October 2003 Obituaries

Wilbur C. Watkins
WELSH - Wilbur C. Watkins, 92, died Friday, October 31, 2003, in a Lake Charles hospital after a stroke on his way to a fishing trip.
He was a native of Welsh and long time resident of Fenton. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Welsh. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a recently retired rice farmer, and up until his death, he was manager of Watkins Farm. He was a Flying Farmer and a Civil Air Patrol Pilot.
Survivors include his second wife, Yvonne Carter Watkins; two daughters, Frances Chauvin of Hammond, and Jackie Fogleman of Crowley; two sons, Bobby Watkins of Welsh and Eddie Watkins of Lake Charles; one brother, Elbert Watkins of Baytown, Tx.; fifteen grandchildren, including Nanette Guerin, Johnny, Tom, Steven and Tim Chauvin, and Suzanne Durham of Hammond, and Joyce Bankston of Mandeville; 28 great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 65 years, Audrey Jones Watkins; his parents, Samuel Marshall Watkins and Eva Robinson Watkins; and, one brother, Orville Watkins.
Mr. Watkins’ funeral service will be held today, Sunday, November 2 at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Welsh. Rev. Mark Goins will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation began Saturday, November 1 from 6-9 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until service time.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.mem.com
Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Murphy Roy, Sr.
Memorial services will be held Monday, November 3, 2003 at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Crowley for Murphy Roy, Sr., age 68, who died at 7:05 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2003 at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
Father Gary Schexnayder will officiate for the services.
Mr. Roy is survived by two sons, Marvin Roy and Murphy Roy, Jr., both of Crowley; two daughters, Cheryl Guidry and Jodi Laughlin and her husband, Joseph, all of Crowley; one son-in-law, Mark Dupont of Crowley; one sister, Viola Rogers and her husband, Presley, of Lafayette; one sister-in-law, Rose Roy of Broussard; one special friend, Georgia Hernandez of Iota; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Roy was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Roy; one son, Robby Roy; one daughter, Faye Dupont; his parents, Alta and Llodia Roy; and, one brother, Lincoln Roy.
Mr. Roy served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He is also a retired offshore chef for 25 years.
Mr. Roy loved his music and ball games. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with arrangements.

Brett David
LeJeune
ESTHERWOOD - Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003 at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Estherwood for Brett David LeJeune, 29, of Scott, who died Monday, Oct. 27, 2003 in Kwajalein Island, Marshall Islands.
Burial will be in the Estherwood Memorial Cemetery with Fr. David Broussard officiating.
A rosary will be recited Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley.
Visitation may be observed Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
He is survived by his mother, Jo Anne L. LeJeune of Mermentau; a son, Ethan Kibbe of New Iberia; a brother, Matthew J. LeJeune of Crowley; and a sister, Jeannine C. LeJeune of Mermentau.
Mr. LeJeune is preceded in death by his father, Frederick F. LeJeune; his paternal grandparents, David and Martha LeJeune; and his maternal grandparents, Leroy and Frances M. LeJeune.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

HOUSTON – Ethel “Boo” Alex, 70, of Houston, formerly of Crowley, died Monday, Oct. 20, 2003. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Ross Mortuary Chapel in Houston. Interment was in Houston Memorial Gardens under the direction of Ross Mortuary, Inc. in Houston.

Gordy A. Monceaux
Funeral services for Gordy A. Monceaux, 71, of Crowley, was held at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2003 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Rusty Richard, pastor, officiating. Mr. Monceaux died at 3:50 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2003 at the Crowley American legion Hospital.
Mr. Monceaux was a retired plumber.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Richard Monceaux of Crowley; two daughters, Corliss M. Butler and her husband, Larre, of Crowley and Angela Chambers of Kaplan; a brother, Lovelace Monceaux of California; four sisters, Nola Abshire, Ella Mae Harrington, and Margaret Stewart, all of Crowley and Ethel Abshire of Texas; six grandchildren, Frankie Luke and Sasha Butler and Garrick Jr., Bobbie Lee and Jeremiah Chambers; and, two great-grandchildren, Braedon and Luke A. Butler, Jr.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Asa and Delta Leleux Monceaux and a sister, Helena Monceaux.
Visitation was observed from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2003, and again from 8 a.m. until service time on Sunday, November 2. A rosary was recited at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m on Saturday.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F in Crowley, was entrusted with arrangements.

