December 2006 Obituaries

Michael Breaux
CROWLEY – Funeral services were held Monday, December 11, at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Michael James Breaux, 45, who died Friday, December 8, 2006 at Lafayette General Hospital.
Burial was in St. Theresa Cemetery in Duson. Visiting hours were observed Monday from 11 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include his wife, Gretchen Jones of Crowley; two step-daughters, Taylor Moore of Houma and Melissa Scarborough; three sisters, May Simon of Lafayette, Laura Stratton of Lake Charles and Sarah Williams of Utah; two brothers, Milton Breaux of Cecilia and Russell Breaux of Crowley; one beloved cousin and best friend, Glen Patin of Crowley; two beloved dogs, Moose and Brinny and a host nieces and nephews.
Breaux was preceded in death by his parents, Ulysse and Editha Patin Breaux, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home.

Evana Young
EUNICE-A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Eunice for Mrs. Evana Cart Young, 76, who passed away on Monday, December 11, 2006, at Opelousas General Hospital in Opelousas.
The Rev. Cedric Sonnier, Pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Eunice will be the Celebrant with the Rite of Committal to follow in the Reed Cemetery.
Mrs. Young was a resident of Eunice and a retired bookkeeper with Southwest Developmental Center. She was also employed with Fontenot Rice Dryers for 12 years.
Survivors include her three sons, John A. Cart Jr. and wife, Debbie of Morgan City; Clarence Carol Cart and his wife, Rosie of Tee Mamou; Jonathan Cart and fiancé, Lygia of Lafayette; a brother, Raymond Klumpp of Basile; two sisters, Wedna LeJeune of Duralde, and Edna Granger of Eunice; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Alden Cart and Bertman Young; parents, Henry and Armentine Klumpp; brothers, Cleveland, Clemence, Alphan, William, Wilson and Felix Klumpp; and a sister, Attie Fontenot.
The family request that visitation hours be observed from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice and will continue from 8 a.m. until time of services Wednesday with a Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening.
Family and friends may view the obituary and sign the guest book online at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangement.

Fred Kiesel
CROWLEY – Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2006 at the Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Fred Kiesel, 88, who died Sunday, December 10, 2006 at his residence in Crowley.
Visitation was Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service.
Rabbi Micah Lapidus of Temple Shalom officiated the funeral services and the burial at Hebrew Rest Cemetery in Lafayette.
Mr. Kiesel was born December 29, 1917 to William and Cora Gumfory Kiesel. He served his country in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during WWII, serving in England with the 8th Air Force. He married Mildred "Mitzi" Kravitz in 1946 and together they began Kiesel Electric.
He is survived by three sons, Alan Kiesel and his wife, Jean of Lafayette; Eric Kiesel and his wife, Julie of Atlanta, Ga. and Brian Kiesel and his wife, Debbie of Lufkin, Texas; three sisters, Lena Hilliard of Pryor, Okla.; Mary Didoha of Vallejo, Calif.; and Louise Banfield of Tulsa, Okla.; three brothers, Joseph Kiesel of Dallas, Texas, Lee Kiesel of Pryor, Okla.; and Paul Kiesel of Gainesville, Texas; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three brothers, William Jr, Edward and Jack Kiesel; and three sisters, Bertha Leslie, Christine Preston and Marguerite Martin.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to Temple Shalom or the charity of their choice.
Friends who wish to do so may offer their condolences online at www.geesey-ferguson.com
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Noime Benoit
CROWLEY – Funeral services are pending for Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Noime Weekly Benoit, 88, who died December 10, 2006 at Southwind Nursing Home.
The family is requesting visiting hours to be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Istre Cemetery.
She is survived by one daughter, Shirley Young of Lafayette; two sons, Amos and Carris Benoit, both of Morse; two sisters, Delta Burger of Angleton, Texas, and Eloide Fontenot of Lake Arthur; 12 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.
Ms. Benoit is preceded in death by her husband, Clesma Benoit; one son, Shelman Benoit; her parents, Clydul and Deluska Miller Weekly; and five brothers.
Condolences may be made to the family on www.geesey-ferguson.com Geesey Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Jean Wilson
CROWLEY – Funeral services were held Saturday, December 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church for Jean Catherine Wilson, 66, who died Friday, December 1, 2006 at her residence.
Father Bob Zawacki officiated for the services. Burial was in the South Crowley Cemetery. Visiting hours were observed Saturday from 8 a.m. until service time. A rosary was recited Saturday at 9 a.m. at the church.
Survivors include four sons, Avner “Jimmy” Young Jr.; James L. Wilson, Anthony K. Wilson, all of Crowley and Kevin T. Wilson, of Lafayette; three daughters, Sharon J. Young-Hawkins and her husband, Samuel of Suitland, Md.; Shirley N. Ceasar and her husband, Sam of Eunice and Phyllis D. Wilson of Crowley; two brothers, Alton Wilson Jr. and Benjamin Wilson, both of Crowley; and two sisters, Kathryn Grant of Crowley and Rose Guillory of Lake Charles.
Ms. Jean was preceded in death by her father, Alton Wilson Sr.; her mother, Malinda “Sadie” Wilson; one brother, Mervin L. Wilson Sr., one grandchild and one great grandchild.
Pallbearers were Troy A. Grant, John F. Guillory Jr., Mervin L. Wilson Jr., Landry Washington Jr., Sam Ceasar Jr. and John Morris.
Arrangements were entrusted to Frank Brothers Funeral Home of Eunice.

