March 2004 Obituaries

Percy Richard
Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon, March 30, at 4 p.m. at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for Percy Richard, 67, who died Sunday, March 28, 2004, at the Crowley Guest House.
Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley. Father Rusty Richard will officiate at the services.
Mr. Richard loved his music and loved playing the accordion. For 46 years he would plant a garden and he shared his vegetables with everyone. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. He will be sadly missed by everyone.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Richard of Crowley; one son Ronald J. and his wife Lucita “Lucky” Richard of Crowley; one daughter Madonna and her husband Ronald Perry; four brothers, Howard, Murphy, Antoine, Jr. and Harry Richard all of Crowley; three sisters, Agnes Castille of Rayne, Dorothy Stutes and Jenelle Moore both of Crowley; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren
He was preceded in death by his parents, Antoine and Eunice Richard, Sr.; and one sister, Dorothy Marie Richard.
Visiting hours were observed from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday. They will be observed from 8 a.m. until service time on Tuesday.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Natka Melancon Stewart
“For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 30, at11 a.m. at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel, for Mary Natka Melancon Stewart, 77, who passed away Sunday, March 28, 2004 at Lafayette General Hospital.
Interment will be in Maxie Cemetery. Father Ken Broussard, relative Mrs. Stewart and pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Iberia, will officiate at the services.
Mrs. Stewart was native and life long resident of Crowley. Her life was filled with love and devotion to her family, friends and her Catholic faith. This was very evident to all who knew her. Her life revolved around seeing to the needs of others before those of her own. Her special love was providing large meals at holidays and special occasions so that she could visit with her many friends and family. She has left behind a treasure trove of fond memories for those who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her husband of sixty-three years, Amos Stewart of Crowley; two daughters, Patricia Whitley and her husband Don of Bossier City and Rebecca Stewart of Crowley; one grandson, Tye Christopher Whitley and his wife Michelle; their daughter (Old Maw Maw’s special angel) Jillian of Lake Charles; one sister, Naomi Meyers of Crowley; two brothers, Jimmy Melancon and his wife Carol; Sheriff-Elect, Wayne Melancon and his wife Charlene. Also included for their love Mrs. Stewart were foreign exchange students of Don and Patricia Whitley, Elena Bakcheeva of Russia, Dusan Nogulovic of Yugoslavia, Eliana and Paula Posada of Columbia, South America. They affectionately referred to Mrs. Stewart as “Maw Maw”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Antoine and Clara Chaisson Melancon and one brother, Rev. Robert Melancon.
Visiting hours were observed at Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and will be observed from 8 a.m. until service time on Tuesday.
Pallbearers are as follows: Wayne Melancon, Beanie Melancon, Dale Melancon, Larry Broussard, Tye Christopher Whitley and Christopher Melancon. Honorary pallbearers are as follows: Jimmy Melancon, Brent Stewart, Charles Broussard, Wendell Wyatt, Darwin Hayes and Gene Stewart.
The family is deeply grateful for the loving care that Mrs. Stewart received from the Lafayette General nursing staff of the eight floor, as well as Dr. Richard Fei, Dr. Michael Cain and Dr. Jefferey Chen. The family is especially thankful for her wonderful neighbors, family members and friends who provided comfort and assistance to her during her time of need. A special thanks for the spiritual guidance and in home church services provided to Mrs. Stewart goes out to Sister Justine as well as Charles and Janet Broussard, relatives of Mrs. Stewart.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Eli Leger, 84, died Friday, March 26, 2004. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 29 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church mausoleum under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

RAYNE – Mrs. Clifton Minix, 73, died Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at his residence in Rayne. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 27 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne. Burial was held in the Rayne Protestant Cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home in Rayne.

