June 2005 Obituaries

JENNINGS – Lawrence “B” Sonnier, 88, died Saturday, June 18, 2005 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Estherwood Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home.

JENNINGS – Albert Boullion Sr., 86, died Saturday, June 18, 2005 at his daughter’s residence. Funeral services with full military rites will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 22 at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Evangeline. Burial will be in the Tee-Mamou Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home.

RAYNE – Austin Joseph Leger, 68, died Saturday, June 18, 2005 at La Masion de Lafayette. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 20 at the Assumption Church in Mire. Burial was in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home.

Marjorie K. Puissegur
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 23 at the First Baptist Church of Crowley at 10 a.m. for Marjorie Keller Puissegur, 93, who died Sunday, June 19, 2005 in Lafayette.
Mrs. Puissegur was born in Crowley to the late Ellis and Florence Gouge Keller. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she was a very active member and she was also a graduate of Crowley High School in 1929.
Rev. Roger Tarver, pastor of First Baptist Church of Crowley, will officiate for the funeral services and the entombment to follow in the Woodlawn Mausoleum. Visitation will be observed on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Mrs. Puissegur is survived by one son, Paul A. Richards of Lafayette, two grandchildren, Paul A. Richards Jr. and his wife Bridget of Rochester, N.Y. and Christine R. Charrier and her husband Mark R. of Lafayette; five great grandchildren, Lorin, Megan and Hanna Richards and Sam and Jessica Charrier.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 54 years, Paul R. Puissegur and her daughter-in-law, Ann Lyman Richards.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.

RAYNE – Rita Mae Melancon, 72, died Saturday, June 18, 2005 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne. Burial will be in the St. Joseph #2 Cemetery under the direction of Gossen Funeral Home of Rayne.

CHURCH POINT – Isaac I. Richard, 101, died Thursday, June 16 at Lafayette General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 19 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

Josephine H. Daigle
CHURCH POINT - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 20 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for Josephine Heinen Daigle, 94, who died Friday, June 17, 2005, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Msgr. Fred Swenson will officiate for the services. Burial will be held Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Church Point.
Visitation will be observed on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until the time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Survivors include two sons, Alfred “Freddie” Daigle and wife Sylvia and Albert “Bert” Daigle and wife Earline, both of Lafayette; one daughter, Janet Daigle Ethridge and husband James of Lafayette; eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, C.D. “Dodd” Daigle; her sister, Anna Marie Heinen Privat and her parents, Anton Joseph Heinen and Josephine Ronkartz Heinen.
Mrs. Daigle was born Jan. 2, 1911 in Maxie. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic School and later attended Webster Grove College in St. Louis, Mo. She later married Clarence Dodd Daigle in June, 1934 and made her home in Church Point. She was a charter member and life-long member of the Catholic Daughters of America’s Court Immaculate Conception #1531 of Church Point. She was a former member of the ladies altar society of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Roberts Cove.
Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Washington
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Monday, June 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church for Paul Washington, 84, who died Monday, June 13, 2005 at his residence in Crowley.
Mr. Washington was a tenant farmer and an auto mechanic who was born and reared in Lawtell.
Burial will be in St. Lawrence Catholic Church Cemetery in Mowata. Visiting hours will be observed Monday from 8 a.m. until service time. A rosary will be recited Monday at 9 a.m. at the church.
Survivors include his children, Paul Washington and wife Barbara of Eunice, Leonce Washington and wife Wands of Crowley, Mary Washington of Duson, Louella Washington-Mouton and husband Darrel of Rayne, Micheal Washington and wife Renee of Gueydan, Lillie Washington and husband Ron of Crowley, Betty Narcisse and husband Joseph of Duson, Linda Washington, Orelia Marie Wilridge and husband Joseph and Debra Washington, all of Crowley; 24 grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sister, Hazel Morgan of Crowley; his brothers, Thomas, Russell and Chester Washington of Crowley and Warren Washington of Eunice and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Orelia Leger Washington; his son, Herman Washington; his daughter, Theresa Washington; his parents, Amos Washington Sr. and Thelma Pitre Washington; his brother, Amos Washington Jr. and his sisters, Ada Washington, Cordia Walker, Theresa Washington, Thelma Beverly and Doris Johnson.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Syrie Funeral Home of Lafayette.

JENNINGS – Estelle Gotte Sensat, 88, died Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at Jennings American Legion Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, June 17, 2005 at Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in Gotte Cemetery. Matthews and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GUEYDAN – Margaret L. Bourque, 86, died Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at the Gueydan Memorial Guest Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 18, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gueydan. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews and Son Funeral Home.

