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RAYNE - Memorial graveside services will be held for Bennett Wade Navarre on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at Rayne Cemetery, Inc. in Rayne. Bennett died Saturday, Jan. 11, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Born in Oberlin, Bennet was the son of Maxie Joseph Navarre and Agnes “Gene” Walker Navarre. He lead a broad and colorful life and really found a passion and tranquility on the ocean. He loved Fort Walton Beach, where he lived the last 23 years. He truly enjoyed sailing, being on the water and the local family of friends he cherished there.
Survivors include his brother, Bruce Navarre and wife Patti Navarre; sister, Marcia Navarre-Haynes and her husband Lonny Haynes; niece, Megan Navarre; stepsisters, Georgette and Claudia “Pie” Richard; niece Andria Fetterman and her husband Jamie Fetterman; and three great-nephews, IV, Deacon and Camp.
Preceding Bennet in death were his parents, Maxie and Gene, as well as two brothers, Paul and Steve Navarre; cousin, Tommy Navarre; stepfather, Gardy Richard; and grandparents, aunts and uncles from both sides of the family.
Bennett dearly loved all animals and the ocean, and he was always willing to help those who were less fortunate.
In lieu of flowers - please donate to an animal shelter, ocean conservation charity or your local homeless shelter. He would appreciate that. The family also asks everyone to ‘pay it forward’. Thank you all for your love and support.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.

MIRE - A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 14, 2020, at noon in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Mire, for James Egelston Gaines Jr. “Jamie”, who died on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Bandera, Texas.
Born on December 8, 1948, in Louisville Kentucky, Jamie was raised in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. He attended school in Frankfort and worked on several local farms during his teenage years. In 1970, Jamie graduated from the University Of Kentucky College Of Agriculture.
In 1971, Jamie was accepted into Naval Flight Training – beginning a diverse 20 year career in the US Navy. Helicopter pilot, Flight Instructor, Air Boss, Surface Warfare Officer, Staff Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Cost Analysist were among the many positions he held. During his Navy career, Jamie went on nine overseas deployments. Jamie retired in 1991 with the rank of Commander. His medals, ribbons and insignia include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medals; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Navy Expert Rifle Medal, Naval Aviator Insignia and Surface Warfare Insignia.
Skeet was a huge part of Jamie’s life, being introduced to the sport in 1978. Due to Navy commitments, he wasn’t able to participate competitively until 1987. Upon his retirement from the Navy, skeet took Jamie’s full attention. In 1999, Jamie moved to Texas and found “skeet heaven”. He shot many Texas and major shoots throughout the country. On May 9, 2003, Jamie lost his left hand in a construction accident. With Wayne Mays as his coach, he was back shooting skeet within a month and shot a 100 at his first shoot after the accident. Jamie was inducted into the Armed Forces Hall of Fame, Texas Skeet Hall of Fame, and National Skeet Shooters Association Hall of Fame. Some of his accomplishments included Mini and World .410 titles, selection to numerous All American Teams, 5 400 x 400s, and World 2 Man Military Civilian HOA record.
Jamie was somewhat of a “Renaissance Man”, able to do almost anything he set his mind to – even after he lost his left hand. His “retirement” jobs included horse farm manager, service manager at a tractor dealer and pipeline manager. Jamie also was a welder/fabricator and became well known in the San Antonio area for his outstanding work.
Jamie loved hunting and was always looking for a good hunt – bear in Virginia, geese in Maryland, deer in Texas, duck in Louisiana, quail in Idaho – it didn’t matter, he was “game” for it. He didn’t restrict himself to the United States though, traveling to Uruguay and Ireland to help with their “flying rodent” populations.
Jamie is survived by his two sons, Denton D. Gaines and fiancé Kathleen Burns of Bradenton, Florida and T. Griffin Gaines and wife Kiara Fitzgerald of New Orleans; one brother, John Gaines and wife Missy of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and two former spouses, Kay Gaines of Bradenton, Florida and Lorraine Shelton-Gaines of Rayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ann Griffin Gaines and James E. Gaines, and his sister, Sara “Sally” Catherine Gaines, all of Frankfort, Kentucky.
Family requests that memorial donations be made to the Center for the Intrepid, Prosthetics Dept., 3851 Roger Brooke Dr, San Antonio, TX 78234.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., Rayne, LA 334-3141.