Carl Bruce Robison
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, for Carl Bruce Robinson, 72, who died Thursday, March 25, 2004, at his residence in Crowley.
Interment will be in Maxie Cemetery. Father Gary Schexnayder, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Crowley, will officiate at the services.
Mr. Robison was a veteran of the Korean Conflict having served in the U. S. Army. He was a member and past commander of American Legion, Acadia Post #15 and a member of V. F. W. Post 6720. He served on the Board of Directors of American Legion Hospital. He retired from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and as a farmer. Mr. Robison was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Bertrand Robison of Crowley; one daughter Charlotte R. Jeffers and her husband Edwin of Crowley; four sons, Bruce K. Robison and his wife Joan B. of Crowley, Gerald E. Robison and his wife Angie A. of Coco Beach, FL, Richard W. Robison and his wife Donna G. of Jennings, Robert L. Robison and his wife Val L. of Crowley; one sister, Flossie R. Rayburn of Libuse, LA; one brother, John D. “Buddy” Robison of Dover, AR; ten grandchildren, Dori Beth Jeffers, Gina Sharp, Brice Robison, Joanna Robison, Hailey Robison, Carley Robison, Sarah Robison, Matt Robison, Olivia Robison and Rod Morgan; one great-grandchild Emma Sharp; and twenty-three nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dave F. and Florence McCoullough Robison.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until service time. Rosaries will be prayed Sunday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Murphy Allen Adams
MORSE - Funeral services were held Saturday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Lyons Point for Murphy Allen Adams, 62, who died Thursday, March 25, 2004 at his residence in Morse.
Interment was held in the St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Lyons Point. Father David Broussard, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota, officiated at the services.
Mr. Adams spent his career serving and protecting Acadia Parish and the State of Louisiana by serving 37 years in law enforcement, 20 with the State Police and 17 with the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Survivors include his wife of forty-two years, Percella T. Adams of Morse; two sons, Graycen C. and Judson P. Adams both of Lyons Point; one daughter, Karen A. Leger and her husband Raymond, Jr. of Morse; three grandchildren, Cheri’ K., Sharisee’ N. and Travis Chase Leger all of Morse; and three brothers, Lawrence and Roy Adams both of Lyons Point and Mark Adams of Montgomery, Ala.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Clevena Simon Adams and one infant sister.
Visiting hours were observed from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. until service time on Saturday.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley was in charge of arrangements.

Lucien
“To To” Roy
JUDICE - Funeral services will be held today, March 28, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Basil Catholic Church in Judice for Lucien “To To” Roy, age 78, who died Thursday, March 25, 2004 at 5:55 p.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Interment will be in the St. Basil Cemetery in Judice.
The Reverend Henry J. Broussard, Pastor, St. Basil Catholic Church, will conduct the services. Valerie Andrus, organist, will sing for the funeral services, Ave Maria, Amazing Grace, Be Not Afraid and The Old Rugged Cross.
Survivors include two daughters, Nellie Miller of Duson and Shirley Breaux of Crowley; one son, Daniel James Roy of Duson; eight grandchildren, Karen Miller Dore, Sheila Miller, Ronnie Breaux, Glen Breaux, Sharon Breaux, Amy Roy Thibodeaux, Lisa Roy and Amanda Roy; three great grandchildren; Travis James Champagne, Heaven Lee Thibodeaux and Ashton Daniel Billey; one sister, Agnes Trahan of Judice; three brothers, Johnny Roy, Lawrence “Bee” Roy and Dalton Roy, all of Judice and his friend, Verdine Carrier of Duson. He was preceded in death by his wife of forty eight and a half years, Juanita Patin Roy, his parents, Remy and Eugenie Albarado Roy; three brothers, Ernest Roy, David Roy and Wilson Roy and three sisters, Gladys Steiner, Mable Trahan and Anita Credeur.
A native of Scott and a lifelong resident of Duson, Mr. Roy was a veteran of military service having served in the United States Navy.
Prior to his retirement in 1988, Mr. Roy was employed by the Lafayette Parish Police Jury. He was formerly employed with the Ziegler and Trahan Dairy Products Company of Crowley for twenty six years.
Mr. Roy was a member of the St. Basil Catholic Community and also a member of the Judice VFW Post #9822.
A rosary will be recited Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in the Martin and Castille Funeral Home of Scott. The family requests that visiting hours be observed Sunday from 8:00 a.m. until time of the services.
Pallbearers are Bradley Roy, Melvin Roy, Harold Credeur, Reno Duhon, Lawrence Roy, Jr. and Randy Falcon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Scott.

KAPLAN – Mrs. Victoria Goodman, 99, died Tuesday, March 22, 2004 at Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 27 at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Kaplan. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Abbeville under the direction of Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Crowley.

KAPLAN – Mrs. Elnora Sonnier, 80, died Monday, March 22, 2004 at Kaplan Healthcare. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 27 at Mt. Zion B.C. in Gueydan. Burial will be in the Gueydan Cemetery under the direction of Owens-Thomas Funeral home of Crowley.

Lucille Trahan Murphy
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon, March 25, at 2 p.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Lucille Trahan Murphy, 76, who died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at her residence in Roberts Cove.
Interment will be in the Ky Hebert Cemetery. The Rev. Antoine Valdetero will officiate at the services.
Survivors include her three sons, Nelson Murphy and his wife Millie of Crowley; Ervin Murphy and his wife Ida of Crowley; and Sidney Murphy and his wife Tonia of Crowley; two brothers, E. J. Trahan and William Trahan both of Crowley; three sisters, Lillie Notestine of Jennings, Wilma Miller of Jennings and Lydia Kebodeaux of Crowley; eight grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Susie Trahan; her husband, Joe Murphy; two sons, Wayne and Don Murphy; four brothers, John, Lenis, Steve and Ray Trahan; and one sister, Dorothy Simon
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 8 a.m. until service time on Thursday.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth Dewayne Calloway
MARSHALL, TX. - Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Lewis Funeral Chapel for Kenneth Dewayne Calloway, 29, on March 18, 2004. Rev. Lewis Williams will officiate the services.
Interment will be in Rose Hill Gardens Cemetery.
Mr. Calloway is survived by his wife, Tiffany Henderson Calloway; their infant son, Kennethy Andrew Calloway of Bossier City; his mother Elizabeth Calloway; one sister, Angela Davis; two brothers, Nathan Calloway and Eric Davis both of Natchitoches; his In-Laws, John and Marla Benoit Henderson of Marshall, Tx.; his grandparents, Algie Benoit and Alichia Benoit both of Crowley; and several aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

