.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 10:30 a.m. until service time on on Sunday.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Gueydan was in charge of arrangements.

Granville James Byers
Funeral services for Mr. Granville James Byers, 75, of Crowley will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004 at Bethel C.M.E. Church in Crowley. Mr. Byers died Monday, Jan. 5, 2004 at his residence.
Interment will be in the West Crowley Cemetery with Rev. Leslie Dugas officiating.
Visitation will be observed Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred Byers of Crowley; his daughters, Patricia Moore (Paul Jr.) of San Bernadino, Calif. and Gwendolyn Byers of Lake Charles, Albertine Byers of Houston; two stepsons, Albert Deville Jr.(Sherry) of Crowley and Magellan Deville (Tilda) of Sunset; his brothers, Robert L. Byers of Crowley; Ralph Byers (Dora) Harold Byers (Patricia) of Houston and Donald Byers of Los Angeles; his sister Grace B. Brown (Jesse) of Crowley; three grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Casey H. Cryer Sr.
Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 12, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. for Casey H. Cryer Sr., 79, at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Catholic Church in Crowley. Mr. Cryer died peacefully at his home at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004. Interment was held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Fred Swenson. Lee Allen Seilhan will accompany John Charles Whiting singing “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.
A native of Saratoga, Texas and a long-time resident of Crowley, Mr. Cryer was a veteran serving stateside during World War II with the 463rd Army Air Corps. Prior to his retirement, he was employed with Sun Oil Company for 42 years, then at Wal-Mart, part-time for 13 years. He served as an usher at St. Michael Catholic Church for 30 years where he was a devoted member of the church parish. He was an outdoorsman with a love for hunting and fishing. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame High School athletics and once served on the Athletic Board.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Carriere Cryer of Crowley; a daughter, Kathleen Cryer of Crowley; two sons, Casey Cryer Jr. of Crowley and Russell Cryer and his wife Charlotte of Lafayette; a sister, Lori Cryer, and a brother, Jim Cryer, both of Saratoga, Texas; six grandchildren, Daphne, Chrystal, Joey, Ian, Caroline and William; and three great-grandchildren, Ashe, Lilliebelle and Izaac.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosa and Thomas F. Cryer; and three brother, Charles, Harry and Frank Cryer Jr.
Pallbearers were J.E. Foreman, Lee Sittig, Lyle Fogleman, J.G. Trouille, Ralph Primeaux and Harry Benoit. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Habetz, Ralph Habetz, R.L. Wright, John Charles Whiting, Joseph Robinson and all Wal-Mart associates.
The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Hospice of Acadiana, Drs. Carl Richard, Gene Brierre, Charles Bowie, Philip Perret and Andrew Harwood. Special thanks are extended to Virginia Ruddock and Lucille Ramos.
Visiting hours were observed 5-9 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral service on Monday at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley. A rosary was recited at the funeral home at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F in Crowley, was entrusted with the arrangements.

CONROE, TEXAS - Olga Carr Norton, 100, formerly of Crowley, died Dec. 20, 2003 at her home in Strake House in Conroe, Texas. A Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003 at 11 a..m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Metcalf Funerals and Cremations was in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Granville James Byers
Funeral services for Mr. Granville James Byers, 75, of Crowley will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004 at Bethel C.M.E. Church in Crowley. Mr. Byers died Monday, Jan. 5, 2004 at his residence.
Interment will be in the West Crowley Cemetery with Rev. Leslie Dugas officiating.
Visitation will be observed Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred Byers of Crowley; two daughters, Patricia Moore (Paul Jr.) of San Bernadino, Calif. and Gwendolyn Byers of Lake Charles; two stepsons, Albert Deville Jr. and Magellan Deville (Tilda); three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Melvin Lee Quebodeaux
EGAN - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2004 at St. Michael Chapel in Egan for Melvin Lee Quebodeaux, 81, who died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004 at 10:40 p.m. at Lake View Nursing Home in New Roads.
Father David Broussard, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota, will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial and the Committal Services at Sensat Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening.
Visitation may be observed from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and again on Friday from 8 a.m. until the time of the services.
He is survived by a sister, Nell Martien of Crowley; five nieces, Mary Helen Martien Booksh of Maringuin, Emily Martien Lawrence of Rayne, Elizabeth Martien of Lafayette, Mary Martien of Egan and Tammy Speed of New London, Conn.; four nephews, Robert Martien of Friendswood, Texas, Jimmy Martien of Lafayette, Byron Martien of Crowley and Timmy Martien of Kingwood, Texas.
Preceding him in death were two sisters, Winnie Quebodeaux and Vern Hoffpauir, and his parents, Sanford and Elzina LeBlanc Quebodeaux.
Mr. Quebodeaux was a veteran of the 84th Infantry Division of the United States Army and served his country during World War II. The United States Army will provide full military honors.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