Ella Mae Bertrand
JENNINGS – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Lyons Point for Ella Mae Bertrand, 73, who died Monday, June 13, 2005 at the Jennings American Legion Hospital. Interment will be in Lyons Point Cemetery. Rev. James Darunday will conduct the service.
Mrs. Bertrand was a native of Gueydan and a resident of Jennings. She was a former resident of Lyons Point. She was a member of the Holy Name Society of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Lyons Point and a member of the Ladies Altar Society. She loved to cook and she loved children.
Survivors include three sisters, Advelia Mallett and her husband Wallace of Welsh; Mona Richard and her husband Henry of Jennings and Evette Miller and her husband Howard of Campwood, Texas and her sister-in-law, Wanda Nolan of Gueydan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph LeJeune and Alice Hines; her stepfather, Fabian Nolan; her husband, Austin "Buck" Bertrand; one brother, Franklin Nolan, two sisters, Phalia Saltzman and Nola Trahan.
Visitation will be observed Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Wednesday at 8 a.m. until time of service. A rosary will be recited Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Charlie Guidry, Kenneth Nolan, Lawrence Mallett Sr., Glenn Allen Roe, Adam Mallett Sr. and Mathias Saltzman. The honorary pallbearer will be Tony Nolan.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews and Son Funeral Home Jennings.

Grace B. Bourque
LAFAYETTE – Funeral services will be held Friday, June 17 at a 9 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milton for Grace Breaux Bourque, 74, who died Tuesday, June 14 at her residence in Broussard.
Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Milton. Rev. Timothy Richard, pastor of St. Edmond Catholic Church, will be the celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Con-celebrant will be Deacon Cody Miller.
Survivors include three daughters, Cecile Bourque of Broussard, Karen Migues and her husband, Cy of New Iberia and Monica K. Bourque of Broussard; two sons, Calvin Bourque and his wife Regina of Judice and Clayton Bourque and his wife Pam of Houston; five grandchildren, Kyle Joseph Bourque, Stephanie May Bourque, Andre Pierre Bourque, Dylan Jude Speight and Chase Michael Bourque; one sister, Ludy Belle "Tut" Bourque of Scott; four brothers, Eddie Breaux and his wife Elgene of Crowley, Curtis Breaux and his wife, Flo of Belmont, Texas, Willie "Sonny" Breaux of Nacogdoches, Texas and Wilbert "T-Snook" Breaux of Crowley and her in-laws, Hazel Bourque LeBlanc of Maurice, Dorothy Bourque Charpentier of Franklin and Irby Bourque of Milton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Pierre Bourque; one son, Harold G. Bourque; her parents, Martin and Louise Gautreaux Breaux; two brothers, Leroy and Joe Breaux and two sisters, Edna Simon and Emma Lee Duhon.
Mrs. Bourque was a native of Crowley and a resident of Broussard for most of her life. She was a wonderful mother and loved caring for her children and grandchildren.
A rosary will be recited Thursday at7 p.m. in the Martin and Castille Funeral Home.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. until time of the funeral Mass.
Pallbearers will be Andre Bourque, Chase Bourque, Dylan Speight, Kyle Bourque, Bradley Breaux and John Allen LeBlanc. Honorary pallbearers are Stephanie May Bourque, Tammy Breaux Moore, Richard LeBlanc and Edward "Boy" Breaux.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette.

EUNICE – Bertha Dean Leger, 64, died Monday, June 13, 2005 at her residence in Iota. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 17 at Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Eunice. Burial will be in the St. Lawrence Cemetery under the direction of Owens-Thomas Funeral Home.

CROWLEY – Gerard Breaux, 39, died Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at the University Medical Center in Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Owen-Thomas Funeral Home of Crowley.

Clifton D. Hoffpauir
EUNICE – Funeral services will be held Friday, June 17 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Eunice for Clifton Dean Hoffpauir, 42, who died Wednesday, June 15, 2005 in Iota.
Fr. Carolyn Volentine will officiate for the services. Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed Thursday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until time of service.
Survivors include one aunt, Mary Jo Hoffpauir of Crowley; two uncles, Elvis Lynn Hoffpauir and wife Vanessa of Royersford, Penn. and Kenneth Hoffpauir and wife Zulah of Crowley and paternal grandmother, Hazel Hoffpauir of Crowley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerold “Jerry” and Barbara Linscombe Hoffpauir and his aunt, Hazel Dean Hoffpauir.
He loved to go every where with his father, who was usually out covering different events for the Eunice News. His favorite event was to go with his dad to the council meetings. He also had a great love for his church. Clifton also enjoyed going to the Guillory Developmental Center and he loved going to his father’s friend’s homes for dinner. He will be sadly missed by his friends at school and by his family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ardoin Funeral Home in Eunice.