CHURCH POINT – Wilfred Guidry, 82, died Saturday, March 20, 2004 at Jeff Davis living center. Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 22 at St. Peters Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Gueydan Cemetery under the direction of Vincent Funeral Home.

CHURCH POINT – Mrs. Irvin Wimberly, nee May Bourque, 91, died Sunday, March 21, 2004 at her residence in Church Point. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery in Lewisburg under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

Cecilia Doucet Reed
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 22, 2004, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota for Cecilia Doucet Reed, 80, who died on Saturday, March 20, 2004 at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Fr. David Broussard will officiate for the services. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visitation was observed from 5 p.m. until closing on Saturday and then will continue through until time of services on Monday with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 21.
Mrs. Reed was a retired personal care attendant from the Southwest Louisiana Developmental Center in Iota. She was also a member of the St. Joseph Ladies Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a lifetime member of the Murray J. Reed, Sr. American Legion Post 71 Ladies Auxiliary of Iota. “She has always faced life with courage and love. She is the golden thread that makes the fabric of our lives.”
Survivors include her five daughters, Abigail Foreman and her husband, A.D. Jr., and Madeline Domingue and her husband, Donald, both of Crowley, Willie Mae Scott and her husband Ivy Ray, Carolyn Reed, Phyllis Pousson and her husband, Danny, and Alice Frey and her husband, Danny, all of Iota; two sons, James Reed and his wife, Margie, of San Antonia, Texas and Murray J. Reed, Jr. and his wife, Susie, of Patterson; a brother, Paul Doucet of Iota, 26 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Altogher she leaves behind a family of 101 descendants.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Darbus and Clemence Doucet; three brothers, Harry, Bernis and Phillip Doucet and three sisters, Helen Prudhomme, Lula Fonetnot and Lucy Louvierre.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Iota are being entrusted with the arrangements.

Gene Allen Smith
Crowley - Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for Gene Allen Smith, 65, who died Thursday, March 18, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
Burial will be in the North Hanks Cemetery in Crowley.
Visitation was observed Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and will continue Sunday, March 21 from 8 a.m. until time of service.
Mr. Smith was a retired tool pusher, having worked for Grey Wolf Drilling Company for nearly 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Meaux Smith of Crowley, three sons, Kent A. Smith and his wife, Darlene, of Crowley, Kirk L. Smith and his wife, Kelli, of Moss Bluff, and Kevin A. Smith and his wife, Karen, of Scott; two daughters, Kim S. Cormier and her husband, Ron, of New Iberia and Kristi S. Faulk and her husband, Bill, of Crowley; twelve grandchildren, Brooke and Allison Cormier, Jacob and Katelyn Smith; Drew and Hannah Smith; Winston, Allen and Anne Faulk; and Kylee, Kami and Kennedi Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ollie Davis Smith; three brothers, Percy, Preston and Arthur Smith Jr. and six sisters, Ruth Hickey, Floy Belsom, Dottie Dugas, Doy Thompson, Betty Lutzke and Norma Simon.
Pallbearers will be Jerrl Thompson, Stewart Belsom, Rusty Smith, Bradley Nolan, Tommy Clark and Jacob Smith.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

CHURCH POINT - Dr. Keith Francois, 45, of Jacksonville, Florida died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at Orange Park Medical Center in Orange Park, Florida. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 23 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will be in the church mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

SCOTT – Wayne Alleman, 25, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at his home in Scott. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 19, 2004 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Scott. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

GUEYDAN – Lelia T. Hargrave, 89, died Saturday, March 13, 2004 at Gueydan Memorial Guest Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Gueydan. Burial will be in Hanks Cemetery under the direction of incent Funeral Home of Gueydan.

Olympe Comeaux Guidry
TIOGA - Olympe Comeaux Guidry, 93, died Friday, March 12, 2004, at the Rapides Medical Center in Alexandria.
There will be no funeral services as she had donated her body to LSU Medical Science.
She is a former resident of Lyons Point and Crowley.
The family requests family and friends to consider making Mass offerings for the repose of her soul.
Survivors include her son, Carroll Lee Guidry of Tioga, two daughters, Jane Eve Hulin of Tioga and Mary Ann Lafosse of Lake Charles, 17 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 16 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gladue Guidry.

