Obituaries June 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. John L. Beard — 6/1/2002 JENNINGS — John Leroy Beard, 88, died at 9:15 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. His funeral will be at 1 p.m. today, June 1, in the Church of Christ. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Laura M. Zaunbrecher — 6/1/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Laura Mae Zaunbrecher, 68, died at 4:53 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. She was a native of Gueydan. She was a member and past regent of Catholic Daughters of America. She was a lay minister. Survivors include her husband, Julian G. Zaunbrecher of Lake Arthur; two sons, Zachary Zaunbrecher and Gregory Zaunbrecher, both of Lake Arthur; one daughter, Priscilla Z. Hanks of Lake Arthur; and five grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, June 1, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. The Rev. Maurice Martineau will officiate. Burial will be in Thornwell Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Charles W. Craft — 6/2/2002 JENNINGS — Charles W. Craft, 90, died at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, in Miguez Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. James A. Scharff — 6/2/2002 WELSH — James Arnold Scharff, 72, died Saturday, June 1, 2002 in his residence. He was a dredge boat operator for many years. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. James A. Scharff of Welsh; three sons, Gary Scharff and Dennis Scharff, both of Welsh, and Timothy Scharff of Lake Charles; and six grandchildren. His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday, June 3, from St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bell City. The Rev. Albert Borel will officiate. Burial will be in Lorraine Cemetery in Bell City under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is 1-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Floyd E. McFarland — 6/3/2002 Floyd Elmer McFarland, 76, died Thursday, May 30, 2002, in a local hospital. He was a native of Jennings and had lived in Lake Charles for 30 years. He refurbished the Bull Durham mural in Jennings and had many paintings in the Zigler Museum in Jennings. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral. Survivors include his wife, Jane McFarland of Lake Charles; three sons, Mike McFarland of New Iberia, Duane McFarland of Havelock, N.C., and Greg McFarland of Cypress, Texas; one daughter, Mrs. John (Jennifer McFarland) Nichols of Lake Charles; one sister, Elnora Daigle of Lake Charles; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. today, June 3, from Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral. The Rev. Whitney Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Elda M. Treme — 6/3/2002 DEQUINCY — Elda Marie Treme, 94, died Saturday, June 1, 2002, in the DeQuincy hospital. She was a native of Hathaway and had lived in DeQuincy since 1937. She was a homemaker and a member of Eastern Heights Baptist Church. Survivors include three sons, Gerald “Winston” Treme of Buhler, Winfard “Shrimp” Treme of Gray, and Willard “Chief” Treme of DeQuincy; one sister, Eva Guillory of Elton; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 3, at Eastern Heights Baptist Church. The Revs. R.T. Bridges, Ray Bourque, Neil Treme and James Sample will officiate. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Snider Funeral Home. Visitation is ongoing at the church. Donations may be made to Eastern Heights Baptist Church building fund, the family said. Delia Denton — 6/5/2002 CARLYSS — Delia “Bea” Denton, 83, died at 9:15 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2002, in the Sulphur hospital. She was a native of Lacassine, and she had lived in Carlyss for 57 years. She was a homemaker and a former member of the Carlyss Lions Club. Survivors include four sons, Donald “Shorty” Denton of Sulphur, Wayne Denton of Lake Charles and Abner Denton and Norman Denton, both of Carlyss; three daughters, Vivian “Puffy” Gaspard and Linda Carte, both of Carlyss, and Sheila Hampton of Sulphur; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 6, in Robison Funeral Home of Sulphur. The Rev. Thomas Peavey will officiate. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Carlyss. Visitation is 4-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Thursday. Rosemarie C. Quilty — 6/5/2002 LAFAYETTE — Rosemarie Clayton Quilty, 79, died at 4:16 p.m. Sunday, June 2, 2002, in a local hospital. She was a native of Roanoke and lived in Lake Charles since 1944 before moving to Lafayette two years ago. She was an alumna of Roanoke High School and Sacred Heart College in Grand Coteau. She was an office manager for Dr. Harry Snatic for 40 years. Survivors include two daughters, Rosemarie “Ree” Mere of Lafayette and Sally Pulver Ruel of New Orleans; one son, Roland H. “Bubba” Breaux of Arnaudville; one brother, Howard Franklin Clayton of Angleton, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation is 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 8, in Johnson Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held in Graceland Cemetery following the visitation. Edmund C. Walker — 6/5/2002 Edmund C. Walker, 79, died at 5 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2002, in the Welsh hospital. He was a lifelong resident of the Jennings-Hathaway area. He was a graduate of Hathaway High School. He was a retired farmer and cattleman. He was a member of the Jeff Davis Cattlemen’s Association, and he was a member of the Louisiana Rice Growers Association and FFA boards. He was the chamber of commerce’s 1969 farmer of the year. He was a member of the Jeff Davis Waterworks. He was member of Raymond United Methodist Church, and he served on the church board. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Torphy (Barbara) Avant of Lafayette; two sons, Kirk Walker of Welsh and Darrell Walker of Jennings; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 5, in Raymond United Methodist Church. The Rev. Tom Beeler will officiate. Burial will be in Raymond Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is from 10 a.m. in the church. J.H. Benoit — 6/7/2002 WELSH — Joseph H. “J.H.” Benoit, 73, died Thursday, June 5, 2002, in his residence. He was a lifelong resident of the Welsh area. He was a member of the Welsh gravity drainage board, and he helped start the Pine Island Fire Department. He was a retired rice and soybean farmer. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 2855. Survivors include his wife, Margaret M. Benoit of Welsh; two sons, Glen Benoit and David Benoit, both of Welsh; three daughters, Cathy Linscombe of Welsh and Patricia Chaisson, both of Welsh, and Sharon Durr of Abbeville; one sister, Dorthy Coulston of Big Lake; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 7, in Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Entombment will be in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Mausoleum. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Martin J. Cummings Jr. — 6/7/2002 Martin James “Chico” Cummings Jr., 21, died Wednesday, May 29, in the Jennings hospital. He was a a lifelong resident of Lake Charles. He was an alumnus of Welsh High School — where he played basketball, football and track — and McNeese State University. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Survivors include one brother, Marcus Prudhomme Cummings; two sisters, Dana Michelle Cummings of Oklahoma City and Markita LaShon Cummings of Welsh; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cummings of Welsh; maternal grandparents, Alexander and Essie Prudhomme Jr. of Welsh; paternal grandfather, General Dotson Bradford of Oklahoma City; paternal grandmother, Zemrie Bradford of Oklahoma City; and paternal great-grandmother, Meranda Bailey of Oklahoma City. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, from St. Joseph Catholic Church of Welsh. The Rev. William D. Hogan will officiate. Burial will be in Bon Pasteur Cemetery in Welsh under the direction of King’s Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Saturday, with a rosary at 10 a.m., in the church. Maurice L. Fruge — 6/7/2002 WELSH — Maurice Louis Fruge, 86, died Thursday, June 6, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. He was a native of Basile and a former resident of Crowley. He had lived in Welsh for two years. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church of Crowley. Survivors include three sons, Alvin Fruge of Moss Bluff, Elgie Fruge of Mauriceville, Texas, and Orville Fruge of Maurice; one brother, Leonard Fruge of Jennings; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, in Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Monsignor Charles Dubois will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Lake Charles. Visitation is 9 a.m.-9 p.m. today, with a rosary at 6 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Saturday. Alvin L. Kebodeaux — 6/9/2002 Alvin L. “Butch” Kebodeaux, 58, died at 8:37 a.m. Friday, June 7, in a local hospital. He was a native of Lake Arthur and had lived in Lake Charles for six years. He graduated from Lake Arthur High School. He was a truck driver. He was Catholic. Survivors include three daughters, Cherie Stanton of Jennings, Trisha Kunzler of Kinder and Hope Benoit of Lake Arthur; one son, Darren Lee Kebodeaux of Evangeline; two sisters, Frances Weekly of Lake Arthur and Barbara Louviere of Carlyss; one brother, Elmer Ray Kebodeaux of Cameron; and six grandchildren. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 9, in Miguez Funeral Home. The Rev. Maurice Martineau will officiate. Burial will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery. Visitation is from 8 a.m. today in the funeral home. Mrs. Era C. Litteral — 6/9/2002 MAGNOLIA, Texas — Mrs. Era C. Litteral, 94, died Friday, June 7, 2002, in Magnolia. She was a native of Branch. She moved from Jennings to Sulphur in 1933 and to Magnolia five years ago. She was involved with the Silver Beacons and was under the watchcare of the Woodlands Place Baptist Church. She was a member of Houston River Baptist Church. Survivors include one son, Thomas Alvin “Butch” Litteral of Westlake; two daughters, Sharon Romero of Magnolia and Joyce Sittig of Sulphur; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 10, in Houston River Baptist Church. The Rev. Lonnie Gothrop will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Jennings under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation is 2-9 p.m. today and 8:30-11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home and from 1 p.m. in the church. Memorial donations may be made to Houston River Baptist Church Building Fund, 110 W. Houston River Road, Sulphur, LA 70663, the family said. John Breaux — 6/11/2002 HATHAWAY — John “Willard” Breaux, 67, died Monday, June 10, 2002, in his residence. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, in Miguez Funeral Home. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery near Elton. Louis LaFleur — 6/13/2002 VINTON — Louis “LJ” LaFleur, 77, died Tuesday, June 11, 2002, in a Houston hospital. He was a native of Elton and a resident of Vinton. He was a veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Richard LaFleur of Vinton; Robert Louis LaFleur of Orange, Texas, Joseph Kenneth LaFleur of Vinton, Richard James LaFleur and John Leward LaFleur, both of Lake Charles, Allen Joseph LaFleur of Lacassine and Charles Douglas LaFleur of Meridian, Miss.; one daughter, Juanita Ann Scott of Vinton; one brother, Tillman LaFleur of Pittsburg, Texas; three sisters, Verna “Red” Fontenot of Deweyville, Texas, Gladys Savant of Kinder and Thelma LaPoint of Reeves; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 9 a.m. Friday, June 14, from St. Philip Neri Catholic Church of Kinder. The Rev. Carlos Garcia will officiate. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder. Visitation is 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with a vigil at 6 p.m. and a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 7 a.m. Friday. Perrin J. Arceneaux — 6/14/2002 SWEETLAKE — Perrin Joseph Arceneaux, 72, died at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. He was a native of Welsh and a longtime resident of Sweetlake. He served in the Army in World War II. He was a farmer and a cattleman. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Monceaux Arceneaux of Sweetlake; two sons, Mark Arceneaux of Lake Charles and Tommy Arceneaux of Sweetlake; one brother, James D. Arceneaux of San Antonio; four sisters, Louella Cox of Lafayette, Lydia Ardoin and Anna Whiddon, both of Welsh, and Alvina DeYeide of Houma; his mother, Ella Arceneaux of Welsh; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. today, June 14, in Johnson Funeral Home. The Rev. Andrew Martin will officiate. The body will be cremated. Visitation is from 1 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association, Suite 1100, 919 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, the family said. Lena M. Bourgeois — 6/15/2002 LACASSINE — Lena M. Bourgeois, 93, died Friday, June 14, 2002, in her residence. She was a longtime resident of Lacassine, and she lived a short time in Port Arthur, Texas. She worked at the post office as a clerk for her father; she became postmaster when he retired. She was the former owner of Fontenot’s Grocery and Lacassine Fuel Station. She worked at Patty’s Ceramics for 27 years. She was a member of FCE. She was a charter member of the Altar Society, and she taught CCD. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Lacassine. Survivors include one son, Dwight Bourgeois of LeBleu Settlement; two daughters, Sandra Strickland of Moss Bluff and Patrica “Patty” McDaniel of Lacassine; one brother, Clyde James Verret of Lacassine; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 17, from St. Joseph Catholic Church of Lacassine. The Revs. Aubrey Guilbeau and Augustine Mulanjanany will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Monday. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Lake Charles, Bryan Scholarship Fund, c/o Richard H. Reed, McNeese State University Foundation, P.O. Box 91989, Lake Charles, LA 70609, the family said. Elfie M. Mott — 6/15/2002 WELSH — Elfie McGee Mott, 91, died Friday, June 14, 2002, in a local hospital. She was a native of Kinder and a former longtime resident of Iowa, La. She was a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters. Survivors include one son, Gerald Mott of Iowa; one daughter, Edda Arthur of Baton Rouge; three grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 17, from St. Raphael Catholic Church of Iowa. The Rev. William Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Lacassine Cemetery in Lacassine under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation is noon-10 p.m. Sunday, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Thelma G. Young — 6/15/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Thelma Gill Young, 87, died at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2002, in her residence. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, June 15, in First Baptist Church of Lake Arthur. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Jennings under the direction Miguez Funeral Home. Arthur Masts — 6/16/2002 JENNINGS — Arthur Masts, 79, died at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2002, in his residence. He was a native of Latvia and a resident of Jennings. He served in World War II. He was a supervisor for the Cleveland Twist Drill Company. Survivors include his wife, Mara P. Masts of Jennings; one stepdaughter, Valda Petersone of Latvia; three sisters, Valentina Logins and Pauline Torok, both of Cleveland, Ohio, and Elvira Tesvins of Canada; and two stepgrandchildren. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home. The Rev. Gary Koopman will officiate. Burial will be in Doucet Cemetery. Visitation is 3:30-10 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. Tuesday. Eunice Peloquin — 6/16/2002 FENTON — Eunice Peloquin, 83, died at 7:05 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. She was a resident of Fenton. She was a member of the Southwest Louisiana Daylilies Club. Survivors include one son, Durrell Peloquin of Kinder; two daughters, Judy Peloquin of Fenton and Jackie Breaux of Greenville, Miss.; one sister, Beatrice Ardoin of Oberlin; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. The Rev. Al Volpe will officiate. Burial will be in LeBleu Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder. Visitation is 2-10 p.m. Monday, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Augusta T. Porter — 6/17/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Augusta Taber Porter, 90, died at 10:24 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2002, in her residence. She was a native of Jennings and a resident of Lake Arthur. She graduated from Draughan Business School in Beaumont, Texas. She was a retired secretary-treasurer and president of the Jennings Heywood Oil Syndicate. She was a member of the Lake Arthur Woman’s Library Club. She was a member of First Baptist Church, the Willing Workers Sunday school class and the Women’s Missionary Union. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Daniel (Beverly) O’Reagan of Pineville and Jeanne Broussard of Iota; one sister, Melba Lee Vaughan of Houston; two grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, in First Baptist Church. The Rev. David Denton will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Lake Arthur. Visitation is 4:30-8 p.m. today in the funeral home and from 8 a.m. Tuesday in the church. Donations may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions, the family said. Esma P. Todd — 6/17/2002 Esma Pitre Todd, 90, died Saturday, June 15, 2002, in a Lake Charles care center. She was a native of Fenton and lifelong resident of the Fenton-Welsh area. She was a direct descendant of a pioneer family in the Fenton area. She was an alumna of Our Lady of the Lake High School and Our Lady of the Lake College, both in San Antonio. She was a member of the Live Oak Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters OLSD. Survivors include one son, Paul A. Todd Jr. of Welsh; two daughters, Sylvia Todd Abbott of Jennings and Sybil Todd Howard of Lake Charles; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one step great-grandchild; one great-great-grandchild; and three step great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Monsignor Charles Dubois will officiate. Burial will be in LeBleu Cemetery in Fenton under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is 3-9 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Tuesday. Roxanne C. Clement — 6/18/2002 OBERLIN — Roxanne C. Clement, 33, died Sunday, June 16, 2002, in an Alexandria hospital. She was a native of Lake Charles and had lived in Welsh before moving to Oberlin six years ago. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church of Welsh. Survivors include a son, Devin Kade Clement of Oberlin; a daughter, Maegan Paige Clement of Oberlin; a brother, Roderick Wayne Chiasson of Welsh; a sister, Christine Chiasson of Welsh; her parents, Roderick and Brenda Chiasson of Welsh; and her companion, Kenneth Leger of Oberlin. Her funeral will be at 3 p.m. today, June 18, in Hixson Funeral Home Chapel in Welsh. Deacon Rich Henchee will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation is from 8 a.m. today. A rosary was said Monday. Eunice Peloquin — 6/18/2002 FENTON — Eunice Peloquin, 83, died Saturday, June 15, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. Her funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. today, June 18, from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Burial will be in LeBleu Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder. Charlene B. Soileau — 6/18/2002 ELTON — Charlene Batiste Soileau, 66, died at 8 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. A native of Beaumont, Texas, she had lived most of her life in Elton. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Ladies Altar Society. Survivors include two daughters, Janice Soileau of Lake Charles and Lucy Cooper of Baton Rouge; three sons, Joseph Soileau of Lake Charles, and Johnny Soileau and Danny Soileau, both of Elton; and 10 grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. today, June 18, from St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Rev. Jose Vattakunnel will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery under the direction of Fondel’s Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is from 9 a.m. today in the church, with a rosary at 10:15 a.m. Mildred Gobert — 6/20/2002 Mildred Gobert, 74, died at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. She was a native of Elton, and she had lived in Lake Charles for 51 years. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Survivors include four sons, Wilson Gobert and Richard Gobert, both of Lake Charles, Wilber Gobert of Elton and Michael Gobert of Port Arthur, Texas; one daughter, Lois Dobbins of Lake Charles; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The body was cremated. Arrangements are by Johnson Funeral Home. Marion A. Singletary — 6/20/2002 JENNINGS — Marion Arnette Singletary, 93, died at 8:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2002, in a local care center. She was a native of Estherwood and had lived in Jennings most of her life. She was an alumna of Jennings High School and Louisiana College in Pineville, where she was an honor student. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn. She helped implement the first library at Southside Elementary School in Jennings. She was a retired school teacher and member of the Retired Teacher's Association. She was a member of the Women's Literary Club. She taught the Mary-Martha Sunday school class for 30 years and was a member of the Women's Missionary Union at First Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Reed (Lorene) Richard of Houston; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 21, in First Baptist Church. The Revs. Bob Bollich and Arthur Rockett will officiate. Burial will be in Palestine Church Cemetery in Grant under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Visitation is 1:30-9 p.m. today in the funeral home and from 9 a.m. Friday in the church. J.H. Benoit — 6/21/2002 WELSH — Joseph H. "J.H." Benoit, 73, died Thursday, June 5, 2002, in his residence. He was a lifelong resident of the Welsh area. He was a member of the Welsh gravity drainage board, and he helped start the Pine Island Fire Department. He was a retired rice and soybean farmer. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 2855. Survivors include his wife, Margaret M. Benoit of Welsh; two sons, Glen Benoit and David Benoit, both of Welsh; three daughters, Cathy Linscombe of Welsh and Patricia Chaisson, both of Welsh, and Sharon Durr of Abbeville; one sister, Dorthy Coulston of Big Lake; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 7, in Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Entombment will be in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Mausoleum. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Martin J. Cummings Jr. — 6/21/2002 Martin James "Chico" Cummings Jr., 21, died Wednesday, May 29, in the Jennings hospital. He was a a lifelong resident of Lake Charles. He was an alumnus of Welsh High School — where he played basketball, football and track — and McNeese State University. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Survivors include one brother, Marcus Prudhomme Cummings; two sisters, Dana Michelle Cummings of Oklahoma City and Markita LaShon Cummings of Welsh; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cummings of Welsh; maternal grandparents, Alexander and Essie Prudhomme Jr. of Welsh; paternal grandfather, General Dotson Bradford of Oklahoma City; paternal grandmother, Zemrie Bradford of Oklahoma City; and paternal great-grandmother, Meranda Bailey of Oklahoma City. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, from St. Joseph Catholic Church of Welsh. The Rev. William D. Hogan will officiate. Burial will be in Bon Pasteur Cemetery in Welsh under the direction of King's Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Saturday, with a rosary at 10 a.m., in the church. Maurice L. Fruge — 6/21/2002 WELSH — Maurice Louis Fruge, 86, died Thursday, June 6, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. He was a native of Basile and a former resident of Crowley. He had lived in Welsh for two years. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church of Crowley. Survivors include three sons, Alvin Fruge of Moss Bluff, Elgie Fruge of Mauriceville, Texas, and Orville Fruge of Maurice; one brother, Leonard Fruge of Jennings; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, in Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Monsignor Charles Dubois will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Lake Charles. Visitation is 9 a.m.-9 p.m. today, with a rosary at 6 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Saturday. Mrs. Starlet W. Augustine — 6/22/2002 LAFAYETTE — Mrs. Starlet Wilridge Augustine, 43, died at 1:08 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2002, in her residence. She was a native of Lafayette and a former longtime resident of Jennings. She moved to Lafayette more than 18 years ago. She was a member of St. Peter's Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Wilson Augustine Jr. of Lafayette; one son, Randy Wilridge of Lafayette; one stepson, Perry Augustine of Rayne; one stepdaughter, Bonnie Richard of Rayne; four sisters, Renita Phillips and Pamela Wilridge, both of Jennings, Lisa Achane of Lake Charles and Karen Beckers of Clarksville, Tenn.; three brothers, Michael Wilridge of Jennings, Troy Wilridge of Crowley and James Wilridge of Youngsville; and nine grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, June 22, in Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings. The Rev. Franklin E. Fondel Sr. will officiate. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Jennings. Mrs. Jimmie Trahan — 6/24/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Mrs. Jimmie (Patsy D. Simon) Trahan, 61, died Saturday, June 22, 2002, in her residence. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Preston J. Babineaux — 6/25/2002 JENNINGS — Preston J. Babineaux, 76, died Sunday, June 23, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 25, from Our Lady of Help Christians Catholic Church. Entombment with full military rites will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Christopher L. Hanks — 6/25/2002 JENNINGS — Christopher Lee Hanks, 21, died Saturday, June 22, 2002, in Lake Arthur. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 25, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery. Lora O. LeJeune — 6/26/2002 CAMERON — Lora O. LeJeune, 80, died Monday, June 24, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. She was a native of Welsh, and she had lived in Cameron for 26 years. She was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Joseph “Sam” LeJeune of Cameron; three sons, Lawrence Mallett, Billy Mallett and Ray Mallett, all of Cameron; eight daughters, Carol Bettis of Moss Bluff, Ruby Jordan of Sulphur, Nadine Doucet of Vidor, Texas, Loura Theriot of Baytown, Texas, and Sherry Crumb, Debbie LeJeune, Carla Mallett and Stephney Mallett, all of Cameron; four stepsons, Joseph Sammy LeJeune Jr. and Philip LeJeune, both of Cameron, Michael LeJeune of Creole and Gordon LeJeune of Elton; three stepdaughters, Debra Hanks and Phyllis Oglesby, both of Gueydan, and Darlene Tingler of Johnson Bayou; one brother, Lindsey O’Blanc of Oklahoma; one sister, Dora Bellard of Welsh; 35 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 26, from St. John Catholic Church of Lacassine. Monsignor Charles Dubois will officiate. Burial will be in Broussard Cemetery in Lacassine under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. A rosary was recited Tuesday evening. Walterine H. LaFleur WESTLAKE — Walterine “Sam” Henry LaFleur, 51, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, in her residence. She was a native of Jennings, and she had lived in Westlake for 14 years. She worked in Westlake City Hall for 11 years, and she was a bookkeeper for the Cage Club. She helped with Big Brothers-Big Sisters and Bowl for Kids Sake. Survivors include four daughters, Paedra Andrus of Lake Charles, Bridgette Seay of Moss Bluff and Lynsey LaFleur and Stephanie LaFleur, both of Westlake; one brother, Jude Henry of Dallas; five sisters, Thelma Kopnicky of Welsh, Claudine Dupuis and Faye Ardoin, both of Jennings, Myrna Oliver of Lake Arthur and Pam Bertrand of Kaplan; and one grandchild. Her funeral was at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29, in Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake. Cremation was by Lafayette Crematory. A Scripture service was held.