Wilda Mae Lavergne
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003 at 3:30 p.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church of Midland for Wilda Mae Lavergne, 66, of Jennings who died at Jennings American legion Hospital. Burial will be in Estherwood Cemetery.
Lavergne was a native of Midland and a resident of Jennings. She was a former member of the Catholic Daughters of America at Immaculate Conception Church. She wa also a volunteer worker for Helping Hands.
Survivors include two sons, Russell Lavergne and wife Cindy of Jennings, Frank Lavergne and wife Liz of Jennings; one brother, Jesse Ray Schexnider of Crowley; four sisters, Leola Blanchard of Breaux Bridge, Dorcas Lee Monic of Kaplan, Mary Ann Guidry f Midland and Dores Susan Babb of Arnaudville; four grandchildren, Dustin Lavergne, Stacy Lavergne, Brittany Lavergne and “Bubba” Frank Lavergne, Jr. and a aunt and uncle Frances and Julius Savoy of Jennings.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Roy Lavergne.
Pallbearers will be Frank Lavergne, Bubba Lavergne, Russell Lavergne, Dustin Lavergne, Shane Guidry, Buddy Guidry, Anthony Borill and Bryan Borill.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Bertha Meaux Andrus
HAMMOND - Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 3, 2003 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church for Mrs. Bertha Meaux Andrus, 75, of Independence, formerly of Crowley, who died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2003 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Interment will be in St. Dominic Catholic Church Cemetery with Fr. Paul McDuffy officiating.
Visitation will be observed at Harry McKneely and Son in Hammond on Sunday from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.
Mrs. Andrus is survived by her husband, Lawrence L. Andrus of Independence; two sons, Glen J. Andrus of Ferriday and John Gary Andrus of Baton Rouge; two daughters, Ellen Motichek of Galvez and Katie Roy of Independence; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Annabell Alpha of Bunkie and Elaine Rock of Henderson, Nev.; and two brothers, W.L. Meaux of Mississippi and Chester L. Meaux of Hattiesburg, Miss.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dupré and Opheleau LeLeux Meaux; two sisters, Beulah Buecker and Nettie Guillot; and three brothers, Hirby, Robert Allen and Dupré Meaux Jr.
Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Francis Louis Leger
MINT HILL, N.C. - Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003 at the Mint Hill Chapel of McEwen Funeral Service for Francis Louis Leger, 82, who died Monday, Oct. 27, 2003 in Lafayette. Entombment with full military honors will follow the service at Sunset Memory Gardens in Mint Hill.
Visitation will be observed from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
Mr. Leger was a U.S. Army veteran with 22 years of service to his country. He was in the battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, and was rated as a master parachutist. After his service he was active in the local VFW chapter.
He is survived by his nephew, Stephen Jones of Matthews, and several other nieces and nephews.
Mr. Leger was preceded in death by his wife, Daisy Smith Leger; his parents, Louis and Alice Leger; six sisters and three brothers.
Memorials in Mr. Leger’s honor may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements will be handled by McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service, Mint Hill Chapel, Mint Hill, N.C.

EUNICE – Mrs. Sherley Bell Joseph, 69, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2003 at Eunice Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003 at St. Mahilde Catholic Church in Eunice. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Eunice.

GUEYDAN – Mrs. Jeanette Maxile, 60, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003 at Abrom Kaplan Hospital in Kaplan. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2003 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Gueydan. Burial will be in the Gueydan Cemetery under the direction of Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Crowley.

KAPLAN – Ouida Labie Lebouef, 89, died Thursday, October 23, 2003 at Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hosital. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 26, at Vincent Funeral Home in Kaplan. Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan is in charge of arrangements.

Larry Wyatt
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003 at 10 a.m. at First United Pentecostal Church for Larry Wyatt, 84, who died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003 at 5:13 a.m. at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
The Rev. Lynn Whitaker and Rev. B.J. Rhymes will officiate for the services.
Burial will be in Maxie Cemetery.
The family has requested visiting hours be observed at First United Pentecostal Church, Egan Road, Crowley, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and again on Saturday from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral services.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Sis Richard Wyatt of Crowley; three daughters, Loretta Johnson and her husband Charles of Crowley, Maxine Cooper and her husband Lavonne of Crowley and Gwyn Norris and her husband Dexter of Egan; one brother, Jack Wyatt and his wife Eathel of Crowley; six grandchildren, Brandon and Denise Cooper, both of Lafayette, Cai and Gillian Larsen, both of Jackson, Miss., Jeremy Norris of Egan and Heather Paige Cooper of Crowley; and one great-grandchild, Caleb Dane Larsen of Jackson, Miss.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Cooper, Cai Larsen, Jeremy Norris, Rocky Wyatt, Connley “Digger” Wyatt and Kenneth Richard. Honorary pallbearers will be Wendel “Bubba” Wyatt, Wesley “Jack” Richard and Caleb Dane Larsen.
Mr. Wyatt was preceded in death by his parents, James and Beulah Murphy Wyatt; one brother, Rev. Clyde Wyatt; and two sisters, Olive Wyatt and Annie Mae Wyatt.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Ave. F, Crowley (783-3313).