Ann M. Guidry
LAFAYETTE - Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille for Ann M. Guidry, age 81, the former Ann M. Quebodeaux, who died Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 12:00 PM at her residence in Lafayette.
Interment will be in the Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery.
The Reverend Thomas Finley will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the Funeral Services. Musical Selections will be rendered by Mrs. Guidry‚s great granddaughter, Tiffany Claire Thibodeaux.
Survivors include two sons, John Robert Thibodeaux and his wife, Barbara M. and Joe Thibodeaux and his wife, Rebecca; eight grandchildren, Karen, Russell, Greg, Max, Allison, Joe, Jerome, and Brittney Thibodeaux and twelve great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Calix J. Guidry, Jr.; her parents, Israel and Leah Guidry Quebodeaux; two brothers, Francis Quebodeaux and Harold Quebodeaux.
A native of Port Arthur, Texas and a resident of Crowley until 1957, Mrs. Guidry also lived in Lafayette for the remainder of her life.
She was a graduate of Crowley High School.
Mrs. Guidry was employed as a Sales Representative and Founder of the Telephone Answering Service and Employment Placement Service Company.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and homemaker.
A rosary will be prayed Monday at 6:30 PM in the Martin & Castille Funeral Home.
The family requests that visiting hours will be observed Monday from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM and Tuesday from 8:00 AM until time of the Funeral Services.
Pallbearers are Blair LeBlanc, Ethan Simms, Jerome Thibodeaux, Russell Thibodeaux, Christopher Prejean and Greg Thibodeaux.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette. 337-234-2311.

Charles “Bert” Bernard
Funeral services was held Saturday, March 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church for Charles Bernard, 38, who died Saturday, March 6, 2004, Houston.
Interment will be in South Crowley Cemetery. Father Richard Sadlier, SSJ was the celebrant of the mass.
He is survived by his mother, Regina Bellard Bernard of Crowley; his fiancé, Bridgette Martin of Crowley; one daughter, Shanquilla Rideaux of Rayne; two sons, Kortlyn Charlot of Church Point and Malcolm Bernard of Buffalo, N.Y.; five brothers, Donald “Jackie” Bernard of Crowley; Lennis “Orlean” Bernard of Bellevue; Paul Bernard of Lafayette; Oliver “Lakrecia” Bernard of Rochester, N. Y.; and Jeremy Garrett of Crowley; four sisters, Thelma Allen of Lafayette; Gertie Bernard of Redwood, Calif.; Judy Bernard of Texas City; and Goldie Bernard of Lake Charles; five aunts, Aline Vallier of Lafayette; Lucille Smith of Gardenia, Calif.; Mary Lou Collins of Lake Charles; Lillian Bates of Crowley; and Ella Batiste of Winnie, Texas; five uncles, Nelson Batiste and Elkin Batiste both of Winnie, Texas; Algie Benoit of Crowley; Gary Scott of Galveston, Texas; and Curley Ledet of New Haven, MS. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Bernard, Jr.; one sister, Regina Bernard; maternal grandparents, Cecilia and Lennis Batiste; and paternal grandparents, Louise and Charlie Bernard, Sr.
Visitation was held on Friday, March12, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Syrie Funeral Home. Visitation resumed Saturday, March 13 at St. Theresa Catholic Church from 8 a.m. until time of service.
Syrie Funeral Home in Lafayette was in charge of the arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Michael Matte, 42, died Thursday, March 11 2004, at Acadia St. Landry Hospital in Church Point. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in Monsignor Bienvenue Cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

CROWLEY – Edmonia Aucoin LeBlanc, 91, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at the Crowley Guest House. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 11 at St. Theresa Church in Duson. Burial was in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

RAYNE – Joseph Schexinder, 74, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at Medow Brooks Rehab in Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 12, at Our Mother of Mercy in Rayne. Burial will be at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Scott under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

SUGAR TOWN – Henry Lee Chaumont, Sr., 59, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at Beauregard Memorial Hospital in Deridder. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 12 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2 under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

CROWLEY – Mrs. Clemence Guillory, 86, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at Lafayette General Hospital. Graveside services were held at 10:00 a. m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 in the Old Crowley Cemetery.Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley was in charge of the arrangements.