Clyde “Bubba” Joseph Navarre
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church for Clyde “Bubba” Joseph Navarre, 68, who died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004 at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Father Gary Schexnayder will be officiating for the services. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be observed Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until time of the services.
Survivors include his three daughters, Heidi Istre and husband E. P. of Crowley, Tara Pellerin and husband Pat of Rayne and Tina Navarre of Crowley; one son, Barry Navarre and wife Diane of Rayne; three grandchildren, Lucas Navarre and Alex Pellerin of Rayne and Katie Istre of Crowley; three sisters, Peggy Sims of Huttig, Ark., Alice Tallow of Crowley and Marie Kleam of Bridgeport, Texas.
Mr. Navarre is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda “Totsie” Navarre; and his parents, Clyde Sr. and Eva Frederick Navarre.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Clark M. Hoffpauer
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 321 East Third Street in Crowley, at 1 p.m Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004 for Clark Milliken Hoffpauer, 73, who died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004 after reoccurring bouts with cancer.
Visitation will be at the Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 310 N. Ave. F, Crowley, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 8 a.m. until services. Interment will follow.
Clark M. Hoffpauer was the former Director of the State of Louisiana, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries where he started as a biologist in 1950, and became the Director for the entire state. He was responsible for the procurement of five game management areas, and received the Louisiana Conversation of the Year Award in 1972. He served as the President of the Southeastern Game and Fish Commissioners Association. He was instrumental in the return of the endangered Brown Pelican, changing legislation for alligator management, and many other innovative studies and practices that are in place today. The environmental impact study business that he founded conducted spill emergency plans for Louisiana refineries which authored environment impact statements for state, municipal and private interests.
His appreciation for gourmet excellence led to the opening of the popular Crawfish House Restaurant at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, relocating to Bourbon Street at the close of the fair.
A lifelong pilot, adventurer, and avid sportsman, he later retired seasonally to Alaska where he worked as a bush pilot throughout the state at numerous lodges. His last project, building his dream home in Homer, Alaska, was completed this past summer which he enjoyed with his family and many friends.
His military service included stints in both the Navy and Air Force where he was an instructor in survival escape and evasion, as well as a munitions specialist.
He is a graduate of Crowley High School, and obtained his Masters of Science in Wildlife Management from Louisiana State University in 1960.
He is preceded in death by his father, Sterling Clark Hoffpauer; his mother, Dorothy Milliken Hoffpauer, and his brother, Jack Hoffpauer.
He is survived by his children, son Clark M. Hoffpauer Jr. and four daughters, Pamela S. Hoffpauer, Marla G. Hoffpauer, Greta Hoffpauer-Akhrass and Faye Hoffpauer; and five grandchildren, Charles, Benjamin, Nicholas (Otto), David and Olivia; and his brother, William Hoffpauer; and former wife, Betty Spell Hoffpauer.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship endowment fund has been established in his name for the benefit of wildlife and natural resource studies at LSU. Donations are being accepted: c/o LSU Foundation, Clark Milliken Hoffpauer Fund, 3838 West Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. For further information please contact Russ Greer at (225)578-3811.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F in Crowley, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Arthur Ray Stakes
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at Parkerson Avenue Baptist Church for Arthur Ray Stakes, 60, who died January 4, 2003 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