Claude Edward Smith
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Crowley for Claude Edward Smith, 63, of Lafayette, who died Monday, Oct. 20, 2003 at University Medical Center in Lafayette.
Burial will be in South Crowley Cemetery with Fr. Richard Sadlier officiating.
Wake hours will be observed Saturday from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral services at the church.
He is survived by three daughters, Delsa Serial (Cedric) of Crowley, Charlotte Smith of Lafayette and Darlene Smith of Crowley; three step-daughters, Catricia A. Pickney, Glenda Pickney and Wendy Lewis, all of Lafayette; one son, Robby Smith of Crowley; one step-son, Albert Pickney of Lafayette; two brothers, Mark Smith of Crowley and Willie Smith of Lake Charles; one sister, Henrietta Griffin of Crowley; 12 grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a special friend, Mary Pickney of Lafayette.
He is preceded in death by two grandchildren.
Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. Elrita Jackson
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003 at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Crowley for Mrs. Elrita Jackson, 80, of Crowley, who died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 in Lafayette.
Burial will be in West Crowley Cemetery with Rev. Christopher Arvie, pastor, officiating.
Wake hours are 8 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church prior to the funeral service.
She is survived by one son, Jimmy (Joann) Jackson of Crowley; one granddaughter, Danielle Jackson of Crowley; two brothers, Leon Oville of Port Arthur, Texas and Leo Oville of Houston; two sisters, Maryln Smith of Beaumont, Texas and Lee Ethel Mayo of Opelousas; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She is preceded by her parents, Elliott and Edolia Manuel Oville; her husband, Marshall Jackson Jr.; one son, Bobby Jackson; one brother, Matthew Oville; and one sister, Elnora Brown.
Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Walter Joseph
‘Joe’ Stein
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne for Walter Joseph “Joe” Stein, 82, who died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 at his residence in Rayne.
Father Bill Ruskoski will be officiating for the services.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday evening at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley.
Interment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum #2 in Rayne.
He is survived by a step-son, Earl John Jr. and his wife Jo Ann Richard John of Rayne; two sisters, Rose Mary Stein and Ursula Hobson, both of New Orleans; two granddaughters, Celeste Fruge and her husband Shane of Woodlands, Texas and Aimee John of Houston; one great-granddaughter, Grace Ann Fruge of Woodlands, Texas; and three sisters-in-law, Margie Miciotto of Crowley, Jackie Huesers and her husband Andrew of Crowley, and Betty Miciotto of Lafayette.
Mr. Stein is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Grace Miciotto Stein; his parents, Oscar and Annie Emmett Stein Sr.; one sister, Helen Bourgeois; and two brothers, O.C. Stein Jr. and Emmett Stein.
Visitation may be observed Friday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and/or Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish in Crowley.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley will be in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mildred Smith Faust
Funeral services are pending for Friday, Oct. 24, 2003 in the Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Mildred Smith Faust, 81, who died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 at 10:35 a.m. at Southwind Nursing Center in Crowley.
Burial will be in the North Hanks Cemetery.
The family has requested that visiting hours be observed Thursday from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to the time of the service.
Survivors include her husband, Willie C. Faust of Crowley; one son, Bobby Monceaux of Berwick; one step-daughter, Jean Geoghagan of Many; five step-sons, Wayne Faust of Crowley, Roger Dale Faust of Powhatten, Phillip G. Faust of Tioga, Rex Faust and Tony Faust, both of Crowley; one sister, Ann Sanchez of Groves, Texas; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Faust was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Sadie Hanks Smith, and a brother, Emmitt Smith.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Ave. F, Crowley.

Douglas Wayne Cooper
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2003 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in crowley for Douglas Wayne Cooper, 54, who died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 at Southwind Nursing Center in Crowley.
Rev. Loyd Singley will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Breaux Cooper of Crowley; two daughters, Laurie Primeaux of Crowley and Meshell Cooper of Houston; his father, Henry Clyde Cooper of Crowley; two brothers, Clyde Ray Cooper and Billy John Cooper, both of Crowley; seven stepchildren; six grandchildren and 19 step-grandchildren.
Mr. Cooper is preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Meshell Cooper.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

Kenneth James LaGrange
TEXAS - Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Arthur, Texas for Kenneth James “Kenny Boy” LaGrange, 67, who died at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003 at his residence in Port Arthur, Texas. Father Stephen McCrate will officiate for the services.
Visitation will be observed from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday.
A rosary will be recited Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, BeeBee Henry LaGrange of Port Arthur, Texas. To this union two loving children were born, Jeana B. LaGrange, wife of Michael Wilbourne of Port Arthur, Texas, and Kenneth Tracy LaGrange, husband of Kathy Bellanger of Houston, along with an ex son-in-law, Ronnie Knott. Kenneth’s daughter blessed him with two grandchildren, Nicole Sherree Knott and Corey Lane Knott of Port Arthur, along with a step-grandchild, Byrom Wilbourne. His pride and joy, his cat Boudreaux, and his dog, Babett. His father, Maurice Paul LaGrange; his brothers, Raymond Paul LaGrange, his wife Carol and Neil Joseph LaGrange, his wife Cindy, all of Crowley; his sisters, Diana L. Leleux, her husband Donald, Lynn Melancon, her husband Roland, Lisa L. Broussard, her husband, Rickey, all of Crowley, and Nina L. Landry, her husband, Glenn of Houston; a host of nieces and nephews, and aunts and uncles.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Nella Lucy Landry LaGrange; his grandparents, Hazard and Nina Bernard Landry and Martin and Elisa Hanks LaGrange, all from Crowley.
Born on Aug. 17, 1936 in Crowley, he was the first child of Maurice and Nella laGrange. He attended school in Crowley and graduated from Crowley High School. After graduation he went to work at Jerry Ashy Chevy. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky. for two years. He was honorably discharged, then was called back to active duty at Fort Polk. After discharge, he moved to Port Arthur and went to work for Texaco until his retirement in October of 1998 after 43 years of service. After his retirement, he enjoyed fishing and dancing, often spoken of as the world’s best dancer.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Clayton-Thompson Funeral Directors, 5200 W. Parkway, Groves, Texas, 77619 (409) 962-8336 is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Thomas Michael McCall
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2003 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Crowley for Thomas Michael McCall, 45, who died at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans.
Father Louis Richard will be officiating for the services. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Foreman McCall of Crowley; one son, Joshua Michael McCall of Crowley; two daughters, Jennifer Anne McCall and Jessica Carroll McCall, both of Crowley; his parents, Thomas “Sonny” and Janie Arceneaux McCall of Grand Chenier; and one brother, Lynn Thompson McCall of Grand Chenier.
Mr. McCall is preceded in death by his sister, Denise Carroll McCall; and two brothers, Timothy Jeffers McCall and Robert Jody McCall.
Visitation may be observed Thursday from noon until 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

RAYNE – Ray Allen (Blue) Daigle, 47, of Lafayette, died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003 at University Medical Center in Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne. Burial will be at Arceneaux Cemetery in rural Rayne.