Olidia Leger Chiasson
GUEYDAN - Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gueydan for Olidia Leger Chiasson, 86, who died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at Abbeville General Hospital.
Interment will be in Istre Cemetery. The Rev. Mitchell Guidry will officiate at the services.
Mrs. Chiasson was a native and resident of Morse until the last six years where she resided at the Gueydan Memorial Nursing Home. She was a retired seamstress with Crowley Manufacturing. She was a member of the Ladies Altar Society of Morse. She was a great cook, an avid gardener and she loved to travel. In 1999, she was crowned Senior Queen at the Gueydan Nursing Home.
Survivors include her three sons, Leroy Chiasson and wife, Joyce of Peraland, Texas; Daniel Chiasson and wife, Audrey of Slidell, Michael Chiasson and wife, Mary of Morse; three daughters, Willa C. Spell of Crowley; Lynn C. Duggan of Lake Charles; Shirley C. Abshire of Gueydan; 17 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; and numerous nephews and nieces.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Etienne and Aspazie Lavergne Leger; her husband, Whitney Chiasson; three brothers, Anthony, Nolan and Olidie Leger; and two sisters, Camelia Sonnier and Nola Richard.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

John A. Heinen
RAYNE – Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2004 at a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Leo Catholic Church for John A. Heinen, 85, who died at 4:19 a.m. Tuesday, March 09, 2004.
Interment will be in St. Leo Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife Gerty Leger Heinen, of Rayne; five sons, John A. Heinen, Jr. and his wife Jeanette, of Rayne, William “Bill” Heinen and his wife Jean, of Welsh, Barry Heinen and his wife Kathleen, of Lafayette, Paul Heinen and his wife Patricia, of Lake Charles, Keith Heinen and his wife Diana, of Eunice; three daughters, Sherie H. Hanley and her husband Patrick, of Welsh, Debbie H. Higginbotham and husband Elliott, of Rayne, Sandra H. Lavergne and her husband Bradley, of Crowley; twenty-six grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents, William M. Heinen and Barbara Hensgens Heinen; five brothers, Joseph Heinen, Theodore Heinen, Conrad Heinen, Anthony Heinen, William Heinen; four sisters, Annie W. Heinen, Regina Heinen, Gertrude H. Naebers, Josephine H. Naebers.
After graduation from St. Joseph High School, he served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant. After his discharge, he settled in Roberts Cove at the family home where he began farming.
Mr. Heinen served on the board of directors and as chairman for many years of the former Rayne-Branch Hospital. He served on the board of directors for Bank of Commerce & Trust Co. for many years. He was a former Knights of Columbus in Rayne, and was a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Leo Church and a member of the American Legion in Rayne.
He was an avid golfer and was a member of Bayou Bend Country Club in Crowley and Cajun Pines Golf Club in Branch.
In Leiu of Flowers please make donation to Alzheimers Association, South West Louisiana Chapter- Acadiana Branch, 128 Demanade, Lafayette, Louisiana, 70503.
A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday.
The family requested that the visiting hours be observed Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and from 7:00 a.m. until time of funeral services.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home Inc. of Rayne.Daniel “T-Dan” Hoffpauir
Funeral services will be held Friday March 5, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gossen Funeral Home Chapel for Daniel (T- Dan) Hoffpauir, 94, who died March 3 2004 at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Survivors inclued one sister Cecile H. Trahan of Crowley; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hoffpauir was preceded in death by his parents Arestile and Elzina Champagne Hoffpauir;four brother Clinus, Fabien, Gervis, and Alex Hoffpauir; three sisters Dora Falcon, Adele Hoffpauir, and Bertha Bier.
Visitation will be Thursday from 3:30 p.m until10:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until services
Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Gossen Funeral Home of Rayne.

Robert “Robbie” Peter Coleman
IOTA - Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon, March 9, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota for Robert Peter Coleman, who died Saturday, March 6, 2004, at his residence in Iota.
Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Jennings. Fr. David Broussard will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial.
Survivors include his mother, Winnie L. Coleman of Iota; two brothers, Lynn Dale Coleman and his fiancé, Ethel Lyons and Ned D. Coleman of Atlanta; one sister, Janie Coleman Reames and her husband, Phil of Atlanta; his godchild, Dana Coleman Steen and six other nieces and nephews, Tanna Pousson, Mollie Coleman, Mandy Walker, Nichola Kleyle, Eli Coleman and Lindsey Rodriguez; and one uncle, Richard Coleman of Jennings.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Coleman and his brother, Fr. Howard Coleman.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 8 a.m. until service time on Tuesday. A rosary was prayed on Monday at 6 p.m. and visitation on Monday was from 11 a.m. to 10p.m.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Iota is in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn Hoffman Hoffpauir
BALDWIN - Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 9, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baldwin for Evelyn Hoffman Hoffpauir, 65, who died Sunday, March 7, 2004, at her residence in Baldwin.
Interment will be in Indian Bayou Cemetery. Fr. Greg Cormier will officiate at the services.
Mrs. Hoffpauir was a Crowley native and a resident of Baldwin.
Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Huey Allen Hoffpauir of Baldwin; her sons, Allen Hoffpauir and wife, Eva of Erath; and Adam Hoffpauir and wife, Rebecca of New Iberia; her daughters Angela Norris and husband, Billy of Centerville; and April Touchgne and husband, Joey of Scott; ten grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren
She was preceded in death by his father, George Hoffman, Sr.; her mother Mary Lucille LeBlanc Hoffman; and brother George “Boonie” Hoffman, Jr.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baldwin
Ibert’s Mortuary of Franklin, 828-5426, is in charge of arrangements.