Lila Williams
CROWLEY – A private graveside service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2006 for Lila Lee Pond Williams, 87, who died Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Southwind Assisted Living Center.
Rev. Mark Strickland, Pastor of First Methodist Church will be officiating the graveside service.
Mrs. Williams was born September 17, 1919 in Crowley to the late Charles Preston and Lillie Richardson Pond. She was a lifelong member of the First Methodist Church. She worked many years at Southern Bell Telephone Company and then worked for American Legion Hospital as a ward clerk.
Mrs. Williams is survived by one sister, Evelyn Pond Miles of Crowley and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, David and Preston Pond and two sisters, Susan Bradham and Lillian P. Patin.
The family request any memorial donations be made to Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care or The First Methodist Church.
Friends who wish to do so may offer their condolences online at www.geesey-ferguson.com
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Janice Mathis
LAKE CHARLES – Janice Faye Richard Mathis, 61, of Lake Charles died on Saturday, December 09, 2006 in a local hospital.
Mrs. Mathis was born on June 15, 1945 in Crowley to Clovis and Pearl McDonald Richard and had lived most of her life in Lake Charles. She was a graduate of Crowley High School where she received the Hall of Fame award as outstanding graduate in 1963. She was also awarded Outstanding Girl Citizen of Crowley in 1963 and was crowned Miss Crowley of the International Rice Festival in 1962. Mrs. Mathis was a graduate of McNeese State University in May 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Following graduation, she taught in parochial and public schools and was also a housewife. She was an active member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.
Survivors include her loving husband, James “Jim” C. Mathis of Lake Charles; two children, Lynn Price of Shreveport and David Mathis of Houston; and three grandchildren, Emily Marien, Ryan and Brittany Price, all of Shreveport.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 11, 2006 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. with a rosary and scripture service being held at 7:15 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. in the funeral home.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

Mae Breaux
CROWLEY – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 11, 2006 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for Mae B. Breaux, 93, who died Saturday, December 9, 2006 at her residence in Crowley. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until service time. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Sunday.
Fr. Matthew Higginbotham, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary will celebrate the Mass and the committal services at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Ms. Breaux was a lifelong member of Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Ladies Altar Society. She was born October 7, 1913 in Rayne to the late Taylor and Clarise Guidry Breaux.
She and her late husband, Osta Breaux owned and operated Breaux’s Grocery for many years.
She is survived by and will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews and her extended family the Broussards’.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers; Sidney, Lawless and Fidney Breaux and two sisters; Ozema B. Guidry and Ella Duhon Breaux.
The family request any memorial donations be made to Hospice of Acadiana or Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Friends who wish to do so may offer their condolences online at www.geesey-ferguson.com
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Janice Simar
JENNINGS – Funeral services for Ms. Janice Ann Simar, 47, were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at St. Jules Catholic Church of Tee-Mamou with Rev. Ted Broussard officiating.
Burial will be in St. Jules Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings.
Visitation began Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at 3 p.m. and continued until the time of service. A rosary was recited by Deacon Mike Tramel Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.
Ms. Simar died Sunday, December 3, 2006 at her residence in Crowley.
She was a native of Crowley, a homemaker, a devoted mother and grandmother and enjoyed flower gardening. She was very active with the special needs children at Ross Elementary School in Crowley
She is survived by four daughters, Dannielle Benoit and her spouse, Greg of Jennings; Angel Nicole Simar, Justine Noel Simar and Lana Michelle Simar, all of Evangeline; her parents, Merlin Joseph Oliver of Keenewick, Wash. and Joyce Marie Q. Thibodeaux of Rayne; two sisters, Lynn Royer and her spouse, Tony of Jennings; and Jackie Oliver of Scott; two brothers, Joey Oliver and his spouse, Janet of Kennewick, Wash. and Brian Quebodeaux of Iota; two grandchildren, Gavin Heath Benoit and Kassie Anna-Claire Benoit, both of Jennings
Ms. Simar was preceded in death by her first husband, Daniel “Danny” Craig Fontenot.