Wade Glynn Faulk
EBENEZER - Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 at Ebenezer Church of the Nazarene for Wade G. Faulk, 70, who died Monday, Oct. 20, 2003 at 10:20 a.m. at his residence in Ebenezer.
Burial will be in Ebenezer United Methodist Cemetery with Revs. Charles Floyd and Joe Talhelm officiating.
Visitation will be observed Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
Mr. Faulk was a resident of Crowley, being the youngest of six children born to the late Leonard C. Faulk and the late Mable Grace Atkinson Faulk, both of Crowley.
He was retired from a 30-year career at the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Department at lieutenant status. The Sheriff’s Department will do the honors as pallbearers and will provide a 21-gun salute. The Crowley VFW Post will honor Mr. Faulk with the playing of “Taps” and the folding of the U.S. Flag.
He was married for 50 years to Lois Jane Sheets Faulk and was the proud father of five children, father-in-law to four, grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of one.
Mr. Faulk was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Leonard C. Jr., Boyd and Hoyt, and one son, Daniel Wade Faulk.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and tradition. To cherish his memories he leaves his wife, Lois Jane Faulk of Crowley; three daughters, Candy Kelly of Crowley, Jane Duhon of Mermentau and Jean Guidry of Crowley; one son, Russell Tab Faulk of Crowley; three sons-in-law, Tommy Kelly of Crowley, Alden Duhon of Mermentau and Jeff Guidry of Crowley; one daughter-in-law, Yong Faulk Heuermann of Julesburg, Colo.; one sister, Annette Faulk Keene of Crowley; one brother, A. Ray Faulk of Westlake; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; honorary grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, Godchildren, cousins and friends.
He lived a great life, full of integrity and devotion to family and friends. Wade Faulk is tremendously loved and will be missed by all who knew him -- including his devoted little companion, De-De, his dachshund.
Duhon Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of funeral arrangements.

LAWTELL – Cedrick Paul Bellard Jr., 32, of Church Point, died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Lawtell. Burial will be in Bellevue Memorial Cemetery in Opelousas under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point.

GUEYDAN – Joseph “Jake” Breaux Jr., 66, of Gueydan, died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003 at Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital in Kaplan. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 2003 at St. Peter Catholic Church of Gueydan. Burial was in Gueydan Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Gueydan.

Margaret Gillis Lewis
Funeral services for Margaret Gillis Lewis, 95, was held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 2003 at First United Methodist Church in Crowley with Rev. Bob Hollis, pastor, officiating. Mrs. Lewis died peacefully at Crowley Guest House on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003 at 5:30 a.m.
Mrs. Lewis worked as a registered nurse at the VA Medical Center in Alexandria for many years. She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association, the Rebekahs, and the Past Noble Grands of the Rebekahs.
She is survived by three step-sons, Luther Morell Lewis of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Hardin and Albert Lewis, both of Alexandria; a sister, Barbara Hoffpauir of Crowley; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.B. Gillis and Ada Phillips Gillis; her husband, Morell Lewis; two brothers, Ben and Anthony Gillis; and two sisters, Helen Davis and Effie Haynes.
Visitation was observed from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday and again from 8 a.m. until services on Monday. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley was in charge of the arrangements.

Leroy Francis Zaunbrecher
Funeral services for Leroy Francis Zaunbrecher, 74, of St. Martinville, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 2003 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Rusty Richard officiating.
Interment will follow in Woodlawn Mausoleum in Crowley.
Mr. Zaunbrecher died Friday, Oct. 17, 2003, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Mr. Zaunbrecher was a retired rice farmer and a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Crowley Rice Drier Co-Op and American Legion Post 15 of Crowley.
He is survived by his wife, Sammie Meaux Zaunbrecher of St. Martinville; a son, Alan Zaunbrecher and his wife Katy of Lafayette; two daughters, Martha LeBlanc and her husband Doug, and Gloria Zaunbrecher, all of Crowley; his mother, Annie Bollich Zaunbrecher of Crowley; two brothers, Jim Zaunbrecher and his wife Helen, and Leonard Zaunbrecher and his wife Charlotte, all of Crowley; four sisters, Vera Jabusch and her husband Frank, Louise Caffery, Suzanne Duncan and her husband Howard, all of Crowley, and Stella Doucet and her husband Jimmy of Houma; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by a son, Michael James Zaunbrecher; a sister, Lorraine Gordon; and a brother, Dennis Zaunbrecher.
Pallbearers will be Jim and Otto Zaunbrecher, Murphy Clark, Leonard Habetz, Larry Bollich and Doug LeBlanc.
Visitation will be observed from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, and again from 8 a.m. until the time of the services Monday. A rosary will be recited at the funeral home Sunday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Levy “Chic” Matte, 85, died Friday, Oct. 17, 2003 at 10:55 a.m. at Acadia-St. Landry Hospital in Church Point. Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Church Point. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point.