RAYNE – Mr. C. J. “Bruce” Broussard, 90, died Sunday, March 7, 2004 at his residence in Rayne. There will be no funeral services as per request of the deceased. Duhon Funeral Home Rayne is in charge of arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Paul “Polo” Higginbotham, Jr., 49, died Sunday, March 7, 2004 at his residence in Church Point. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 9, at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Branch. Burial will be St. Edmund Cemetery in Branch under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

Daniel “T-Dan” Hoffpauir
Funeral services will be held Friday March 5, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gossen Funeral Home Chapel for Daniel (T- Dan) Hoffpauir, 94, who died March 3 2004 at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Survivors inclued one sister Cecile H. Trahan of Crowley; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hoffpauir was preceded in death by his parents Arestile and Elzina Champagne Hoffpauir;four brother Clinus, Fabien, Gervis, and Alex Hoffpauir; three sisters Dora Falcon, Adele Hoffpauir, and Bertha Bier.
Visitation will be Thursday from 3:30 p.m until10:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until services
Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Gossen Funeral Home of Rayne.

IOTA - Jason Paul LeJeune, of Iota died in St. Landry Parish. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Iota.

Joseph Kevin Leckelt Sr.
Maxie - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 8, 2004, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Iota for Joseph Kevin Leckelt, Sr., 48, who died Friday, March 5, 2004, at his Iota residence.
Father David Broussard will officiate the services. Burial will be held at the Maxie cemetery in Maxie.
Rosary will be Sunday, March 7 at 6 p.m. at the Funeral Home Chapel.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 7 with viewing until 10 p.m. at Ardoin’s Funeral home in Iota.
Survivors include his mother, Nelma A. Leckelt of Iota, two sons, Shannon Dale Leckelt and his wife, Amiee, of Sulphur and Joseph Kevin Leckelt Jr. and his wife, Ausha, of Port Sulphur; one daughter, Kristy Lynn Doucet and her husband, Michael, of Crowley; one brother, Burkman E. Leckelt and his wife, Jeanette, of Iota; three sisters, Cynthia Clement of Welch, Claire Doucet and her husband, Anthony, of Iota and Lynette Guidry and her husband, J.P. Jr. of Branch and one grandson, Ty Leckelt.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Leckelt; one niece, Jenna Guidry and one brother-in-law, Charles Clement.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Iota is in charge of arrangements.

Clarice Quebodeaux Thibodeaux
Estherwood - Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2004, at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Crowley for Clarice Quebodeaux Thibodeaux, 73, who died Friday, March 5, 2004, at his Morgan City residence.
Father James Nguyen of Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, will officiate the services. Burial will be held at the Quebodeaux cemetery in Estherwood.
Rosary will be Sunday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home Chapel.
Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 7 with viewing until 10 p.m. The funeral home will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 8 with viewing until time of services.
Survivors include her three sons, Michael Thibodeaux and his wife, Charlotte, of Hathaway; Kenneth Thibodeaux of Morgan City and Jimmy Thibodeaux and his wife, Bobbie, of Morgan City; four daughters, Sandra Perry and her husband, Mark, of Hathaway; Darlene Thibodeaux and her husband, Larry Gary, of Richoc; Shirleen Brown and her husband, Dean, of Bayou Vista and Patsy Swords of Bayou Vista; one step-daughter, Nell Cahanin and her husband, Lee George, of Rayne; 15 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and five sisters.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chester Joseph Thibodeaux; one son, Pat Thibodeaux; one step-son, Daniel Thibodeaux and one sister.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Robert E. “Eddie” Prude
ABILENE, TX - Robert E. "Eddie" Prude, 82, died Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at an Abilene medical center.
 Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 6, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy. 277 South. Mr. James Fulbright and Mr. Bill Luttrell, friends of the Prude family, will officiate. Mr. Ray Vinson, Jr., cousin of Mrs. Prude, will officiate at the graveside in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.
 Mr. Prude was born to Elizabeth (Farrar) and A.C. Prude, Sr., on August 25, 1921, in Rockett, Texas. Mr. Prude graduated from Ferris High School, and later studied at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas. During World War II, he served in the United State Army Air Corps from 1942-45.
 While working for Massey-Harris Implement Company and living in Wichita Falls, he married Betty White on November 18, 1950. During their marriage, his family lived in Longview, Beaumont, Nome, Sulphur Springs, Crowley, Louisiana, Seguin, and Waco. They moved to Abilene 27 years ago. He was a district manager for J .I. Case Company for 23 years, and later worked as a salesman for Construction Agricultural Specialty Equipment, Co., in Abilene. He retired from C.A.S.E. December 31, 1997.
 Mr. Prude was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene. He was co-founder of the Abilene Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.
 His son, Eddie Prude; his parents; and two sisters, Marguerite Tolar and Berniece Buchanan, predeceased Mr. Prude.
 Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Betty Prude of Abilene; a daughter, Debbie Prude of Abilene; brothers, A.C. Prude, Jr. of CoppelI, John Prude and Royce Prude both of Dallas; a sister, Elsie Dunlevy of Waxahachie, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Jim Buchanan, Glen Tolar, Douglas Prude, Mark Prude, Jack Butler, and Michael Prude; all are nephews of Mr. Prude. Honorary pallbearers will be Chip Prude, Royce Prude, Jr., and David Mosley.
 Memorials may be made in Mr. Prude’s name to MADD, 241 Pine St., Abilene, Texas  79601, or West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas  79605.
 The family wishes to thank the staff of the cardiac care unit and the hospice unit of Hendrick Medical Center for their care and compassion.