Alice Hebert
IOTA – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2006 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota for Alice Jean Miller Hebert, 76, who died Monday, Dec. 4, 2006 in Crowley. The Reverend Donald Leger will officiate. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Iota. Visitation will be observed from 2 p.m. Wednesday until service time Thursday. A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Readers for the mass will be granddaughters, Allison Richard and Danae’ Vaughn; offertory gifts will be brought by granddaughters, Denise, Jessica, and Jodi Hebert and Abbie Baronet. Eucharistic Minister will be her sister-in-law, Catherine Miller and the altar server will be her great-granddaughter, Michaela Frey.
She is survived by a daughter, Carol Sue "Susie" Baronet and her husband, Billy, of Crowley; two sons, Lynn "Doza" Hebert and his wife, Joann, of Houston; and Robert "Mooka" Hebert of Iota; three sisters, Meritta Touchet and her husband, Earl, of Jennings; Nell Pellegrin and her husband, Joe, of Houma; and Frances A. Miller of Iota; two brothers, Frederick L. Miller and his wife, Mary, of Port Neches, Texas and George D. Miller and his wife, Catherine, of Houma; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Mrs. Hebert was preceded in death by her husband, Lee "L.C." Hebert; a son, Carlton "Ocean" Hebert; two brothers, James Bob Miller and Rodney H. Miller; an infant sister, Evelyn Miller; and her parents, Jeff Phillip Miller and Louise Marie Reed Miller.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and nephews, Jeff and Matthew Hebert, Paul "Chippy" Miller, Dalton LaCombe, Chad Richard and Patrick Soileau. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, David Vaughn, Steven Clouse, Joshua Parnell, and a special friend of the family, Darrell Granger.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with arrangements.
Friends may express their condolences at www.geesey-ferguson.com.

John Davis
JENNINGS – Funeral services for Mr. John S. Davis, 54, were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2006 in the First Church of Christ on May Street with Jack Harris officiating.
Burial will be in the Kai Hebert Memorial Cemetery in Roberts Cove near Crowley under direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings.
Visitation was Monday from 3:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., and continued Tuesday from 8 a.m. until time of services.
Mr. Davis died early morning, Sunday, December 3, 2006 at his residence.
He was a native of Lake Charles and a lifelong resident of Jennings. He was raised by Robert and Aspazie Davis and as an adult he became a welder after serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was also a member of the First Church of Christ.
Mr. Davis is survived by three daughters, Robin Gayle Mouton of Turkey Creek; Sheila Hulin of Crowley and Melinda Simon of Crowley; two sons, John Weston Davis of Jennings and Keith Mouton of Crowley; his father, Ivy Davis of Jennings; his former wife, Myrtis Bertrand of Crowley; seven sisters, Ramona Breaux of Jennings; Dawn Clement of Jennings;Yvonne Bourque of Jennings; Beverly Cormier of Hathaway; Debbie Bertrand of Evangeline; Rhonda Bertrand of Evangeline; and Janet Smith of Eunice; five brothers, Keith Davis of Lafayette; Robert Charles Davis of Lafayette; Roderick Davis of Jennings; Elvin Davis of Jennings; Byron Davis of Evangeline; 11 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlsie Mary Land; and one daughter, Jennie Nini.

Mary “Dee” Durbin
BATON ROUGE – Mary "Dee" Ford Durbin, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Crowley on Sunday, December 3, 2006.
A memorial service will be held at Williamsburg Senior Living Community, 5445 Government Street, Baton Rouge, on Friday, December 22, 2006 at 10 a.m. The Rev. Jan Holloway will officiate.
A native of New Iberia, Mrs. Durbin was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of New Iberia, where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She enjoyed cooking for her family and helping those less fortunate. She was a generous, caring and compassionate person who was always the champion of the underdog.
She is survived by a daughter, Millie Brooks and husband, F.M "Rick" of Baton Rouge; a son, Dr. John Taylor and wife, Christine of Crowley; 10 grandchildren, Patrick, John Steven and Anne Taylor of Denver, Co.; Sam Brooks of Washington, D.C.; Beth Morrison of Baton Rouge; Lauren Meaux, Claire Cope and Anne Taylor of Dallas, Texas; Dr. Stuart Taylor and Katherine Miller of Crowley; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, L.F. "Slick" Taylor, Edwin J. Ford and Gilbert Durbin; and her son, Dr. Jerry Taylor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000.

Scott Callahan
CROWLEY – Graveside services were held Monday, December 4, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iota for Scott Daniel Callahan, infant, who died Friday, December 1, 2006 at Women & Children’s Hospital in Lafayette.
Father Mikel Polson will officiate for the services.
Survivors include his parents, Michael and Angela Callahan of Rayne; two brothers, Kevin and Steven Callahan, both of Rayne; one sister, Victoria Callahan of Rayne; his maternal grandparents, Shelton and Ruby Breaux of Morse; and his paternal grandmother, Delores Callahan of Gaffney, S.C.
Infant Callahan was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Richard Callahan.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley.