GUEYDAN – Clifton Joseph Hebert, 81, of Kaplan, died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003 at Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital in Kaplan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church in Gueydan. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Crowley.

RAYNE – Ernest (Bee) Venable, 73, of Abbeville, died at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003 at Southwest Medical Center in Lafayette. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Duhon Funeral Home in Rayne is in charge of the arrangements.

RAYNE – Mrs. Lucille Guidry, 85, of Rayne, died at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003 at Jennings American Legion Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery #2 under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home in Rayne.

Jewel Lenore
Link MacKenzie
DESTREHAN - Jewel Lenore Link MacKenzie, 76 years of age, died the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003 at her residence.
She was a native of Rayne and a resident of Destrehan for 46 years. She was the daughter of the late Gina S. and Clyde W. Link and sister of the late Rose Marie Foreman.
Survivors include her children and their spouses, Dr. Michael MacKenzie and wife Terry, Laura Barrios and husband Ray, Deborah Welshons and husband Kenneth, Stephen MacKenzie and wife Lee, Carol Wright and husband Walter, and Jeanne Christos Vrakas; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her loving husband, L.L. “Bill” MacKenzie of Houston.
Jewel was an active parishioner of St. Charles Borromero Catholic Church, dedicated to her faith and the recipient of the St. Louis Medallion Award for the year 2003. She will be noted not only for her faith, but her smile and zest for life. She was an avid Jazzerciser and member of the Nifty Fifties.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 at St. Charles Borromero Catholic Church in Destrehan.
Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until mass time. Following the mass at St. Charles, Mrs. MacKenzie will return to her home in Crowley. Arrangements were under the direction of H.C. Alexander Funeral Home, 821 Fourth St., Norco, LA.
A wake will be held at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Ave. F, Crowley, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2003 from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m.
Graveside services will follow at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery in Richard.
She will always be remembered as a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Robert ‘Rollo’
Wayne Breaux
IOTA - Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 at 11 a.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Iota or Robert “Rollo” Wayne Breaux, 33, who died Monday, Oct. 13, 2003 in Iota.
Pastor Rod Lejeune will officiate for the services. Burial will be in the Iota Cemetery.
Visitation began at 4 p.m. Wednesday and continued until the time of the funeral service on Thursday.
Survivors include his mother, Ella Fontenot Breaux of Iota; his father, John Breaux Jr. of Mermentau; two sisters, Sharon Ann Breaux Courville and her husband Jimmy of Crowley and Karen Lynn Breaux Guidry of Gulfport, Miss; a brother, David Lane Breaux of Crowley; and one niece and nephew.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Iota is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

INDIAN BAYOU – Brennon Foreman, 72, died at Friday, Oct. 10, 2003 in Lafayette. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Indian Bayou United Methodist Cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home in Rayne.

Donald Ray Miller, 53, died Sunday, October 12, 2003 at Christian Villa Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 15 at 11 a.m. at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church with burial in the West Crowley Cemetery. Syrie Funeral Home of Lafayette has been entrusted with arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – John D. Thibodeaux, 85, died Monday, Oct. 13, 2003, at his residence in Church Point. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m. 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.

Leroy Joseph Quebodeaux Sr.
MORSE - Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 13, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morse for Leroy Joseph Quebodeaux Sr., 72, who died Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003 at 11:35 p.m. at his residence in Morse.
Fr. Donald Pousson, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, officiated for the services. Burial was in LeBlanc Cemetery in Midland.
Visitation was observed Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. to the time of the funeral service.
A rosary was prayed Sunday evening at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Survivors include his wife, Helen LeBouef Quebodeaux of Morse; one son, Leroy Joseph “Joey” Quebodeaux Jr. of Morse; two grandchildren, Zachariah Quebodeaux of Morse and Alyson Quebodeaux of Oklahoma.
Mr. Quebodeaux was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Amedia Cormier Quebodeaux; and two brothers, Louis Joseph Quebodeaux and Adias Quebodeaux.Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley was in charge of the funeral arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Dolores McBride Gamble, 71, of Church Point, died Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Msgr. Bienvenue Cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point.

CHURCH POINT - Vurnice “Mulate” O’Pry, 83, died on Friday October 10, 2003 at his residence in Chruch Poiont. Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 11 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Church Point, with burial in the church cemetery. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point was entrusted with arrangements.

Gabriel Matthews
Funeral services were held Saturday, October 4, 2003 at 12 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for Gabriel Matthews, 89, who died at 3:20 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2003 at the Crowley Guest House.
Interment was in the Abshire Cemetery.
Father Donald Pousson, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church officiated for the Mass of Christian Burial. A rosary was prayed on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m.
Survivors include four sons, Wilfred Matthews Jr. and his wife, Mary, Norris J. Matthews and his wife, Dolores, Lovelace J. Matthews, Sr., and his wife, Gal, and Terry J. Matthews and his wife, Laura, all of Crowley; three daughters, Callie M. Domingue and her husband, Steve, Laura Signorelli and Connie Matthews, all of Crowley; 23 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren.
Mr. Matthews was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose and Estellina Guillot Matthews; his wife, Mabel Abshire Matthews; and, 10 brothers and sisters.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F in Crowley, was entrusted with arrangements.