Florence N. Culpepper
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Friday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. for Florence Norby Culpepper, 88, who died at home in Crowley on Tuesday, June 14. Services will be held at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home. Visitation will be observed from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. Services will be conducted by Rev. Roger Brown of the First Presbyterian Church of Crowley, where Mrs. Culpepper was a member.
Born in Estherville, Iowa, Mrs. Culpepper had been a resident of Crowley since 1938. For many years she was an integral part of Culpepper’s Jewelry Store.
In her loving family she leaves her nephew, Peter Nissen; sister-in-law, Lora French Ruess; her niece, Susan Buckley; two granddaughters, Heather Hawkins and Mary Angela Serola, and great-nephews and great-nieces, Donna Chapin, Becky Graf, Joseph Nissen, David Buckley, Annabel Wildrick and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wirt Culpepper and her children, William Wirt, Christine Emily and Charles Curran Culpepper.
Contributions can be made to a local animal shelter or humane society.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Joseph Frank Fontenot, 83, died Saturday, June 11, 2005 at the Eunice Community Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 14 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

RAYNE – Preston Joseph Richard, 76, died Saturday, June 11, 2005 at the South Medical Center in Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 at Assumption Church in Mire. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

RAYNE – Valson J. Stutes, 81, died Saturday, June 11, 2005 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 14 at the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

Mrs. Carita T. Helo
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13, 2005 at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church for Mrs. Carita T. Helo, 75, who died Friday, June 10, 2005 at Southwind Nursing Home.
Fr. Gary Schexnayder will officiate at the services and burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be at 2 p.m. today with viewing until 10 p.m. and again Monday from 8 a.m. until the time of services.
Survivors include her husband, Henry Helo of Crowley; one daughter, Linda Helo of Crowley; one son, Hank Helo and his wife Susie of Rayne; two brothers, Merton Thibodeaux of Rayne and Alton Thibodeaux of Duson; three sisters, Irene Beebe of Arlington, Tx., Danielle Skinner of Florida and Linda Beuley of Lafayette; her godmother, Agnes Orgeron of Lafayette, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Helo was preceded in death by her son, Kalil Helo, her parents, Andrus and Amy Thibodeaux, Sr., two sisters, Doye Whitewing and Mary Louise Heafner and one brother, Andrus Thibodeaux, Jr.
Pallbearers will be Henry Helo, III, Mike Helo, Sahid Helo, W.K. Whitewing, Chris Richard and Elias Ackal, III
Duhon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Cynthia R. Hindman
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church for Cynthia Ridling Hindman, 94, who died Friday, June 10, 2005 at 3:25 a.m. at St. James Place in Baton Rouge.
Rev. Truman Stagg will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed at the church Sunday at 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Survivors include one son, Jim Hindman and wife Joellen of Crowley; one daughter, Dorothy Meyer and husband Robert of Thibodaux; six grandchildren, Kurt Meyer and wife Amy, Franet Meyer Hazard and husband Richard, Joel Hindman and wife Nancy, Mary Cynthia Hindman Duhon and husband Michael, Mitchell Hindman and wife Janet and Elizabeth Hindman Hebert and husband Darryl and ten great grandchildren, Matthew Duhon, Austin Duhon, Erin Duhon, John Hindman, Leslie Hindman, Emily Hindman, Sydney Hindman, Whitney Hindman, Sarah Hebert and Patrick Hebert.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ewell F. Hindman.
She was a native of Kale, Ark. and spent 18 years in Crowley. She and her husband owned and operated the Gulf Bulk Plant in Crowley.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey Ferguson Funeral Home.

Enford L. Godeaux
LAFAYETTE – Funeral services will be held Monday, June, 13 at 2 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Mermentau for Enford Lee Godeaux, 37. A celebration of Enford's life memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m. at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Lafayette. Enford, the son of Gerald and Janet Godeaux of Mermentau was born into the world on November 1967 and left this life on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 to begin his glorious journey with his God.
He leaves behind his two beloved children, Hailey Noel Godeaux and Stefan Ross Godeaux of Port Barre; his partner in life, Joseph Richard of Lafayette; his two brothers, Phillip Godeaux of Mermentau and Thomas Godeaux of Carlyss; his two sisters, Jamie Duhon of Vinton and Mary Wallette of Kenetick, Texas; his grandmother, Lilly Breaux of Mermentau and two sisters of choice, Carly Motichek and Marci Lee of Lafayette.
Enford gave us all his love, his zest for life and compassion. These gifts we will cherish always. How blessed we are to have shared our lives with one of God's greatest creatures.
Fountain Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery is in charge of arrangement.