RAYNE - The 2020 Annual City-Wide Martin Luther King Celebration was held Monday, Jan. 20, in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Theme for the 2020 program was “Celebrate the Man, Live the Message” as announced by members of the National Association of University Women, long-time hosts of the annual event.
The day began at The MLK Center at 8:30 a.m. with a short program, hot cocoa and welcome by Jackie Wiltz. The opening prayer was provided by Pastor Reginald Hilts.
Participants then marched to the Rayne Civic Center where the local Boy Scouts of Troop 61 hoisted the United States Flag atop the flag poles, followed by a special MLK flag on the lower flag pole.
The main MLK program began at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center with Pastor Regional Hilts serving as master of ceremonies
The invocation was provided by Pastor Nathan T. Stevens, with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students of the Central Rayne Kindergarten.
Greetings were extended by members of the MLK Committee, Lester Washington and Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux.
Curtrese Minix of the Rayne City Council read the official proclamation from the city and presented the document to the MLK Committee.
Special guests and dignitaries were introduced by Hilts, followed by a dance routine presented by P.J.’s Dance School.
Guest speaker for the program was Dr. Donovan L. Segura of Crowley, a community advocate, inspirational speaker, eloquent communicator, paradigm shifter and political analyst who works religiously to leave an indelible imprint on every project he undertakes. The prominent, accomplished, energetic professional can often be seen working with the administration, faculty, staff and students on the flagship campus. Professionally, Dr. Segura is employed at Southern University and A&M College. His responsibilities include a service-quality that develops faculty, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, administrative coaching, project management, data analysis and college marketing. In addition to his administrative duties at the university he remains active in the community through the Beta Iota Lambda chapter of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha and as a Board Member for the non-profit organization, Serve Louisiana. He is a member of the Southern University Alumni Association and was selected as a member of the association’s Inaugural Cohort Top 40 Under 40 Alumni.
Segura stressed the importance of "celebrate by serving, being upright and treat people right." He also acknowledged that all communities have issues, but faith and trust in the Lord is needed to overcome these issues.
"Keep dreaming through it all" he stated during his short, but moving speech. He noted, "When you do what's right, great things happen. So, set an example for your generation and for future generations."
The winning essay submitted by Rayne High student Destiny Chatelain was read by committee member Elaine Sias who congratulated the oratorical winner and other submissions.
NAUW President Laura C. Levy announced the NAUW’s 2020 Adopt-A-School and presented Branch Elementary as it’s honoree.
A wellness program was again held in conjunction with the celebration as a number of local and area health organizations were in attendance offering services.
Jessica Wiltz provided a musical selection, followed by the announcement of school coloring, shoebox float and t-shirt design winners. A complete list of the winners and photos of the event will be highlighted on a special page in next week’s newspaper edition.
Long-time community and church leaders were honored with the 2020 Mary K. Figaro “I Dare You” Awards, as follows by the NAUW: Brenda Freeman, Paula Cutrer, Jeanette Williams, Virgie Gage and the late Rev. Cozy Gage.
Door prizes and closing remarks were announced by committee member Katie Jolivette, and Bishop Caleb Simon provided the closing prayer for another most successful MLK City-Wide Celebration for the city of Rayne.
The “Happy Birthday” song was sung by all and lunch was provided by the following sponsors: Rayne Branch of NAUW, City of Rayne, Mayor Chuck Robichaux, Ebonites Social and Civic Club, Mouton Pharmacy, Laura Levy, CJ’s Towing, Beslin & Cunningham, Daughters of Nefertiti, Elaine “Momma Wolf” Sias, Sheriff K.P. Gibson, CJ Prevost Insurance, Al Francis, Coca Cola, Rayne State Bank, Sadie’s Flower Shop, Borden, King City, Galal Kassim, Evangeline Maid, Rayne Flower Shop, Super 1 of Rayne, Walmart, Dexter Harmon, Rayne Public Library, Sonic of Rayne, Starlight Baptist Church, Hollywood Nails II, Acadiana Family Medical Center, Acadia Parish Assessor Jimbo Petitjean, Starbucks, E&R Snacks, Falius Lewis & Samantha Young, Marcus Simmons-SLCC, Ursula Hawkins, Sanctuary Church of Rayne, and all vendors, donors and volunteers who assisted with the successful 2020 program.