Mr. Stakes was a native of Crowley, and he retired from Marathon Oil Company. He was also very active in Parkerson Avenue Baptist Church.
Rev. Ernie Toepfer will be officiating for the services and burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Domingue Stakes of Crowley; two sons, Matthew Christopher Stakes of Crowley and Johnathon Earl Stakes of Branson, Missouri; one brother, E.J. Stakes of Crowley; one sister, Charlotte Stakes Primeaux of Crowley and one grandson, Brandyn Christopher Stakes of Crowley.
Mr. Stakes is preceded in death by two sons, Mark Edward Stakes and Michael Allen Stakes; his parents, Earl and Edmonia Winn Stakes; one brother, Robert Dean Stakes; and one sister, Mae Rose Stakes Curtis.
Pallbearers will be David Stakes, Darren Stakes, Kelly Domingue, Ryan Clark, Chad Neveu, Lane Lemaire, Randy Hoffpauir, Darryl Stakes and Jason Pastor.
Honorary pallbearers will be E.J. Stakes, Johnathon Stakes, Matthew Stakes, Harry Primeaux, Jr., Ronnie Domingue, Ricky Smith, Robert Clark, Charles Mier, Clint Perrodin, Roy Talley and Walter Ancelet.
Visitation will be from 8 a.m. until the time of services today.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John Tyrone Julian
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004, at St. Theresa Catholic Church for Mr. John Tyrone Julian, 56, who was called home on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004.
John Tyrone Julian, son of Wilma Julian and the late Shelton Julian was born in Rayne on Sept. 3, 1947, and was a graduate of Holy Rosary Institute.
He attended Grambling State University as a National Merit Scholar, where he met and married Evelyn West. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education before answering his nation’s call to duty. He served in the U.S. Air Force earning the rank of Sergeant as a medical instructor. He was stationed at Shepherd’s Air Force Base, Wichita Fall, Texas.
Following his service during the Vietnam War, Mr. Julian returned home and began his teaching career at Armstrong Elementary in Rayne. While inspiring young minds, he continued his own education, earning his Masters and Educational Specialist Degrees from Louisiana State University. He was appointed principal of Ross Elementary in 1977 where he served for 16 years.
He retired from the Acadia Parish School System in 1992, but continued his work with children as the Director of Education at Cypress Hospital. Mr. Julian also directed the educational program at Northside Treatment Center. He was also an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. While employed with the Postal Service, he obtained his Counselor’s Certification from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
In addition to his dedication to the education of our youth, he also served his community as a member of the Acadia Parish Police Jury for eight years and a member of the Selective Service Board.
Mr. Julian was a member of the following organizations during his lifetime: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., American Legion Post 15, A & O 21st Century Club, and Knights of Peter Claver. He was also an avid tennis player.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Evelyn West Julian of Crowley; his mother, Wilma Julian of Rayne; one sister, Linda Brumfield of Rayne; two daughters, Karen King and husband Adrian of Rayne and Shellie Rayford and husband Chester of Dallas; three grandchildren, Peyton and John Charles King and Jonathan Rayford; nieces Gwen Brumfield, Allyson Brumfield and Jamie Price; foster daughter Philo Quashie and husband Romotthy of Olathe, Kan.; three sisters-in-law, Bessie Butler of Jennings, Lillie Smith (Simon) of Houston and Viola Victor of Lake Charles; three brothers-in-law, Rev. Hilton West (Annie) of Houston, John West (Florence) of Tacoma, Wash. and Milton West (Brenda) of Lake Charles; and a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be observed at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church from 8 a.m. Thursday morning until the time of the funeral service.
Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Syrie Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of all funeral arrangements.