David Lee Myers
CROWLEY - Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2005, at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for David Lee Myers, 74, who died at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005, at American Legion Hospital.
Brother Rod Reynolds officiated for the services. Burial was in Estherwood Cemetery.
Visitation was observed on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Myers of Morse; two daughters, Connie Breaux of Morse and Karen Myers of Escondido, Ca.; two brothers, Mark Myers Jr., of Crowley and Carson Myers of Crowley; one sister, Lucy Myers of Crowley and one granddaughter, Shantelle Breaux of Morse.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Evelyn Duplechain Myers Sr., and one brother, Carter Myers.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Murphy James “Jody” Olivier
LAFAYETTE - Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for Murphy James "Jody" Olivier, Jr., 41, who passed away Thursday, June 2, 2005 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Entombment will be in the church mausoleum.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 12, 2005 at Syrie Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume Monday, June 13, 2005 at the funeral home from 7 a.m. until time of services.
Syrie Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Marlin James “Mutt” Landry
ABBEVILLE - Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13, 2005 at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church for Marlin James "Mutt" Landry, 42, who passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2005. Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 13, 2005 at St. Theresa Catholic Church from 8:30 a.m. until time of services.
Syrie Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

RAYNE – Dottie Venable, 72, died Thursday, June 9 at her residence in Duson. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11 at St. Theresa’s Church. Burial was in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

RAYNE – Ella Jean Bell, 72, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at Eunice Community Hospital. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 10 at St. Joseph Church in Rayne. Burial was in the church cemetery #2 under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

Brenda A. Myers
LAKE ARTHUR – Funeral services will be held Friday, June 10 at 2 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Estherwood for Brenda A. Myers, 61, who died Monday, June 6, 2005 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Rev. Thomas Habetz will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Estherwood Memorial Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed at 8 a.m. until service time. A rosary was recited Thursday at the funeral home.
Survivors include her husband, Phil Myers of Estherwood; one daughter, Nadine Creswell and husband Eddy of Gainsville, Texas; two sons, Philip Myers and wife Jill of Church Point and Mitchell and Amy Myers of Rice Lake, Wis.; one sister, Patricia Vincent of Lake Arthur; two brothers, Sonny Abshire and Bobby Abshire, both of Lake Arthur; five grandchildren, Lydia Bolder, Blake Creswell, Austin Creswell, Maeve Myers and Sean Myers.
She was preceded in death by her parents Austin and Mary Sonnier Abshire Sr. and two brothers, Logan and Carl Abshire.
Pallbearers include Kevin Sonnier, Danny Abshire, Barry Abshire Allen Abshire, Bart Abshire, Blake Creswell Chad Johnson and Rich Antoine.
Honorary pallbearers include Kenneth Sonnier, Ronnie Sonnier, Johnny Sonnier, Austin Creswell, Sean Myer and Maeve Myers.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Miguez Funeral Home.

Jacqueline D. Trahan
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Friday, June 10 at 2 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for Jacqueline Dupuis Trahan, 69, who died Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at Lafayette General Medical Center.
Fr. Gary Schexnayder, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, will officiate for the services. Visiting hours will be observed Friday from 8 a.m. to service time. A rosary was recited Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Trahan of Crowley; five daughters, Renee Bourgeois and her husband Roderick of Jennings, Karen Breaux and her husband Jeffery of Egan, Melanie Newman and her husband Pacerd of Crowley, Katie Miller and her husband Michael of Iota, Kim Miller of Crowley; one son, Jeffery Trahan of Crowley; one sister, Barbara Jean Dubey of Crowley; one brother, D. J. Dupuis of Crowley; nine grandchildren, Laurie Bourgeois, Tillie Morgan, Bobby Breaux, Kimberly Edwards, Eric Newman, Lacey Breaux, Jeanne Miller, Kevin Breaux and Lydia Breaux; three great-grandchildren, Lance Morgan, Jayden Morgan and Brileigh Newman.
Mrs. Trahan was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Idee Guilbeau Dupuis; one son-in-law, Louis Miller; one half-sister, Mary Lou Darbonne; three half-brothers, V. L. Barnhill, Lloyd Barnhill and B. Dupuis.
Pallbearers include Bobby Breaux, Eric Newman, Kevin Breaux, Rick Edwards, Josh Morgan and Trae Henry.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley.