Elizabeth Simon Roy
KAPLAN - Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003 at an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Lyons Point honoring the life of Elizabeth Simon Roy, 95, who died Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003 at Kaplan Healthcare Center.
She will be laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery with Rev. Donald Pousson officiating the services.
Mrs. Roy was a native of Lyons Point, a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church and a member of the Ladies Altar Society and the Rosary Society.
She is survived by three sons, Jack Richard of Baton Rouge, Clifford Richard and his wife Shirley of Vidor, Texas and Joseph Adam Roy and his wife Jackie of Kaplan; two daughters, Helen LeBeouf and her late husband Douglas Sr. of Leleux and Rose and her husband Huey Primeaux of Kaplan; 18 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 28 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Treville Roy Sr.; two sisters and a brother.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home, 300 Eleazar Ave., Kaplan, Friday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. when the procession will depart for the church.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan (643-7276).

CHURCH POINT – Louis Miller, 69, of Opelousas died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, at 10:39 p.m. at Doctors Hospital in Opelousas. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2003 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Church Point. Burial will be in Assumption Church Cemetery in Mire under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home in Church Point.

CHURCH POINT – Mrs. Etienne Thibodeaux, nee Lula Mae Smith, 73, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2003 at Rayne Guest Home. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2003 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Church Point. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point.

August Simon
Funeral services for August Simon, 90, of Kaplan, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2003 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Crowley. Mr. Simon died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003 at Medical Center of the Southwest in Lafayette.
Burial will be in Abshire Cemetery in Vermilion Parish with Fr. James Nguyen officiating and Deacon Rodless LeLeux assisting. Lector will be Deidre Toups.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday evening by the Crowley Knights of Columbus in the funeral home chapel.
Visitation will be observed Thursday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
He is survived by his wife, Angele Gaspard Simon of Kaplan; a daughter, Mildred S. Doucet and husband Roland of Lafayette; a son, Daniel Simon and wife Hilda of Gonzales; a brother, Harry Simon of Port Neches, Texas; 10 grandchildren, Marla Lowery and husband Troy, Trina Brignac and husband Wade, and Phala Sutton and husband Scott, all of Gonzales, Nicole Ducharme and husband Greg, Andrea Brodhead and husband Garry, Deidre Toups and husband Chad, and Damon Doucet, all of Lafayette, Dale Doucet and wife Ginger of Milton, Jodie Gerard and husband Eddie of Milton, and Trudy Blanchard and husband Bill of Broussard; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Simon was preceded in death by his parents, John Simon and Amelia Breaux Simon; a two-year-old child, Norris Simon; a sister, Odette Credeur; five brothers, Ozar Simon, Emery Simon, Jean Arick Simon, Vernice Simon and Aubrey Simon.
Pallbearers are Dale Doucet, Damon Doucet, Greg Ducharme, Scott Sutton, Jean Arick Simon and Jessie Roy Simon.
Mr. Simon lived in the corner of Vermilion Parish and the border of Acadia Parish. He farmed and raised cattle until he retired because of ill health. He lived and long and happy life in their quaint country home with his dear wife of 72 years. he will be forever remembered for his cheerful way of life and for being such a great loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him so.
The family would like to thank the staff of nurses and physicians at Southwest Hospital for their care and support, and especially to Dr. Coreil for his loving care until the end.
Duhon Funeral Home in Crowley is in charge of the arrangements.

CHURCH POINT – Rena B. Labbie, 81, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2003 at 1 p.m. at Opelousas General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in First Baptist Church Cemetery in Church Point under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home in Church.

Amanda Miller
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church of Evangeline for Amanda M. Miller, 79, who died October 6, 2003 at her residence, Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery and a rosary will be recited tonight at 7 p.m. in Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings.
Mrs. Miller was a native of Crowley and a resident of Evangeline. She was a former member of the Ladies Altar Society. She taught religion at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and was a loving person with open arms. She was gentle, kind and generous to all.
Survivors include her husband, Florence Miller of Evangeline; one son, Johnny Miller of Crowley and wife Judith; one daughter Sharon Duhon of Evangeline and husband Darrel; two special nieces, Cecile Spallino of Crowley and Anna Savoy of Houston; two special nephews, James Mouton of Crowley and W.J. Mouton of Anahuac, Tx.; four grandchildren, Dane Duhon and wife April, Joan Raff and husband Glen, Janet Babineaux and husband Les and Jodie Pharr and husband Mark; six great grandchildren, Dana Charles Duhon Jr., Jamie Aube, Amanda Hollie, Madeline Babineaux, Anna Babineaux and Peyton Pharr; and one great-great grandchild, Kylee Stegall.
She was preceded in death by her parents Adam and Cecile Mouton, five brother, Felix, Morris, Paul, Jules and Sydney Mouton, two sisters, Clara Mouton Hanks and Alice Mouton Andrepont.
Pallbearers will be Elsy Miller, Johnny Miller, Bryan Spallino, Greg Spallino, Les Babineaux, Dane Duhon with Mike Savoy and Yohan Savoy as honorary pallbearers.