LAFAYETTE - Linda Michaud, of Lafayette died Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 at St. John Chapel in Lewisburg. Rosary Services were held 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 until time of services. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Guidry Funeral Home, Inc. of Church Point.

CROWLEY - Michael Wayne Bageux, age 47, of Crowley died Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, at American Legion Hospital. Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5 at Geesey-Fergsuon Chapel in Crowley. Visiting hours are 9:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5 until time of services. Interment will be at Estherwood Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. of Crowley.

Onietta Unruh Loewer
BRANCH - Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004, at Mowata Baptist Church and then a memorial service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Mowata Baptist Church for Onietta Unruh Loewer, 59, who died on Friday, Jan. 2, 2004 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
Reverends Glen Howie and Rev. Greg Penna will be officiating for the services. Visitation was observed from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then Sunday 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Survivors include her husband, Paul “Jackie” Loewer, Jr.; three children, Heather Miller and her husband, Brian, of Lancaster, Pa.; Ryan Loewer and his wife, Suzanne, of Colorado Springs, Co. and Margo Yoder and her husband, Matt, of Atlanta, Ga.; her parents, Chester and Bernice Bartel Unruh of Hillsboro, Ks.; one sister, Jean Winter and her husband, Warren, of Hillsboro, Ks; and three grandchildren, Mackenzie Miller, Jansen Miller and Anna Yoder.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

William C. Hair
WRIGHT - Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004, at First United Methodist Church of Gueydan for William C. Hair, 86, who died on Friday, Jan. 2, 2004 at his residence. Burial will be in the Gueydan Garden Crypt.
Reverend Kemper Smith will be officiating for the services. Visitation was observed from 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and then Sunday from 8 a.m. until time of service.
Mr. Hair was born Dec. 28, 1917 in Wright and was a native and resident of Wright. He was a retired farmer and served in the Army Air Corp. in WWII.
Survivors include his one son, William B. Hair and his wife, Linda, of Wright, four daughters: Bobbie Grainger and her husband, John, of Newport News, Va.; Paula Broussard and her husband, Larry, of Conroe, Tx.; Timala Melancon and her husband, Lonnie, of Wright and Jennifer H. Saltzman and her husband, Ted, of Wright; two brothers: Walton Hair of Wright and Edwin Hair of Kaplan; 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Gueydan, have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Leta Doucet
IOTA - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2004, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota for Leta Doucet, 73, who died on Friday, Jan. 2, 2004 at Opelousas General Hospital. Burial will be at the St. Joseph Cemetery of Iota.
Father David Broussard will be officiating for the services. Visitation was observed from 3 p.m. through the night on Saturday. Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004.
Survivors include her five sons: Glenn Doucet, Malcolm Doucet, and Cecil Doucet all of Iota; Ronald Doucet, of Eunice; and Todd Doucet of Arcadia; one daughter: Jan Doucet, of Iota; one sister: Leona Lejeune of Eunice; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Doucet.
Ardoin Funeral Home of Iota, have been entrusted with the arrangements.

ABBEVILLE - Mary Ann Fruge’, of Abbeville died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 at Vincent Funeral Home in Abbeville. Services was officiated by Pastor Lane Payne. Interment was in St. Paul Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville.

Father Viateur Desilets
OPELOUSAS - Funeral services for Father Viateur Desilets, 86, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, in the St. Landry Catholic Church of Opelousas. Bishop Michael Jarrell will be the celebrant of the Funeral Mass and Father Gary Schexnayder will give the sermon. Burial will follow in the Cemetery of Notre Dame des Neiges in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Father Desilets died on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, in the Consolata Home in New Iberia. He was a native of Sainte Gregoire de Nicolet, Quebec, Canada where he was born March 16, 1917. Father Desilets was ordained as a member of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation in Quebec, Canada on June 29, 1946. For nine years he was in the Missions in Venezuela, South America. For health reasons, Father Desilets came to the Diocese of Lafayette in the fall of 1955 serving with Msgr. Gustave Berube as an associate pastor at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Kaplan for three years. Father also served at St. Francis Regis Church in Arnaudville, St. Joseph Church in Iowa, St. Raphael Church in Iowa, and for 14 years he was pastor at St. John the Baptist Church in Lyons Point. Father Desilets' last assignment was an chaplain at Opelousas General Hospital with residence at St. Landry Church from 1972-1992. Then, he was chaplain at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home until he moved to the Consolata Home in New Iberia in July of 1998.
Visitation will be held Friday from noon until 2 p.m. in the St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas.
Survivors include four brothers, Laurent Desilets, Pierre Julian Desilets, Charles August Desilets and Antonio Desilets, all of Montreal, Canada; two sisters, Therese Desilets and Marie Rose Desilets, both of Montreal, Canada; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Father Desilets was preceded in death by his parents, Adelard Desilets and Bella Guezin Desilets; and three brothers, Maurice Desilets, Paul Emile Desilets and Gerard Desilets.
Sibille Funeral Home in Opelousas is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Vessie Green
CENTER, TEXAS - Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004, at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center, Texas for Vessie Green, 91, of San Augustine, Texas, who passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, in San Augustine. Interment will be in Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas.
He was born May 3, 1912 in Shelby County, Texas to Will and Annie Laura (Ollie) Gilliam Green. He was an offshore superintendent for Brown and Root Construction Company and was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army B Company 27th Battalion, 20th Armored Division.
Mr. Green was a resident of San Augustine, Texas for the past 30 years, previously residing in Grand Isle. He was of Methodist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Green of San Augustine, Texas; a brother, Quinton Green of Crowley; nieces, Bettie Green Ivie and her husband Marvin of Shreveport, Jo Beth Wilburn and her husband Ellis of Shelbyville, Texas, Julia Guilbeau and her husband Charles (Beau) of Gonzales, and Martha Lee Erwin and her husband Tommy of Houma; nephews, Edgar (Cootie) Enmon and his wife Wanda of Ponchatoula, Quinton Lane Green and his wife Jan of Friendswood, Texas, Gerry Green and his wife Belinda of Crowley, and Donald Green and his wife Shelby of Raleigh, NC; numerous great nieces, nephews, other relatives, and numerous friends.
Active pallbearers will be Mr. Green’s nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