Alec Marc Lafosse
BATON ROUGE - A retired pharmaceutical sales representative and a resident of Baton Rouge, Alec Marc Lafosse died at 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday February 18, 2004. He was 86 and a native of Crowley. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II. He also attended Loyola University in New Orleans.
He is survived by his wife, Anne B. Lafosse; four sons, Thomas, John, Paul and Andre LaFaosse; and four grandchildren.

Jenny Hoffpauir Stelling
LAKE ARTHUR - Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, March 6, at 1 p.m. at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel of Crowley for Jenny Hoffpauir Stelling, 50, who died Thursday, March 4, 2004, at her residence in Lake Arthur.
Interment will be in Indian Bayou Methodist Cemetery. The Rev. Leonard Frank Hinkle, will officiate at the services.
Survivors include her husband, Elvin Stelling of Lake Arthur; her daughter, Tracey Williams of Lake Charles; her son Joseph Stelling of Lake Arthur; her sisters, Aline Ann Stanton of Crowley and Dolores Istre of Church Point; her brothers, James Richard of Church Point; Johnny Richard of Crowley; Jack Hoffpauir of Lyons Point; John Hoffpauir of Gueydan; Eddie Hoffpauir of Colorado; and Dwight Hoffpauir of Pasadena, Tx.; her granddaughter, Justice Williams of Lake Charles; her grandsons, Blaine Stelling, Blake Stelling, and Brett Stelling all of Lake Arthur; and her step grandson Gabriel Vincent of Jennings.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Rass and Aline Hoffpauir; one daughter, Stephanie Stelling; one grandson, Travis Stelling; one sister, Laura Miller; and one brother Edward Floyd Hoffpauir.
She served our nursing industry as an LPN for over fifteen years.
Visitation will be at 11 a.m. on Friday with viewing until 10 p.m. The funeral home will reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday with viewing until time of service.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Thelma Bollich LeJeune
MOWATA-Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2004, at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in Mowata for Thelma Bollich LeJeune, 82, who died Thursday, March 4, 2004, at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Father George Hefner, pastor of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, will officiate for the services.
A rosary was recited Thursday at 7 p.m.
Burial will be held at the St. Lawrence Cemetery.
Survivors include her daughter, Arlene LeJeune Albarado and her husband, Michael, of Crowley; three sons, Vaughn LeJeune and his wife, Judy, of Mowata, Brice LeJeune of Lafayette and Dean LeJeune and his wife, Debra, of Crowley; one sister, Annie Zaunbrecher of Crowley; one brother, Raymond Bollich of Lafayette and eight grandchildren, Christopher LeJeune, Kevin LeJeune, Cheri LeJeune, Yvonne Matthews, Elizabeth LeJeune, Mathew Albarado, Dorie LeJeune and Demi LeJeune.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hersey LeJeune; her parents, Frank and Louise Dischler Bollich; five brothers, Frank Jr., Albert, Charles, Eddie and Leonard Bollich and two sisters, Marcella “Sis” Frey and Claire Bollich.
The LeJeune family would like to thank her caretaker, Jamie Matte, Southwind Nursing Home, Dr. Mulraj Katira and Dr. Satinder Saini.
Geesey- Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of arrangements.