Garrett Frey
IOTA – Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church for Garrett “Smokey” Frey, 42, who died Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at the Eunice Community Medical Center.
Father David Broussard will officiate for the services. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until service time. A rosary will be recited Friday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Survivors include his parents, Robert and Maxine Frey of Mowata; his sons, Blake Frey and Kyle Frey, both of Crowley; two brothers, Brian Frey and wife Pam of Lafayette and Max Steven Frey and wife Bridgette of Egan; three sisters, Angelle Granger and husband Mike of Mobile, Ala., Jody Henderson and husband Ronnie of Iota and Jill Scherer and husband Sean of Eunice; his maternal grandmother, Alice Simar of Iota and paternal grandfather, Andrew Frey of Mowata.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lillie Mae Frey and his maternal grandfather, Max Simar.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Iota.

RAYNE – Elnora Sias, 55, died June 2, 2005 at Prompt Succor Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held at Saturday, June 11, 2005 at noon at Starlight Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Maryland Chapel Cemetery in Branch under the direction of Syrie Funeral Home of Lafayette.

RAYNE – Mary Ann White, 57, died died June 1, 2005 at Amelia Manor Nursing Home in Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, June 11 at Cunningham C.M.E. Church. Burial will be in the Rayne Protestant Cemetery under the direction of Syrie Funeral Home of Lafayette.

CHURCH POINT – Kermit Hebert, 75, died June 8, 2005 at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metarie. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Branch. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

Harlan R. Young Jr.
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Friday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m. the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Harlan Ray Young Jr., 77, who died Saturday, June 4, 2005 at Lafayette General Hospital.
Rev. Larry Evans will officiate for the services. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in Abbeville. Visiting hours will be observed Thursday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Catherine Harding Young of Crowley; one daughter, Janet Raye Young Chauvin and husband Donald of Abbeville; one son, David Allen Young and wife Christine of Denham Springs; one sister, Louise Thaxton of Shreveport; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Mr. Young was known to family and friends as "Ray." He was born on September 27, 1927 in Bossier City. His 34-year career with Exxon Corporation eventually brought him to the Crowley area where he worked as a supervisor at the Exxon Blue Water Gas Plant until his retirement in 1986.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan Ray and Doris Young Sr.; three brothers, Oscar Allen, Faron and Clifton Leroy Young and one sister, Dorothy Mae Young.
Pallbearers will be Todd K. Chauvin, Marshall Trahan, Brandon Young, Shawn Etie’, Cato Clark and Don Chauvin.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home.

RAYNE – Arthur James “Pee Wee” White, 67, died Friday, June 3, 2005 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at Cunningham C.M.E. Church in Rayne. Burial will be in the Rayne Protestant Cemetery under the direction of Syrie Funeral Home of Lafayette.

RAYNE – Ella Jean Bell, 76, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at Eunice Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 10 at St. Joseph Church in Rayne. Burial will be in the church cemetery #2 under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

Nathan M. Lacombe
IOTA – Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 8 at 10 a.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Iota for Nathan Michael Lacombe, 28, who died Sunday, June 5, 2005 at 8:06 p.m. in Crowley.
Nathan was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, a 1995 graduate of Iota High School. He was employed at Affordable Glass in Iota and he loved hunting, fishing, rodeos, riding his four wheeler and spending time with his son.
Fr. David Broussard, pastor of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Iota will celebrate the Mass of Christian burial and conduct the graveside services at Saint Joseph Cemetery.
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation was observed from 1 p.m. Tuesday until 10 p.m. and on Wednesday from 7 a.m. until time of services.
Nathan is survived by his wife, Julie Gotte Lacombe of Iota; one son, Cody Michael Lacombe of Iota; his parents, Michael and Matilda Lacombe of Iota; three sisters, Rhonda Potts of Alabama; Ashley Lacombe of Iota and Erin Lacombe of Iota.
Geesey - Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. of Iota,. has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Barbara J. Wilkins
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 11 at 11 a.m. at Bethel C.M.E. Church for Barbara Joan Wilkins, 67, who died Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at a hospital in Los Angeles.
Rev. Felton Joseph will officiate for the services. Burial will be in the West Crowley Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed Saturday from 8 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include one son, Kenneth Ray Wilkins of Los Angeles; one brother, Jerry Wilkins Sr. and wife Shannon; five sisters, Mary Alice Cottrell of Houston, Ferrie W. Harmon, Brenda W. Yokum and husband Wesley Sr., Terry W. Corbins and husband Ben Sr. and Sherrie W. Handy, all of Crowley and two grandchildren, Twyla Wilkins and Danna Wilkins.
Mrs. Wilkins was preceded in death by her parents, Geary and Susie T. Wilkins; her special friend in life, Ray Brown; two brothers, Sidney Poret Jr. and Geary Wilkins Jr.; one sister, Jeralyn “Pug” Wilkins; two brothers-in-law, Bobby Harmon and Dorris Handy and one sister-in-law, Grace Poret.
She was a 1955 graduate of H.C. Ross High.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Fondel Memorial Chapel in Lake Charles.