LeRoy M. Tanner
HOUSTON - LeRoy Morris Tanner passed away on October 5, 2003 in Houston. Born September 1, 1919, LeRoy grew up in Crowley and graduated from SLI, now UL-Lafayette after serving in the Army during World War II. He retired from the Superior Oil Company in 1981 after 32 years.
LeRoy is preceded in death by his son, Louis Morris Tanner. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pauline Privat Tanner and daughters, Anne Johnson of Houston, Susan Leake and husband Steve of Kaufman, Jane Lorenz and husband Richard of Houston, Patti Bock and husband Charles of Katy, and Kay Tanner and partner Molly Clark of Austin. He was Paw Paw and Papoo to 10 grandchildren; Jim and Kim Ridge, Sarah and Andrew Leake, Mary Claire and Anna Lorenz, Patrick and Caroline WIlson and Tyler and Alexandria Bock.
Visitation was Monday evening and the funeral mass today at 1:30 p.m. in Ars Chapel at St. John Vianney Church in Houston. Burial was in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made to either the St. John Vianney food bank or any Houston area food bank.
Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JENNINGS – Oran Miller, 85, died at 6:22 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2003 at Jennings American Legion Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 8 at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Brother Robert Holmes
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
Funeral services will be held for Brother Robert Holmes, 63, at Israelite Baptist Church in Crowley on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003. He passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2003 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Burial will be in the Old Crowley Cemetery under the direction of Syrie Funeral Home in Lafayette.
Visitation will be observed on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at the church.
Brother Robert Holmes was born the only child to Flanders Homes and Bertha Bolden Holmes on June 21, 1940.
Brother Holmes professed his faith in Christ and was Baptized at an early age under the leadership of Rev. A.J. May at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. He was active in Sunday, School, the choir and BTU. In 1993, he united with the Israelite Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Grady E. Poullard. He was an active member of the senior ushers, and worked diligently with his wife and the Young People’s Department. He was chosen as a deacon under the leadership of Rev. Ivan Lewis; at the time of his death, he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board. He was a faithful member of Tuesday Night Bible Study and the Brotherhood. Brother Holmes loved his Pastor and his Church.
Brother Holmes graduate from Henry Clay Ross High School in 1960 and received his Bachelor of Arts in elementary education in 1964 at Southern University in Baton Rouge. In 1975, he received a Master’s of Education degree in education and worked in education for over 30 years in the parishes of Acadia, St. Martin and Lafayette.
Brother Robert Holmes was married to Pearl Brock Holmes, and to this union two children were born, Dwayne Louis Holmes and Shannon Keith Holmes. In 1984, Brother Holmes was united in holy matrimony to Marilyn M. Holmes. The Lord allowed them to live happily and love each other for 19 and 1/2 years.
Brother Robert was preceded in death by his father, Flanders Holmes; his mother, Bertha B. Holmes; and an infant son, Matthew Flanders Holmes.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Marilyn M. Holmes of Crowley; two sons, Dwayne L. Holmes of Richfield, MN and Shannon K. Holmes of Lafayette; two brothers-in-law, Cornelius Griffen of Bogalusa and Hugh Jones of Gardena, CA; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Griffen and Francie Robinson, both of Bogalusa; nine nieces and nephews; a host of cousins, great nieces, nephews and friends.
“...the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Jobe 1:21b

CHURCH POINT – Anna Dugas, nee Anna Lavergne, 90, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003 at Acadia-St. Landry Guset Home in Church Point. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point.

CHURCH POINT – Mrs. Rene Labbie, 84, of Church Point, died Monday, Oct. 6, at 1 a.m. at Opelousas General Hospital. Funeral services are pending under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home in Church Point.

Percy Breaux
Funeral services will be held today at 1 p.m. in Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Percy Breaux, 80, who died Thursday, October 2, 2003 at the Crowley Guest Home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Lena Breaux of Crowley, one daughter, Susie Maturin of Rayne, one sister, Ruby Broussard of Morse, one grandson, Kevin Joseph Maturin and two great-grandchildren, Michael Joseph Maturin and Dylan Charles Maturin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ora and Leaze Breaux, three sisters, Eva Jean Richard, Virgie Cormier and Annie Mae Woods.
Mr. Breaux served in the Army during World War II.
Duhon Funeral Home in in charge of arrangements.

John A. (Fred) Melancon
Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2003 at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church for John A. “Fred” Melancon, 79, who died at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 2 at Baton Rouge General Hospital.
The Reverend Keith J. Derouen, Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist will be the celebrant of the funeral mass and will conduct the funeral services. Interment will be in St. Michael Cemetery in St. Martinville.
A loving the devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, one of the greatest pleasures of his life was his family. He truly loved people and his Cajun joie de vie insured that he never met a stranger. To so many people far and wide, he was affectionately known as “Uncle Fred.”
Born and raised in Parks, La., he was a graduate of St. Martinville High School and SLI. He proudly served his country during World War II as a member of Battery D of the 389th AAA Battalion in the South Pacific.
Following the war he returned to St. Martinville and married Maxie Perkins who was his loving wife of 49 years. He then embarked on a long and successful business career. Although he worked for most of his life as an independent petroleum landman, his business interests were quite varied and included banking, media, agriculture, and real estate. He was instrumental in the formation of the Times of Acadiana. One of the founders of the First Louisiana National Bank, he was serving as Chairman of the Board at the time of his death.
Always civic-minded, Fred worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community. He served two terms as city councilman, and in 1966 he received the “Councilman of the Year” award from the Louisiana Municipal Review. He also served as a volunteer fireman, the president of the St. Martin Academy School Board and a member of th Board of Directors of SMILE. A longtime member of Rotary International, he proudly reigned as King of the 1973 Rotary Club Mardi Gras Ball.
Very dear to Fred’s heart was the St. Martin Parish Library System. For almost two decades he has served as President of the St. Martin Parish Library Board. During that time he worked diligently for the growth and progress of the parish libraries. He was instrumental in securing the donation of the property on which the new main branch of the St. Martin Parish Library was built. In 1993 he was awarded the prestigious Modisette Award for Library Trustees in recognition of his distinguished service to libraries in Louisiana.
His recreational interests included travel, photography and a love of music. Learning to ski at age 50, he enjoyed hitting the slopes at every opportunity.
He is survived by six children; Sandy and her husband Wayne Melancon of Crowley; Susan and her husband Richard Kneller of Destin, Fla., Ginger and her husband Rick Miller of Scott, John and his wife Gina Melancon of Lafayette, Melanie and her husband Gary Huff of DeRidder, and Mark Melancon of Baltimore, MD; two sisters, Anne M. Abshire and her husband Lionel of Baton Rouge and Gert M. Maraist of Lafayette; four sisters-in-law, Ione P. Guirard of St. Martinville, Hazel P. Earnest of San Antonio, Ethel Melancon of Houma and Wilma Lee Melancon of Lafayette; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Maxie; his parents Ubald and Gabrielle Ducrest Melancon; three brothers, Raymond, Joseph and Lawrence Melancon and one grandchild, Jacob Huff.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Douglas Melancon, Michael Melancon, Paul Bordelon, Evan Melancon, Chris Huff and his nephew Robert Guirard. Honorary pallbearers will be the Board of Directors of First Louisiana National Bank.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday, October 5 and from 8 a.m. until the time of service Monday. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. tonight. Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flower the family requests that donations be made to the St. Martin Parish Library.