Linda Wilmoth Morgan
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, at Northside Assembly of God Church in Crowley with the Rev. Lloyd Singley, pastor, officiating, for Linda Wilmoth Morgan, 63, who died at 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003 at her residence in Prairieville.
She is survived by her husband, Carroll Morgan of Prairieville; a daughter, Jenny Carriere and her husband Scotty of Broussard; two sons, Kent Morgan and his wife Janet of Woodlands, Texas and Tracy Morgan and his wife Beverly of Westlake; her mother, Marjorie Marx of Lafayette; two sisters, Alice North and her husband Don of Pineville and Ellen Bush and her husband Brit of Lafayette; and six grandchildren, Allen, Bryan, Timmy, Melissa, Michael and Lance.
She was preceded in death by her father, Tracy Wilmoth.
Visitation may be observed from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park in Lafayette.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Gaston Leger
IOTA - Funeral services for Gaston Leger, 76, of Iota, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota with Fr. David Broussard, pastor, officiating. Mr. Leger died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, at the Jennings American Legion Hospital. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Mausoleum in Iota.
Mr. Leger was a long-time farmer in the Iota area, retiring in 1985. He worked for a time for Louisiana Irrigation and Mill and retired from the Acadia Parish Police Jury in 1994. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota and the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid gardener and loved to tend not only his vegetables, but also his flowers.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Celeda Latiola Leger of Iota; three sons, Jerry Leger, James Leger and his wife Carolyn, and Raymond Breaux and his wife Carolyn, all of Iota; 12 grandchildren, David Hebert of Branch, Darryl “Booger” Hebert, Jarrod Breaux, Shellie Guidry, Nicole Leger, Kaye Leger and Jaimie Leger, all of Iota, Kade Breaux of Abbeville, Derek “Turtle” Breaux of Maxie, Jerry P. Leger, Jacque Leger and Danny Leger, all of Estherwood; 12 great-grandchildren, Scott and Christopher Hebert, both of Branch, Dakota, Tanner, Dylan and Beau Hebert, Tyler Breaux, Kassidy and Adley Guidry and Mallorie Meyer, all of Iota, Kayne Breaux of Abbeville and Lindsay Breaux of Maxie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Zephrin Leger and Elizabeth Simar Leger; three brothers, Edward, Howard and Leroy Leger; and three sisters, Mabel L. LeDoux, Marie Leger and Ludy L. Pousson.
Pallbearers will be Timmy Guidry, Billy Beaseley, Jarrod Breaux, Darryl Hebert, Jerry P. Leger and Jacque Leger. Honorary pallbearers will be David Hebert, Kade Breaux, Derek Breaux and Danny Leger.
Visitation will be observed at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Iota from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursday and again on Friday from 6 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. A rosary was said at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.
The family extends a special thank you to Mrs. Mary Duhon and Mrs. Florein Boudreaux of Crowley and Mr. Leger’s nephew and his wife, Donald and Janice Leger of Iota, for the loving care and support during Mr. Leger’s lengthy illness.

Crowley Post Signal • 602 North Parkerson Avenue • Crowley, LA
Ph: 337-783-3450 • Fax: 337-788-0949