MERMENTAU – Abbie B. LeBlanc, 90, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 9 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Mermentau. Burial will be in the Mermentau Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings.

RAYNE – Claude Stelly, 95, died Saturday, June 4, 2005 at the Rayne Guest Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 7 at St. Joseph Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery #2 under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home.

RAYNE – Adeline Locksey, 92, died Saturday, June 4, 2005 at American Legion Hospital in Crowley. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 8 at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Syrie Funeral Home.

LAWTELL – Claudia M. Stelly, 76, died Saturday, June 4, 2005 at Doctors Hospital in Opelousas. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 at St. Bridget’s Church in Lawtell. Burial will be in the Ceder Hill Cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

INDIAN BAYOU – Jesse W. Hoffpauir Sr., 88, died Friday, June 3 at the Crowley Guest Home. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 6 at the Indian Bayou Methodist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

Joseph Lantier
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, June 5 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Joseph Lantier, 86, who died Thursday, June 2, 2005.
Rev. L.C. Lord, Rev. Chris Campo and Rev. Farley Painter will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Saturday at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. until time of service.
Survivors include three sons, Steve Lantier of Gueydan, Terry L. Lantier of Crowley and Monte B. Lantier of Crowley; three half-brothers, Martin Lantier of Sulphur, Louis Lantier of Sulphur and Percy Menard of Sunset; five half-sisters, Hilda Menard of Lake Charles, Edith Lantier of Morgan City, Verdie Guidry of Patterson, Hazel Ewing of Hornbeck and Bertha Faul of Rayne; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Mr. Lantier was preceded in death by his wife, Louella B. Lantier; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lantier; two brothers, Ervin and Oscar Lantier and one daughter, Andrea Lantier.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home.

William Wayne “Bill” Atwood
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2005, at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for William Wayne “Bill” Atwood, 51, who died Wednesday, June 1, 2005, at North Suburban Medical Center in Thorton, CO.
Dr. Hilliard Comeaux will officiate for the services. Burial will be held in Ebenezer Cemetery.
Visitation will be observed on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Survivors include two sisters; Susan A. Laborde and her husband Tracy of Mandeville and Jill Atwood of Baton Rouge; four nephews, Marc, Brian, Todd and Tracy Laborde.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank M. Atwood, Jr. and Betty Hoffpauir Atwood.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gervais Venable
CHURCH POINT - Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2005, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for Gervais Venable, 79, who died at 8:55 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2005, at Opelousas General Hospital.
Interment will be held in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cemetery, located on Highway 35, in Church Point.
Visitation will be observed on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until the time of services.
A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements.

William John Stavarek Sr.
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Monday, June 6, 2005, at 3 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church for William John Stavarek Sr., 85, who died at 4:37 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2005 at his residence in Crowley.
Father Gary Schexnider, pastor of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, will officiate the Mass of Christian burial. The visitation will be observed Monday, June 6 from 10 a.m. until time of services. A rosary will be held at 11 a.m.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Constance A. Stavarek of Crowley; one daughter, Suzan S. Croughan and her husband Timothy of Crowley; two sons, William John Stavarek, II and his wife, Elenore of Sierra Vista, Arizona, and David Frank Stavarek and his wife, Patricia Wall Stavarek of Sacramento, California; one sister, Emma Berger of Sanger, California and five grandchildren, Peter William Croughan, William David Croughan, Carolyn Marie Croughan, Theodore Wall Stavarek and Angie Miller.
Mr. Stavarek was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Frank I. Stavarek and one sister, Lillian Frances Guettner.
Mr. Stavarek was born in Yoakum, TX to the late Frank and Mary Orsak Stavarek. He graduated high school from Saint Joseph High School in Yoakum, TX. He later met his wife, Constance Andlovic and they were married June 10, 1951 in Fresno, California. He served his country in the United States Air Force and the U.S. Army during WW II; he was a 60 year member of the American Legion, a member of the Czechoslovakian Catholic Organization of Texas, the A.A.R.P., and a member of the Teamsters Union.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, Hospice of Acadiana or the charity of your choice.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Joseph Dennis Briscoe, 41, died Thursday, June 2, 2005 in Rayne. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 6 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

IOTA – Diana Faye Miller, 52, died June 2, 2005. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 3 at Ardoin’s Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin’s Funeral Home.