Lawrence Stoute
CROWLEY – Mr. Lawrence Stoute, 90, of Crowley, died Sunday, December 3, 2006, at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.
He is survived by his wife Lula Gotreaux Stoute of Crowley; one daughter, Clarice Boullion and her husband, Glen of Crowley; two sons, Dennis Stoute of Crowley; and Noah Stoute of Harvey; seven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Joseph A. and Laura Roberts Stoute; his brothers, John and Dryfus Stoute; and his sisters, Girsay Abshire, Leota Gray, Dorothy Hoffpauir, Mable Abshire and Nola Dupre.
Visitation is from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at First United Pentecostal Church of Crowley. It will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Funeral service will be at First United Pentecostal Church of Crowley at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2006.
Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley.
Quirk Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

CROWLEY – Journ’ee Treselyn Lewis, infant, died Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at American Legion Hospital. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 5 at Woodlawn Cemetery. Geesey-Ferguson has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Jeanette Richard Domingue
RAYNE - Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2006 in Gossen Funeral Home Chapel for Jeanette Richard Domingue, 71, who died Friday, December 1, 2006 at 11 a.m. in University Medical Center in Lafayette. Interment was in St. Joseph Cemetery #2.
Survivors include her husband, Purvis J. Domingue, of Church Point; two daughters, Sharon Domingue, of Mire, Kollie Doucet and husband Darryl, of Crowley; one son, Jason Domingue, of Mire; four grandchildren, Matt and Paige Domingue, of Mire, Lauren Doucet Trahan, of Crowley, Hannah Doucet, of Crowley; one great grandchild, Shailey Grace Trahan, of Crowley; two sisters, Gloria Wyatt, of Rayne, Thelma Mortin, of Vidor, TX; one brother, Lawrence Pete Richard, of Rosenburg, TX.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ovey Richard and Florence Domingue Richard.
The family greeted friends Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home Inc. of Rayne,(337)334-3141.

Cathey Milstead
CROWLEY – Funeral services for Ms. Cathey Lewis Milstead, 53, will be held Saturday, December 2, 2006 at 11 a.m. in First Church of God In Christ in Crowley, Supt. Alton E. Gatlin, Pastor. Burial will be in West Crowley Cemetery.
Ms. Milstead, a native of Crowley and resident of Rayne, died on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at American Legion Hospital in Crowley. Ms. Milstead was a member of First Church of God In Christ.
Mourning her departure are her daughter, Tiffany Handy (Dana) of Rayne; two grandchildren, Breanna and Armani Handy, both of Rayne; her surrogate parents, Lawrence B. and Betty Handy; two brothers, Paul Lewis of Beaumont, Texas and Ronald Lewis of Rayne; four sisters, Virgie Delco (Raymond, Sr.), Rosella Guillory (Leonard), Mandy Milstead (Eugene) and Mary Ann Minix (Ronald), all of Crowley; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Ms. Milstead was preceded in death by her parents, Liza Lewis Gant and Antoine Lewis; three brothers, David McDonald, Elbert McDonald and Johnny Lewis; her maternal grandparents, Minister Moses and Rosella Cain, Sr.; and her godmother, Mary Louise Cain.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, December 2, 2006 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. in First Church of God In Christ.
Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements.

Edna Cormier
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church for Edna Lee Cormier, 86, who died Sunday, November 26, 2006 at American Legion Hospital.
Father Bob Zawarsky will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed Saturday from 8 a.m. until service time. A rosary will be recited Saturday at 9 a.m. at the funeral home.
Survivors include four daughters, Sharon Clement of Crowley; Patricia Senegal and her husband, Buster of Crowley; Wanda Smith of Crowley and Shannon Wilkins and her husband, Jerry of Crowley; six sons, Dale Chambers of Venice, Calif.; Gerald Chambers of Crowley; Willie James Chambers of Crowley; Wayne Chambers of Crowley; Terry Chambers of Crowley and Kermit Chambers of Crowley; one sister, Cora Dugar of Pasadena, Calif; one brother, Robert Francis of Crowley; one son-in-law, Warren Guillory Jr. of Crowley; 16 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Cormier was preceded in death by three spouses, Willie Chamber, Joseph Thomas and Henry Cormier; her parents, Edna Francis and John Francis Sr.; one daughter, Geraldine Guillory; two sisters, Fannie Boudreaux and Irene Cambell; and six brothers, Milton, Freddie, John Jr., Percy, Jimmie and Wilbert Francis.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Owens-Thomas Funeral Home.

CROWLEY – Orelia B. Johnson, 76, died Monday, November 27, 2006 at American Legion Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 2 at Maryland Chapel Cemetery in Branch. Syrie Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

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