KAPLAN – Margaret R. Stafford, 58, died October 2, 2003 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 4, at Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan was in charge of arrangements.

RAYNE – Joyce Servat, 78, died at 5:07 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery #2 Mausoleum under the direction of Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne.

CROWLEY – Gabriel Matthews, 89, died at 3:20 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2003 at Crowley Guest House. Funeral services are pending with Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

George W. Sibley
LAFAYETTE - Funeral services are pending for Friday, Oct. 3, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Lafayette for George W. Sibley, 97, who died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003 in Lafayette.
Entombment will be in St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2 in Breaux Bridge.
The Rev. Perry Sandersm Rev. Noah Langley, Dr. Weldon Moak and Rev. Brice A. Sibley, grandson of the deceased, will conduct the services.
Mr. Sibley is a native of Beaumont, Texas, and lived his entire adult life in Breaux. He was employed as a pumper for AMOCO from 1934 until his retirement in 1971, then worked part-time for Gary Memorial Hospital in Breaux Bridge. He was a member of First Baptist Church and a lifetime Mason of the Anahuac Lodge. He was also an avid gardener and a superior craftsman.
Survivors include three sons, George B. Sibley and wife Elizabeth of Lafayette, Frank E. Sibley and wife JoAnn of Opelousas and Scott O. Sibley and wife Ann of Crowley; three daughters, Mickie Sibley of Breaux Bridge, Coatney S. Raymond and husband Johnny of Breaux Bridge and Pat S. Fournet and husband Dr. Kenneth Fournet of St. Martinville; 18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Irma T. Sibley; his mother, Coatney Bexley, and father, George William Sibley; one brother, Frank O. Sibley; and one sister, Alice S. Hawkins.
The family has requested visiting hours be observed from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and from 7 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
A rosary is pending for Thursday evening.
Music for the service will be provided by Ramona Carmichael. Songs will include “Will There be Any Stars in my Crown,” “I Don’t Want to Cross Jordon Alone” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”
Pallbearers will be George R. Jones, Clement B. Sibley, Mark Sibley, Dr. Bryan Sibley, Kyle Sibley, Beau Sibley, Barrett R. Branch, Byron R. Branch and Beau R. Branch.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge is in charge of the arrangements.

JENNINGS – Wilson N. Cormier, 75, died at 12:39 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2003 at Jennings American Legion Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2003 at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings.

Viola Bonvillion Henry
MIDLAND - Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003 at St. Aloysius Chapel for Viola Bonvillion Henry, 76, who died at 6:05 a.m. at her residence in Midland.
Father Donald Pousson and Fr. David Broussard will co-officiate for the funeral services.
A rosary was said Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. by Dr. David Pousson.
Visitation will be observed from 3 p.m. Wednesday and continue until the time of the funeral services.
She is survived by three sons, Rodley Henry and his wife Barbara of Baton Rouge, Learney Henry and his wife Lucy of Midland and Keith Henry and his wife Debbie of Mermentau Cove; two sisters, Agnes Miller of Sulphur and Nookie Harrington of Johnson Bayou; seven grandchildren, Todd Henry and his wife Tracy, Craig Henry and his wife Jamie, Nancy Myers and her husband Richard, Lori Henry, Darla Henry, Kourie Henry and Chance Henry; and six great grandchildren, Aimee, Stephen, Shanel, Ross, Madeline and Nathan.
She is preceded in death by her husband, R.J. Henry; her parents, Joseph Bonvillion and Oledia Louviere, numerous brothers and sisters; and two grandchildren.
She was a member of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Midland where she was a caretaker of the church hall for many years. She was also a member of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church Ladies Altar Society.
She and her belated husband owned and operated the Midland Grocery for over 20 years.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.

RAYNE – Louise Mildred Boudreaux Bellamy, 72, of Rayne, died Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at 1:02 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home of Rayne.

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