Donald R. Bias
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church for Donald Ray Bias, 49, who died Friday, May 27, 2005 at the University Medical Center in Lafayette.
Rev. Louis Dugas will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed Saturday from 8 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include his mother, Nettie Bias of Crowley; his father, Joseph Chaisson of Houston; two daughters, Amy White of Rayne and Amanda Ray Rougeaux of Eunice; one son, Devin Broussard of Rayne; three sisters, Rita Benoit of Crowley, Brenda Hayes of Port Arthur, Texas and Barbara Brown of Crowley; six brothers, Franklin Carmouche Jr. of Houston, Walter Carmouche, Carl Carmouche and Jerry Carmouche, all of Crowley, Ronald Carmouche of Rayne and Dafart Bias of Crowley and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, Donald Ray Graham.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Owens-Thomas Funeral Home.

Mary A. Chaisson
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 4 at 10 a.m. at Theresa’s Catholic Church for Mary Ann Chaisson, 58, who died Sunday, May 29, 2005 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Father Richard Sadlier will officiate for the services. Burial will be in South Crowley Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed Saturday at 8 a.m. until service time.
Survivors one son, David James Chaisson of Crowley; three sisters, Beatrice Young of Houston, Annie Mae Chaisson of Lake Charles and Lucille Chaisson of Crowley and one brother, Dalton Chaisson of Houston.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Owens-Thomas Funeral Home.

Michelle L. LeJeune
IOTA – Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 4 at 1 p.m. at Geesey Ferguson Funeral Home in Iota for Michelle Lee LeJeune, 26, who died Tuesday, May 31, 2005 in Denham Springs.
Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Iota. Visiting hours will be observed Friday at noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. until time of service.
Survivors include her mother, Olivia LeJeune; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Romona and Clift Cowart; one daughter, Chelsea Lynn Cowart; one son, Brett Cade Orillion; one sister, Stacy LeJeune and two brothers, Brian and Martin LeJeune.
She was a native of Iota and a resident of Denham Springs.
She was preceded in death by her father, Martin LeJeune and one sister.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs.

Emma S. Murphy
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 2 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for Emma Smith Murphy, 90, who died May 31, 2005 at the Crowley Guest House.
Fr. Gary Schexnayder will be officiating for the service. Interment will be in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Richard.
She is survived by one son, Donald Murphy of Lake Arthur; two daughters, Vernel M. LeJeune of Orange, Texas and Janet M. Signorelli of Moses Lake, Wash.; two step daughters, Flavia Viator of Baton Rouge and Zula Lyons of Welsh; one step-son George Vincent of Texas; three half-sisters, Cora, Mary, and Missy "Lily"; 24 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Murphy is preceded in death by first husband Carl John Murphy; second husband Edes Vincent; four sons, Winson Murphy, Carl "Bish" Murphy, Jr., Autry Murphy and John "Black" Murphy; one daughter, Icy M. Foreman; one step daughter, Grace Perry; two granddaughters, Sherry Gipson, and Carla Murphy; her parents, George and Odelia Comeaux Smith; two sisters, Maude Young and Myrtis Murphy; four brothers, Edward Smith, Teet Smith, Sonny Smith and Albert Smith;and numerous half brothers and sisters.
Visitation may be observed Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service.
The family would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Edward "Pete" Prejean, Sharon Menard of Louisiana Hospice and the staff of Crowley Guest House.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley will be in charge of arrangements.

Vernice Johnson
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 2 at 10 a.m. at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Vernice Johnson, 70, who died Wednesday, June 1, 2005 at the American Legion Hospital.
Brother Rick Lagford will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be observed Thursday from 8 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include one son, Tim Broussard and wife Debbie of Sunset; one sister, Irene Cormier of Carencro; one brother, Edward Johnson of Rayne; two grandchildren, Christine Ebinal of New York and Jeremy Faul of Mire; one step-daughter, Charlene Saltzman and husband Paul of Lake Charles; one step-son, Glen Landry of Houston; three step-grandchildren, Ted Saltzman, Scott Saltzman and Jill Saltzman; and nine great grandchildren.
Ms. Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, Gero and Armenia Winn Johnson; four brothers, Curley, Burley, Stanley and Hilton Johnson; one sister, Ruby Hoffpauir and one daughter, Gwendolyn Broussard.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home.

CROWLEY – Marjorie Primeaux Wyrick, 68, died Monday, May 30 at the Crowley Guest House. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 3 at Abshire Cemetery under the direction of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home.

