Obituaries August 2002; Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana Submitted by Kathy LaCombe-Tell Source; Lake Charles American Press (LCAP). The American Press has granted permission for the obituaries to be archived by the USGenWeb Project. They assume no responsibility in the accuracy of the information. They print only what is furnished to them by the indicated funeral home. The date beside the newspaper abbreviation is the date it was printed. Submitted June 2004 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************Netscape & MS Explorer users: If you are searching for a particular surname, locality or date while going through the records in the archives or anywhere, try these few steps: 1. Go to the top of the report you are searching. 2. Click on EDIT at the top of your screen 3. Next click on FIND in the edit menu. 4. When the square pops up, enter what you are looking for in the FIND WHAT ______ blank. 5. Click on DIRECTION __DOWN. 6. And last click on FIND NEXT and continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report. This should highlight the item that you indicated in "find what" every place it appears in the report. You must continue to click on FIND NEXT till you reach the end of the report to see all of the locations of the item indicated. Harry Myers JENNINGS — Harry Myers, 65, died at 4:04 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2002, in a Lafayette hospital. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 2, from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Estherwood Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. James A. Pearo — 8/3/2002 James Adam Pearo, 89, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, in a local hospital. He was a native of Welsh, and he lived most of his life in Lake Charles. He served in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1945. He worked for Green Acres Nursing Home until he retired. Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Elmonia Guillory Pearo, and his secretary, Denise Morehead Gatson. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, from Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Henry Mancuso will officiate. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home. Visitation is from 9 a.m. in the church. Elizabeth E. Cresap — 8/4/2002 JENNINGS — Elizabeth Eubank Cresap, 84, died at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, 2002, at Meadow Brook Rehabilitation Hospital in Lafayette. She was a native of New Boston, Texas, and a resident of Jennings. She was a retired third-grade teacher of 30 years. She was a member of The Retired School Teacher Association. Survivors include her husband, Stanley Pointer Cresap of Jennings; two daughters, Carolyn C. Kettering of Atlanta, and Stanley P. Mead and son-in-law, Ralph, both of Spring, Texas; one sister, Mabel Furrh of Elysian Fields, Texas; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her memorial service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Jennings. The Rev. Marshall Boulet will officiate. Arrangements are by Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Visitation is from 5 p.m. today, with a vigil at 6 p.m., in the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church for Masses or to The American Cancer Society. Isaac Langley — 8/6/2002 MOSS BLUFF — Isaac Langley, 84, died Sunday, August 4, 2002, in a local hospital He was a native of Elton and had lived in Moss Bluff for the past 45 years. He was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church. He was a self-employed construction worker. He was a member of Pentecostal Campers’ Association. Survivors include his wife, Ethel Chapman Langley of Moss Bluff; one daughter, Lynda Bickford, of Moss Bluff; three grandchildren, Paul Henagan of Blytheville, Ark., David Henagan of Westlake and Aimee Hill of Magnolia, Ark.; and three great-grandchildren, Tristan Henagan and Zoe Henagan of Westlake and Bria Henagan of Blytheville. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, from St. Theodore Catholic Church of Moss Bluff. Monsignor Charles Dubois and the Rev. Tim Mahoney will officiate. Burial will be in LeBleu Cemetery in Fenton under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Visitation is 5-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Wednesday. Aldes G. Hebert — 8/8/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Aldes Gillum Hebert, 89, died at 2:35 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, in a Jennings care center. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 8, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Marshall Crowl — 8/9/2002 WELSH — Marshall Crowl, 89, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. He was a lifelong resident of the Welsh area. He was an Army veteran and served in North Africa during World War II. He was part owner and operator of Crowl Machine Shop of Welsh for more than 45 years. He was a member of Church of Christ in Jennings. Survivors include one brother, Arthur W. Crowl Jr. of Welsh; one sister, Jessie M. Weuchert of Houston; several nieces and nephews; and several stepchildren and step grandchildren. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, in Hixson Funeral Home in Welsh. Jack Harris will officiate. Burial will be in Lacassine Cemetery. Visitation is 3-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Saturday. Cecilia J. Green — 8/9/2002 Cecilia Joseph Green, 97, died at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. She was born in Cade, and she lived most of her life in Jennings. Survivors include one daughter, Glacie Green of Jennings; one stepdaughter, Vera Bolden of Abbeville; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church of Jennings. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Saturday in church. Jean E. Higginbotham — 8/9/2002 Jean E. Higginbotham, 61, died at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, 2002, in Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, N.C. She was born Jan. 5, 1941, in Lake Arthur to Verdner Chaney and the late Cora Chaney. She attended school in Lake Arthur and later became a certified nursing assistant, which was her occupation until the time of her illness. She was a kind, loving and caring person with a genuine personality, which displayed her uniqueness. She will be deeply missed and not forgotten by all who knew her. Survivors include three sons, Gary D. Higginbotham of Lake Charles, Eddie Higginbotham III and wife Ella, both of Jennings, and Darrell J. Higginbotham and fiance Alicia, both of Lake Charles; three daughters, Dana Higginbotham of Greenville, N.C., Diane Higginbotham-Maybank and husband Michael, both of Greenville, and Melania Higginbotham of Vanceboro, N.C.; her father, Verdner Chaney of Lake Arthur; two sisters, Marjorie Jones of Lake Arthur and Norma Jean Johnson of Houston; three brothers, Howard Lee of Kileen, Texas, Gilbert Lee of Houston and Freddy Chaney of Lake Charles; 17 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by one brother, Jerry Chaney; one son, Michael Higginbotham; her mother, Cora Chaney; and one sister, Elaine Benoit. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Jennings Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Elise G. Sonnier — 8/9/2002 WELSH — Elise G. Sonnier, 93, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. She was a native of Arnaudville, and she lived most of her life in the Welsh area. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Survivors include three sons, Herbert Sonnier of Jennings, Richard Sonnier of Welsh and Michael Sonnier of Lafayette; one sister, Berth Royer of Pine Island; three brothers, Alex Guidry of Iowa, La., and Danis Guidry and Treville Guidry Jr., both of Lake Charles; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bertrand Sonnier, and one son, Edward Sonnier. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 9, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church of Welsh. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Elzina Trahan — 8/10/2002 GROVES, Texas — Elzina “Blanche” Trahan, 97, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, in Crest Haven Nursing Home of Groves. She was a native of Jennings, and she lived many years in Lake Charles. She had lived in Groves since 1984. She was the owner of Hatchet Cafe. Survivors include two daughters, Lena Sonnier of Groves and Margaret LeBlanc of Lumberton, Texas; one son, Ovey J. Trahan Jr. of Buras; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 10, in Broussard’s Mortuary of Nederland, Texas. The Rev. Dan Malain will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Lake Charles. A rosary was recited Friday evening. Joyce R. Doucet — 8/14/2002 WELSH — Joyce R. Doucet, 72, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002, in a local hospital. She was a native of Jennings, and she had lived in Welsh for 52 years. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church of Welsh and was the director of the funeral choir. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters and was a sacristan and Eucharistic minister for the church. She worked as a licensed practical nurse for many years before retiring. Survivors include two sons, Craig Doucet of Moss Bluff and Terry Doucet of Thornwell; one daughter, Judy Doucet of Welsh; one brother, Ivan Richard of Carencro; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Entombment will be in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Mausoleum under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday with a rosary at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Roy D. Greene — 8/14/2002 FENTON — Roy D. Greene, 89, died at 12:40 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Fenton. He was a longtime educator and cattleman. He was the last of 11 children in the Julius Newton Greene family. He was the last of seven children to graduate as valedictorian from Dry Creek High School. He was a member of the undefeated 1931 Dry Creek High basketball team. He was named all-state and high-point man in the 1931 LHSAA Championship Tournament, which at the time involved only one basketball class. He received an athletic scholarship to Louisiana State Normal College in Natchitoches. He attended Normal from 1931 to 1935, and he played on the school’s sports teams. He graduated in 1935 with a bachelor’s degree. His first job was as science teacher, basketball coach and assistant football coach at Rayville High School. He then accepted a job at Jennings High School as science teacher and assistant football coach. In 1938, he accepted a position at Fenton High School as a science teacher, basketball coach and assistant principal. A year later he became the principal; he remained the principal until 1978. He worked 43 years in education and missed only a half-day of work through the years. He earned a master’s from LSU in 1954. Survivors include one son, Larry G. Greene of Fenton; two daughters, Sandra G. Wooley of Olney, Texas, and Deborah K. Greene of Pensacola, Fla.; six grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, in Dry Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Don Willis will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery near Dry Creek under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder. Visitation is from 1 p.m. Thursday in the church. Rev. Dan C. Simon — 8/16/2002 The Rev. Dan C. Simon, 75, died at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, in a Lafayette hospital. He was a native of Jennings. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern University, and he later attended McNeese State University, where he received his certification. He attended Prairie View A&M University, where he later became a professor. He was a United Methodist minister in the New Orleans District. He was a teacher for a number of years at Jeff Davis High School. He was an Army veteran and a member of the Goodwill Lodge. Survivors include one sister, Zenobia Robinson of Jennings, and one brother, Joseph Lee Simon of Jennings. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, in First United Methodist Church of Jennings. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are by Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Saturday in church. Rose M. Bergeaux — 8/17/2002 JENNINGS — Rose Marie Bergeaux, 72, died at 12:15 p.m. Aug. 15, 2002, in the local hospital. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 17, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Jerry I. Harless — 8/18/2002 Jerry Ike Harless, 81, died at 7:05 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2002 in his residence. He was a native of Berwick and lived in Jennings several years prior to moving to Lake Charles in 1931. He graduated from Georgia Military Academy. He served in World War II with the 1st Division, 18th Infantry (Big Red One). He landed on Omaha Beach as a foreign observer. He was a recipient of both the Silver and the Bronze Stars. He was the founder and CEO of Harless Inc., Jerry Ike Harless Towing Inc., A.B. Linney Inc. and ABL Corporation. He served on the Lake Charles City Council in 1961 and served as president 1965-1966. He was a member of the Better Business Bureau and served as director in 1991. He was a 33rd degree Mason, past master of Lodge 165 and a charter member and past potentate of the Habibi Shrine Center. He was a Scottish Rites mason and was a past director of the Royal Order of Jesters. He was a member of LCIA and the McNeese Foundation, in which he established The Mildred Whitley Harless Scholarship for Education. He was a charter member of the Propeller Club of Lake Charles. Survivors include his daughters, Margaret Ann Fister of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Barbara Leigh Chiasson and Jerri Linda Green, both of Lake Charles; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Whitley Harless. Funeral services with Masonic Rites will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, in Johnson Funeral Home. The Rev. Henry Bowdon Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation is 3-8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. Monday. Memorial donations may be made to the McNeese Foundation, Mildred Whitley Harless Scholarship Fund, the family said. Pallbearers will be James Soileau, Jerry Scott Broussard, Nicholas Ike Soileau, Blaine Simon, Phillip Hull, Don Gorum and honorary pallbearer Felix Lewis. Melton H. Mott — 8/20/2002 SULPHUR — Melton H. “Big Mott” Mott, 84, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002, in his residence. He was a native of Jennings, and he had lived in Sulphur for 81 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He owned Mott’s Furniture Shop. During his early years he lived and worked at the Sulphur Mines. He dedicated most of his life to serving and volunteering with various committees and groups. He served on the board of directors for the Calcasieu Council on Aging, TRIAD, RSVP and the Calcasieu Resource Center, and he served on the CAP advisory board. He was a Calcasieu Parish school bus driver for 23 years. He retired in 1981. He and his wife were chosen as CCOA’s 1999 Mardi Gras king and queen. Sulphur Mayor Ron LeLeux proclaimed “Big Mott Day” on Aug. 14, 2002, recognizing him for his accomplishments and thanking him for the history he shared with us all. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Dolores Reeves Mott of Sulphur; five daughters, Kris Fontenot of Moss Bluff, Beverly Firmin of Augusta, Ga., Debra Comboy of New Orleans, Geralyn Mott of Bangor, Maine, and Sharon Lee of San Antonio; one brother, Edgar Dewey Mott of Alvin, Texas; 18 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Ethel Blevins, and his brother, Allen “Little Mott” Mott. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 20, from Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. The Revs. Francis Fitzsimmons, Ed Brunnert and Lenz will officiate. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Carlyss under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. A rosary was recited Monday. Marguerite E. Romero — 8/20/2002 WELSH — Marguerite Evadine Romero, 80, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002, in a local hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Welsh. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters and the Altar Society. She was an alumna of Phi Mu sorority from Louisiana State University. She was a CCD teacher. She was a devoted mother and homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Mark Romero of Welsh and Robert C.D. Romero of Baton Rouge and wife, Sarah Madison Romero; two daughters, Mrs. John C. (Renee) Watkins of Welsh and Mrs. Jack (Lorraine R.) Harbour of Roundrock, Texas; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.E. Romero; one brother, J.B. David; and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph (Amy Benoit) David. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is 3-9 p.m. today in the funeral home, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Wednesday. Memorial donations may be made to The Children’s Miracle Network, 524 South Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 70601, the family said Nelson P. Cole — 8/23/2002 Nelson Peter Cole, 78, died at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, in the Oakdale hospital. He was born in Elton, and he lived most of his life in Kinder. He was a member of the St. Joseph Altar Society. Survivors include his wife, Eltra Prudhomme Cole of Kinder; two daughters, Dianne Marie Griffin of Macoutah, Ill., and Sherry Cole of San Diego; one son, Ronald James Cole of Elton; two sisters, Elizabeth Duhon of Fenton and Mary Joubert of Kinder; three brothers, Louis Cole of Lake Charles and Felix Cole and Luke Cole, both of Kinder; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, from St. Philip Neri Catholic Church of Kinder. Burial will be in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel of Kinder. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Saturday in funeral home, with a rosary at 11 a.m. Mrs. Sadie Goodwin — 8/23/2002 Mrs. Sadie Mae Allison Goodwin, 68, died at 9:29 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002, in the Sulphur hospital. She was born in Welsh, and she lived most of her life in Sulphur. Survivors include her husband, Joseph Goodwin of Sulphur; one daughter, Wanda Nell Lemelle of Sulphur; one son, Jessie Goodwin of Sulphur; one sister, Lethia Mae Allison of Los Angeles; one brother, Clifford Joseph “C.J.” Allison of Los Angeles; and four grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, in Macedonia Church of God in Christ of Sulphur. Burial will be in Farquhar’s Hill Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel of Lake Charles. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Saturday in church. Hilda Broussard Hilda Broussard, 76, died Aug. 24, 2002, in her residence. She was a native of Hathaway and a resident of Lake Charles for the last 47 years. She will be remembered as a kind woman who gave of herself for her family and others. Survivors include her husband, Wilfred J. Broussard of Lake Charles; two sons, Dexter Lee Broussard of Lake Charles and Ricky Broussard and his wife, Angie, of LeBleu Settlement; a brother, Hillard Broussard of Lake Charles; one sister, Margaret Dronet of Sulphur; and two grandchildren, Haley and Tyler Broussard. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Martha Ann Broussard. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, in Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Deacon George Carr will officiate. Burial will be in Lacassine Cemetery. Visitation is 11 a.m.-9 p.m. today with a rosary at 7 p.m. Whitman Crader WELSH — Whitman Joseph “Pappy” Crader, 79, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, in a local hospital. He was a native of Richie and had been a resident of Welsh for the last 50 years. He was an inside guard with the Knights of Columbus, Father Daigle Council 2855. He was a former auxiliary policeman and ambulance driver. Survivors include his son, Willis Crader of Welsh; daughter, Carol Ann Winn of Duson; two sisters, Ellen Dyke of Welsh and Edna Langley of Iowa; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Ellen “Granny” Crader and his son, Bobby Crader. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is noon-10 p.m. today with a rosary at 7 p.m. Archie F. Menard WELSH — Archie Francis Menard, 73, died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. He was a native of Pine Island and a lifelong resident of Jennings. He was a World War II Navy veteran. He was a retired painting contractor. He was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians in Jennings. Survivors include his wife, Velma Jean Menard; three sons, Anthony Menard of Hathaway, Patrick Menard of Mermentau and Dan Menard of Jennings; three daughters, Pauline Stephens of Sulphur, Martha Staton of Mermentau and Donna Richard of Jennings; three brothers, Wood Menard of Vidor, Texas, Woodrow Menard of Elton and Creighton Menard of Jennings; one sister, Georgie Coots of Jennings; and four great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 26, from Our Lady Help of Christians. The Rev. James Gaddy will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Island Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Hixson and Sons. Hazel Ayo — 8/27/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Hazel Ayo, 86, died at 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, in her residence. She was a native of Elton and a resident of Lake Arthur. She was the retired owner of the Lake Shore Club. Survivors include a son, Robert Dale Kenvyn I of Lake Arthur; one daughter, Lettie Marcantel (and husband Wayne) of Elton; her brother, Eston Fontenot of Bacliff, Texas; one sister, Lavina Klumpp of Lake Arthur; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Emmett J. Ayo and her parents, Rosemond and Euphemie Fontenot. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church of Lake Arthur. The Rev. Maurice Martineau will officiate. Burial will be in St. Anthony Mausoleum under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Visitation is 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Ronald Charles Broussard, Jeremy “J. J.” Fuselier, Rickey Fuselier, Burley Sylestine, Kenny Carrier and Robert “Robbie” Kenvyn II. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rosemond & Euphemie Fontenot and her husband, Emmett J. Ayo. Lawrence Green Jr. — 8/27/2002 LAS VEGAS — Lawrence Green Jr., 64, died at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, in Las Vegas. He was a native of Roanoke and spent most of his youth in Welsh. He moved to Lake Charles in 1958. Despite his physical challenges, he led an extraordinary and exciting life. Swimming, cycling, fast cars and even attempting to fly an airplane were some of his passions. He was employed by Redstick Linen Supply for 17 years until his retirement due to failing health. He spent his final years living in California and Nevada. He was a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Secton Catholic Church in Las Vegas, and he was a lifelong member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lake Charles. Survivors include one daughter, Lakin Green of Lake Charles; four sisters, Louise Jones (and husband Hildon) of Houston, Leola Green (and husband Aaron) of Lake Charles, Alice Hardemion (and husband Gene) of Los Angeles and Mary Hollier (and husband Horace) of Las Vegas; two brothers, Henry Thomas (and wife Clemence) of Los Angeles and Frank Thomas (and wife Mildred) of Lake Charles; two dear cousins, Lionel Rideaux of Gardenia, Calif., and Willie Mae Vital of Cerritos, Calif.; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives. He is preceded in death by one sister, Regina (Melvin) Carrier; a brother, Chester (Georgia) Thomas; and his parents, Lawrence Sr. and Beatrice Green. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. The Rev. Al Volpe will officiate. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home. Visitation is 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Allen S. Keller — 8/27/2002 Allen S. Keller, 79, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, in a local hospital. He was a native of Fenton and a resident of Longville for 30 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Gillis and served as a deacon at Singer Baptist Church. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Survivors include his wife, Audrey “Bobby” Keller of Longville; three sons, Daniel Allen Keller (and wife Janice) of Sulphur, Richard Joseph Keller (and wife Patricia) and Hugh Donovan Keller (and wife Mary), all of Lake Charles; one daughter, Karla De’Lane Cryar (and husband Tommy) of Moss Bluff; one brother, Gary Dean Keller of Lake Charles; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, in Hixson Funeral Home. The Revs. Johnny Johnson and Glenn George will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery in Iowa. Visitation is 3-8 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Wednesday. Mary H. Mayer — 8/27/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Mary Hungerford Mayer, 92, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, in her residence. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. today, Aug. 27, in Miguez Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. Lilton Chesson Sr. — 8/28/2002 Lilton “Chook” Chesson Sr., 83, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, in a local hospital. He was born May 27, 1919, in Lacassine. He graduated from Bell City High School as co-valedictorian. He co-founded Hackett-Chesson Grocery Store in Sweetlake. He was a World War II veteran. He distributed oil and gas for more than 30 years with Alice Oil and Orleans Oil Co., which was later incorporated as Chesson Oil Co. and Cameron Offshore Services. He was a member of the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association as a Phillips 66 distributor in Southwest Louisiana. He retired in 1977. He was a faithful member of Moss Bluff United Methodist Church and was a longtime member of University United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Lou Ethel Derouen Chesson; two sons, the Rev. Randall Chesson of Sulphur and Lilton Chesson Jr. of Lake Charles; three daughters, Arlene Wimberly of Shreveport and Carolyn Langley and Kathy LeLeux, both of Moss Bluff; 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters, two grandchildren and his parents, Placid and Ina Chesson. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, in Hixson Funeral Home. The Rev. Danny Gleason will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation is 5-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Thursday. Memorials may be made to Moss Bluff United Methodist Church. Ethel B. Lavergne — 8/29/2002 MOSS BLUFF — Ethel B. Lavergne, 70, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. She was a native of Elton, and she lived most of her life in Moss Bluff. She was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church. She was a member of the veterans auxiliary. She assisted her husband in their privately owned business. She was a loved and devoted mother and grandmother. Survivors include two sons, Richard Lavergne of Lake Charles and Dempsey Lavergne II of Moss Bluff; five daughters, JoAnn Mitchell of Leesville, Lois Wilson, Rebecca Austin and Sandra Lavergne Landreneau, all of Moss Bluff, and Debra Guillory of Westlake; one brother, Merbie Young of Moss Bluff; one sister, Leola Darnutzer of Lake Charles; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, in Hixson Funeral Home. Deacon Jack Reynolds will officiate. Burial will be in Ritchie Cemetery. Visitation is 3-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Friday. Lorena I. Richert — 8/31/2002 JENNINGS — Lorena Istre Richert, 88, died at 2:10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, in High Hope Care Center of Sulphur. She was a native of Estherwood. She dedicated her life to her family. Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Arthur and Shirley Richert Jr. of Slidell, Jerry T. and Della Richert of Church Point, and Dr. Albert and Gayand Richert and Dr. Allen and Dale Richert, all of Sulphur; another daughter-in-law, Casey Richert of Jennings; one son-in-law, Amos Ivey of Columbus, Ga.; one sister, Mrs. Sammy (Nola) Valdetero of Crowley; 19 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Philogene and Marcelite Istre; her husband, Arthur Richert Sr.; one son, Charles Richert; and one daughter, Barbara Ivey. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 31, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church of Jennings. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is from 8 a.m. in the funeral home. A rosary was recited Friday night.