Lene Lavergne
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon, March 5, at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Rayne for Lene Lavergne, 76, who died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at his residence in Rayne.
Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery #2 in Rayne. Father Bill Ruskoski will officiate at the services. Pallbearers will be Chris Lavergne, Lane Lavergne, Blar Leger, Ainsley Lavergne, Jessica Lavergne Wasacz and Rusty Potier.
Mr. Lavergne was a life long resident of Rayne and a graduate of Rayne High School in 1945. He played on the football team of the only year that Rayne won the state championship. He served in the U. S. Navy during WWII and was a past commander and is a member of the American Legion Post 77 of Rayne. He was a rice and soybean broker when he returned from the service.
Survivors include his wife, Amy Lavergne of Rayne; three sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Apollo Lavergne of Crowley; Gerald and Noelie Lavergne of Judice; Kevin and Stacy Lavergne of Perris, Calif.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Russell Potier of Ossun, La. and Lorraine and Scott Daigle of Brusley, La.; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and 1 step great grand child.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Ann Lavergne; his parents, Maude and Albert Lavergne; four sisters, Martha Cormier, Ozite Leblanc, Nola Trahan and Edith Meaux; one half brother, Martin Lavergne.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursday and 8 a.m. until service time on Friday. A rosary will be Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.
Duhon Funeral Home in Rayne is in charge of arrangements.

RAYNE – Angele Denise Meche Fielder, 38, who died March 2, 2003, at 12:30 p.m. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2004 at Mass of Christian Burial in St. Edmonds Catholic Church. Interment will be in St. Edmonds cemetery in Branch. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home Inc. of Rayne, (337)334-3141.

Alice Patin Leonards
WELSH - Alice Patin Leonards, 91, died Monday, March 1, 2004, in a local care center. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 4, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Burial will be in the Church Mausoleum.
She was born in Crowley, where she graduated from Crowley High and Business College. She moved to Welsh with her family in 1944. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Her dedication to her family and church were her great love. She was a Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher for 25 years, and member of the Catholic Daughters, where she served as Grand Regent and District Deputy. She was also a member of the Ladies Alter Society and was the organizer of the Junior Catholic Daughters in Welsh. For recognition of her tireless work with the church, she was awarded the Devoted Service Medal of the Diocese of Lake Charles. She was again honored by her church, in January 1999, with the Parishioner of the Year award. She was a member of the D.A.R., Red Cross and was volunteer organizer of the Welsh Hospital Auxillary.
Survivors include three daughters, Carolyn Louviere and husband Jim, Kathleen Janise and husband Milton, and JoAnn Watkins and husband Phil, all of Welsh; 19 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph F. Leonards.
Visitation was 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday, with rosary at 7 p.m. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be her 12 grandsons, B.J. Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Bobby Johnson, Jerry Johnson, Wynn Watkins, Jim Watkins, Mark Watkins, Glenn Watkins, Philip Watkins, Joseph Watkins, Claude Watkins, and Dustin Watkins.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.mem.com. Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh is in charge of all arrangements.

Willma Knight
JENNINGS - Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 4, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church for Willma Knight, 83, who died Sunday, February 29, 2004, at her residence in Jennings.
Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Iota. Msgr. James Gaddy will officiate at the services.
Willma Knight, formerly known as Sis, Nan and TeTaunt was a faithful servant of our Lord. She hosted a weekly rosary group in her home and inspired many in their walk of faith. She was a pillar of strength to her parents and brothers and remained the “family anchor” for her many nieces and nephews. Loved and respected by many, the citizens of Jennings even proclaimed April 7, 2003 Willma Knight Day.
Willma Knight moved from Iota to Jennings in 1945 and opened up her own business, Knight Hardware, where she remained owner/operator for over 40 years. Through these years she was a leader of women in business, politics and religious organizations. She was a member of the Ladies Alter Society and Catholic Daughters of America.
Survivors include five nephews, William Knight, Jon Knight and Ray Knight all of Crowley; and Michael Knight and Morgan Knight of Twin Falls, Id; three nieces, Elizabeth Dean of Washington, D.C.; Mary Burt of Rocton, Pa., Nanette Dodd of Brownsville Tx.; 9 great nephews and nieces; two great great nieces; and one great great nephew.
She was preceded in death her parents, William and Marie Knight; five brothers, Clyde, Linas, Ferdie, George and Lester Knight; and her first cousin, Msgr. A. O. Sigur.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on Thursday from 8 a.m. until service time. A rosary will be said in her honor on Wednesday at 6:30. Pallbearers will be Charles Knight, Terry Knight, Ray Knight, Mark Dean, Billy Dodd, Todd Knight and honorary pallbearer, Allen Deville.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings is in charge of arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Joseph Jess “Joe” Bergeron, Sr., 87, died Sunday, February 29, 2004 at his residence in Prairie Ronde. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Church Point. Burial will be in the church mausoleum under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point.

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