GUEYDAN – Leo P. Abshire, 71, died Tuesday, May 31 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 2 at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Gueydan Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Gueydan.

Lee Ethel Dupont
RAYNE – A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 3 at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church of Rayne for Lee Ethel Dupont, 57, who died Monday, May 30, 2005 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
A native and life long resident of Rayne, Lee Ethel was a 1964 graduate of Holy Rosary Catholic School in Lafayette. She received a bachelors of science and a master's of education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Lee Ethel recently retired from the Acadia Parish School System after 35 years of service.
While employed by the Acadia Parish School System she served as Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, Math and Science, from 1999 until her retirement. She was responsible for all vocational, math and science programs. She coordinated all school-to-work activities; High Schools That Work, Tech Prep, PreGED/Skills programs; A-HEC Programs, Teacher Cadet Programs and all certification programs. She served as principal at Crowley Middle School from 1996-1999; assistant principal at Crowley Middle School from 1991-1996; assistant principal at Rayne High School from 1987-1991; a math teacher at Rayne High School from 1969-1987.
She was a member of Rayne Branch National Association of University Women, Office of Minority Affairs-Lafayette Diocese, Association of Careers and Technical Education, association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Louisiana Math and Science Association, Acadia Administrators’ Association, National Association of Educators and Louisiana Association of Education.
Survivors include three brothers, Melvin and wife Helen, Peter Jr. and wife Bernice and John and wife Debra Dupont all of Rayne; one sister, Alexia and husband Curtis Williams of Gramercy; one great aunt, Mabel Adams from Houston; three aunts, Mildred Duhon of Rayne, Mary Conway of Lake Charles and Clemintine Fontenot of Houston; five uncles, Ashton Dupont of California, Eldridge Dupont, Willie Dupont and Norrell Dupont from Houston and Charlie Dupont from Lake Charles; 13 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews; relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter Dupont Sr. and Rosanna D. Dupont Williams; her maternal grandparents, Alex Duhon and Alice Duhon Pierre; her paternal grandparents Emile and Lillian Dupont and one brother, Joseph Dupont.
Rev. Richard Wagner, Pastor of Our Mother of Mercy Church, will be the celebrant of the Mass with interment taking place at Our Mother of Mercy Cemetery in Rayne. Visitation will be observed at 8 a.m. until the time of service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Syrie Funeral Home of Lafayette.

Alton J. Istre
LAKE CHARLES – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 2 in Johnson Funeral Home for Alton John Istre, 80, of Lake Charles who died Monday, May 30, 2005.
Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley. Deacon Dan Landry will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home.
Mr. Istre was born to Clamille and Corrine Hanks Istre, on August 6, 1924, in Lyons Point. He was a native of Crowley and lived most of his life in the Lake Charles area.
Mr. Istre attended Lyons Point School and Crowley High. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Mr. Istre was employed by PPG for 37 years as an operator. In his retirement years, he enjoyed the company of his family, friends and beloved pets. Mr. Istre was past Post Commander of VFW Post 7586 in Iowa. He was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church.
Mr. Istre is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gladys Plaisance Istre of Lake Charles; two sons, Harvey J. Istre and wife Beth of Vinton and Adam Istre of Sulphur; two daughters, Diana Istre Francis of Crowley and Debra Istre Winch and husband Maynard of Maryville, Tenn.; one sister, Angela Istre Henry and husband Lawson of Houston; ten grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Mr. Istre is preceded in death by his parents, Clamille and Corrine Hanks Istre; Also siblings, Dora Istre Meaux, Carmilete Istre Foreman, Leonie Istre, Allen Istre, Ellison Istre and Clamille Istre, Jr.
Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles is in charge of the arrangements. Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome .com

RAYNE – Rita Guidry Gibson, 63, died Friday, May 27, 2005 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4 at Our Our Mother of Mercy Church in Rayne. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

Winston Atteberry Jr.
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 1 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for Winston Atteberry Jr., 62, who died May 29, 2005 in Baton Rouge.
Rev. Rogers, pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church will be officiating for the services.
He is survived by two sons, Winston T. Atteberry of Ponchatoula and Garrett Townsend Atteberry of Denver; two grandchildren, Samantha Dawn Atteberry and Bailey Paul Atteberry both of Lafayette and one brother, Mac Atteberry of Mowata.
Mr. Atteberry is preceded in death by his parents, Winston and Carrie D. Atteberry, Sr.; and one sister, Caroline Prudhomme.
Visitation may be observed Wednesday from 2 p.m. until the time of service.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley will be in charge of arrangements.

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