2005 Obituaries; Surnames L : Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana Submitter Kathy Tell Date January 02, 2006 Source as noted with each obit LCAP indicates Lake Charles American Press ******** Legal Notice ******** Copyright. All rights reserved. Submitted to the LAGenWeb Archives http://theusgenweb.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm LABAUVE, Adam Calvin LCAP 03/09/05 Pg. A2 column 3 LAKE ARTHUR — Funeral services for Adam Calvin LaBauve, 85, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 10, 2005, at Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur. Mr. LaBauve died Monday, March 7, 2005, at Jennings American Legion Hospital. Interment will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery. The Rev. Francis Appuhamy will officiate. The family requests visiting hours be observed 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m. and from 8 a.m. Thursday. A native of Grand Chenier, Mr. LaBauve was a resident of Lake Arthur. He served in the Army during World War II. He retired as a carpenter of 50 years with local Union 953. He loved to shrimp and garden. He was the owner of LaBauve Sharp-All. He was a life member of the VFW. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy B. LaBauve of Lake Arthur; one son, Chris LaBauve and wife, Rebecca, of Richard; one daughter, Roberta Dyke and husband, Howard, of Lake Arthur; one sister, Dorothy Kelly of Bundick Lake; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary Miller LaBauve and two sisters, Beulah Andrus and Roberta LaBauve. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur LAFOSSE, Helen Murray LCAP May 28 & 29, 2005 LAKE ARTHUR — Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, May 30, from Our Lady of the Lake Cath-olic Church for Helen Murray LaFosse, 62, who died Friday, May 27, 2005, at Jennings Guest House. Interment will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur. The Rev. Francis Appuhamy will conduct the service. Mrs. LaFosse was a native and resident of Lake Arthur. She was employed as a bookkeeper. She enjoyed family and friends, going to church, cooking, playing cards, bookkeeping and collecting bells. Survivors include her husband, Clifford LaFosse of Lake Arthur; two sons, Stephen LaFosse Sr. and his wife, Brenda, and Raylan LaFosse and his wife, Irene, all of Jennings; three daughters, Bonnie LeDoux and her husband, Stephin, of Jennings, and Angie Broussard and her husband, Gayland, and Paula Sonnier and her husband, Kevin, all of Lake Arthur; one brother, Robert "Radio" Murray of Lake Charles Aucoin of Hayes, and Carol Hebert and Sharon Duhon, both of Lake Arthur; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lucille Landry Murray. The family has requested that visitation be 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Monday. Pallbearers will be Stephen LaFosse Sr., Raylan LaFosse, Christopher LaFosse, Charlie Morvant, Darvin LaFosse and Robert Murray. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur LAGRANGE, Lillian LCAP 02/23/2005 Lillian McGee LaGrange, 84, of Lake Charles died at 3:20 AM on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 in a local care facility. Mrs. LaGrange was a native of Evangeline, LA and lived there for twenty years before a short stay in Jennings. She lived in Lake Charles for the past sixty years. She was a member of South City Christian Church. She enjoyed cooking and taking care of her roses. Mrs. LaGrange was a loving and kind mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Survivors include two sons, Donald McGee and wife Jean and Larry McGee and wife Genevia, all of Lake Charles; six grandchildren, Jason McGee and wife Rebecca, Reagan McGee and wife Tanya, Joshua McGee and wife Jennifer, all of Lake Charles, Dayna Says and husband Brennan of Oretta, LA, Jill Phillips and husband Yancy and Stacie Kober and husband Eric, all of Lake Charles; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Mrs. LaGrange was preceded in death by her first husband, Noble McGee, her second husband Charles LaGrange, seven sisters and three brothers. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend John Manning will officiate. Burial will follow in Black Bayou Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 8:00 AM until the start of the services. LAMPKIN, Hazel Hazel Achan Lampkin, 79, died June 25, 2005 in her residence. Mrs. Lampkin was born in Wazie. She lived in Welsh most of her life. Full obit in LCAP 06/01/05 Pg. A 5 column 1 LANDRY, Alice Pelsia LCAP 07/31/05 JENNINGS — The funeral for Alice Pelsia Landry, 89, will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, 2005, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. The Rev. Ed. Brunnert will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is 3:30-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Mrs. Landry died at 3:23 p.m. Friday, July 29, in Jeff Davis Living Center in Jennings. An Edgerly native, she had been a resident of Jennings for the past 65 years. She was a high- school graduate and a homemaker. She was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, the Ladies Altar Society and the rosary group. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Woodrow Menard of Elton; sister, Amy Hebert of Evangeline; three grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Landry. LANDRY, John J. Jr. Cameron - John Joseph Landry, Jr. 73, died Feb 25, 2005. He was a native of Jennings, moving to Cameron in the early '50's. He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. Full obit in LCAP Feb 27, 2005 Pg. A2 LANDRY, Louise Miller 06/06/05 HATHAWAY — Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church for Landry, 84, who died Saturday, June 4, at the Jennings American Legion Hospital. Interment will be in Doucet Cemetery. The Rev. Eappen Joseph will conduct the service. Mrs. Landry was a native and resident of Hathaway. She loved going to the casino, playing bingo, reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing cards. Survivors include two sons, Robert James Landry of Welsh; Allen Bryon Landry and his wife, Helen Sue, of Hathaway; eight daughters, Janelle Smith and her husband, Tony, of Hawthorne, Fla., Claudia Faircloth of Jennings, Brenda Faye Manuel and her husband, Jerome, of Kinder, Bonnie Sue Comeaux and her husband, Jackie, of Vidor, Texas, Marlene Royer of Jennings, Connie Sue Landry of Jennings, Stephanie Jane St. Germain and her husband, Gordon, of Hathaway, and Monica Lynn McNeal and her husband, Deacon Bennett, of Jennings; five sisters, Mary LeBlanc of Hathaway, Eva Cormier of Jennings, Frances Howell of College Station, Texas, Nova Lawson of Killeen, Texas, and Jackie Watlington of Hathaway; 44 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Marguerite Clement Miller; her husband, Allen Landry; one daughter, Charlene Landry; three sisters; and four brothers. The family has requested that visitation begin Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and continue until the time of services. A rosary was prayed Sunday by the Rev. Eappen Joseph, and will be prayed today at 7 p.m. by Deacon Mike Tramel in the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Landry’s grandchildren. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings LANDRY, M.E. LCAP 07/26/2005 LAKE ARTHUR — The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, July 26, 2005, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church for M.E. “Omar” Landry, 82, who died Sunday, July 24, in Jennings American Legion Hospital. Burial will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery with full military rites under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur, (337) 774-5177. The Rev. Francis Appuhamy will officiate. Mr. Landry was a native and resident of Lake Arthur. He served in the Army in World War II. He enjoyed fishing, cooking and yard work. Survivors include one son, Chester Landry and his wife, Evelyn, of Lake Arthur; four stepsons, Stephen “Butch” Trahan and his wife, Phyllis, of Welsh, Daniel Ray “Beaver” Trahan, Gabe Wendell Trahan and David Michael “Cooney” Trahan, all of Lake Arthur; three daughters, Marylin Meche of Hessmer, Goldie Landry of Lafayette and Deanna Taylor of Corpus Christi, Texas; four stepdaughters, Emma Jean Trahan and her husband, Dickie, Shirley Ann Trahan, Mary Broussard and Blanche St. Germain, all of Lake Arthur; two brothers, Aldar Landry of Corpus Christi and Eugene Landry of Welsh; two sisters, Lesina LeJeune of Welsh and Lucille Hanks of Lake Arthur; 31 grandchildren; and 46 great-grandchildren. LANGLEY, Coyd LCAP 08/3/05 ELTON — Coyd Langley, 65, died Sunday, July 31, 2005. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 3, in First Baptist Church. Burial will be in St. Luke Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home. LANGLEY, Georgiana LCAP May 15 & May 18, 2005 Pg. A2 Georgiana "Georgia" Langley, 84, died at 9:33 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2005, in a Jennings hospital. She was a native and lifelong resident of Jennings. She was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church and a deaconess. She is survived by two sisters, Elizabeth P. Landry of Jennings and Ella Mae Guidry of Los Angeles; and a number of nieces and nephews. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, in St. Paul Baptist Church. The Rev. Pernell Trent will officiate. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the church. LANGLEY, Mary R. LCAP 02/13/05 Pg. A2 column 4 JENNINGS — The funeral for Mary R. Langley, 86, will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2005, in Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. The Rev. Paul Estes will officiate. Burial will be in St. Luke Cemetery. She was a resident of Jennings. She died at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, in her residence. Visitation will remain open from 11 a.m. today until the funeral. Survivors include her son, Louis Langley Sr. and his wife, Patsy, of Jennings; three daughters, Virginia Benavente and her husband, Vicente, of Fort Worth, Texas, Andrey Rose and her husband, Carlton, of Basile and Lucille Langley of Jennings; 12 grandchildren; 16 greatgrandchildren; and five greatgreat-grandchildren. LANTZ, Deborah LCAP Jan 7, 2005 Section A2 JENNINGS — Funeral service for Deborah "Debby" C. Lantz, 62, will be at noon Saturday, Jan. 8, from St. Lawrence Catholic Church of Hathaway. The Rev. Eappen Joseph will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is 2:30-10 p.m. Friday, with rosary recited by Deacon Mike Tramel at 7 p.m. and from 8 a.m. Saturday. Mrs. Lantz died at 1:32 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, at W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center. Born Dec. 6, 1942, Mrs. Lantz was a native of Jennings and a resident of the Jennings-Hathaway area. She was a retired hairdresser. A collector and antique dealer, she was the owner of Viens Nous Voir. She was a past C/A leader and was active in her church and in faith renewal. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She also was a loving and humble servant of the Lord. Survivors include three daughters, Lisa Lantz and Andrea Vincent and son-inlaw Michael, all of Hathaway, and Rachelle Lantz of Jennings; her companion, Wallace Joseph Gary Jr. of Jennings; two brothers, Chuck Curet and sister-in-law Gail, and Bill Curet, all of Lake Charles; three sisters, Charlene Miller and brotherin-law Allen of Kerrville, Texas, and Polly Henry and brother-in-law Rodney, and Brenda Hardee and brotherin-law Jim, all of Hathaway; and six grandchildren, Jenna, Victoria and Chelsea Vincent, Alez Lantz, Jude DeShazo, and Alexis Albert. Pallbearers will be Alez Lantz, Charlie Guidry, John Young, Glen Thibodeaux, Charles Kratzer, Larry Hebert, Regis Turgeon and Lester Cormier. LANTZ, Patsy Trahan LCAP Feb 10, 2005 Pg. A2 JENNINGS — Funeral service for Mrs. Henry (Patsy Trahan) Lantz, 77, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. The Rev. Ed Brunnert will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is from 2:30 p.m. today, with rosary led by Loretta Vaughan at 7 p.m. and prior to services Fridayin thefuneral home. Mrs. Lantz died at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005, in her daughter’s residence in Morse. She was a lifelong resident of Jennings. She was a homemaker and member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Mr. Henry Lantz of Jennings; five daughters, Martha Newman of Mermentau, Patricia Caswell of Lake Charles, Priscilla Breaux of Morse, Dorothy Cormier of Jennings and Connie Bhren Boudreaux of Lafayette; two sons, Robert J. Miller of Lake Arthur, and Randy J. Miller of Jennings; two stepdaughters, Phyllis Trahan of Jennings, and Emelda Savoy of Lafayette; one stepson, Marvin J. Lantz of Church Point; one sister, Edith Crochet of Lake Charles; one brother, Lodias Trahan of Lake Arthur; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and seven stepgrandchildren. LAPOINT, Mark Lake Arthur - Mark Christopher LaPoint, 45, died March 14, 2005. He was born July 25, 1959. Full obit in LCAP March 16, 2005 Source: KLFY March 15, 2005 Councilman's Death Appears to be Accident A member of the Lake Arthur City Council is dead, the victim of a freak boating accident. 45-year-old Mark Lapoint dropped his child off at school Monday and told family members he was going to run his boat. When Lapoint failed to pick his child up at school, the family notified Wildlife and Fisheries. That was at 3:30. A half an hour later, Lapoint's boat was found empty in Mermentau. Wildlife and Fisheries agents found Lapoint's body still floating around 5:30. Agents say he was not wearing a life preserver. Word of Councilman Lapoint's death came as a terrible shock to everyone in the Lake Arthur community and especially those at city hall. Mayor Red Giles told Eyewitness News Councilman Lapoint was an outstanding man. His death, Mayor Giles says, is a big loss to the community because he was a tremendous help on a number of very important projects. LAVALLIER, Paul LCAP 04/24/05 Pg. A2 JENNINGS — Paul Lavallier Jr., 83, died Tuesday, April 19, 2005, in his residence. He was born Sept. 17, 1921, in Welsh. He married Betty Lavallier in Jennings; she preceded him in death in 2004. He was past vice president of Long Shoreman Local 1214; past president of VFW Post 3244; and member of American Legion Post 520. He was an honorably discharged Navy veteran, serving in the Korean War. Survivors include his children, Donald and McClish Lavallier, both of San Francisco, Pamela Lavallier of Vallejo, Calif., Charles Lavallier of Jennings and Renee Lavallier of Shreveport; two sisters, Gladys Chenault of Brentwood, Calif., and Bessie Lavallier of Jennings; 22 grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one sister, Mattie Strauss. His Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Burial will be in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery under the direction of H.G. Raphael Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Tuesday, with rosary at 10:30 a.m. in the church. LAVAN, Gistar LCAP 03/04/05 Pg. A2 column 5 Gistar "Slim" Lavan, 82, died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, at VA Hospital in Alexandria. He lived in Elton most of his life. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, Hilda Deville Lavan; six sons, Paul Lavan and Johnny Lavan of Oberlin, Joseph Lavan of Kinder, Edward Lavan of Elton, Junior "Boy" Lavan of Basile and Wilfred Lavan of Houston; two daughters, Evelyn Henry of Elton and Patricia McMahon of Oberlin; two brothers, A.C. Lavan of Oberlin and George Lavan of Elton; two sisters, Orelia Bellow of Lafayette and Lovenia Walker Barret of Station Houston; 21 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, from St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Rev. Maxwell will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel of Kinder. Visitation is 4-10 p.m. today in the funeral home. LAVAN, Kimberly Carmel LCAP 11/18/2005 Kimberly Carmel Lavan, 27, died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005, in Houston. Her funeral will be at noon Saturday, Nov. 19, in St. Paul Baptist Church. The Rev. Raymond Young will officiate. Burial will be in Benevolent Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel. Visitation is from 10 a.m. Saturday in the church. Kimberly was born in Lake Charles and lived in Jennings most of her life before moving to Houston a few years ago. She had attended Jennings High School. Survivors include two sons, Isiaha Francis and Tre Shawn Lavan, and one daughter, Patricia Lavan, all of Houston; her father, Edward Lavan of Elton; paternal grandmother, Hilda Lavan of Elton; and maternal grandfather, Wallace Thomas of Port Arthur, Texas. LEBLANC, Veronica LCAP Jan 7, 2005 Section A2 Mrs. Veronica Gayle LeBlanc, 56, died at 12:05 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, in her residence. Born in Lafayette, she lived in Jennings most of her life. Survivors include one son, Henry Eugene "Jr. Boy" Cormier of Valdosta, Ga.; two daughters, Annie Gregg of Stafford, Va., and Eva Cormier of Jennings; two brothers, Paul Pattum Sr. and James Pattum, both of Jennings; four sisters, Jeanette Williams, Brenda Crim, and Leona Pattum, all of Jennings, and Margie Williams of Houston; nine grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, in Fondel Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Franklin E. Fondel Sr. will officiate. Burial will be in Our Lady of Perpetual Church Cemetery. Visitation is from noon Saturday in the funeral home. LEBLANC, Lillian Deshotel LCAP Feb 15, 2005 Pg A2 column 4 JENNINGS — Lillian Deshotel LeBlanc, 77, a native of Iota and resident of the Jennings-Hathaway area, died at 5:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2005, in her residence. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Jennings. Deacon Ed McNally will officiate. Burial will be in Millerville Cemetery. Visitation is 10 a.m.-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Wednesday. Mrs. LeBlanc was born Dec. 20, 1927. She was a waitress for 10 years and then retired. Survivors include two brothers, Rufus Deshotel and Felton Deshotel, both of Millerville; two sisters, Doris Hooks of Spurger, Texas, and Helena Moore of Moss Bluff; and several nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. LEBLEU, Ruth B. LCAP 07/28/05 IOWA — Ruth B. LeBleu, 83, died Tuesday, July 26, 2005, in a Welsh care center. She was born in Welsh and was a resident of Iowa and member of St. Raphael Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adoil Bourgeois; one brother, Sanders Bourgeois; and six sisters, Daisy Taylor, Leona Manuel, Mabel Smith, Belle Bourgeois, Juanita Pierce and Lovina Elliott. She is survived by one sister, Mattie Hebert of Lake Charles. Her funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 29, in Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Father Anthony Fontenot will officiate. Burial will be in LeBleu Cemetery. Visitation is 4-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Friday LECOMPTE, Kevin Charles LCAP 02/03/05 Pg. A2 Column 4 JENNINGS — Kevin Charles LeCompte, 38, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005. His funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4, from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. LEDBETTER, Jeanne A. LCAP Jan 9, 2005 Pg. A2 JENNINGS — Jeanne A. Ledbetter, 68, died at 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, in a local hospital. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. LEDOUX, Donald LCAP Feb 20, 2005 Pg. A2 GROSSE TETE — The funeral for Donald L. LeDoux, 65, will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 21, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Jennings. Visitation is 5-9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. Monday. Mr. LeDoux died at 2:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2005, in Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was a former employee of Sundowner Drilling Company. He was a native of Jennings and a resident of Grosse Tete. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Greg Bourgeois of Prairieville; one sister, Verna L. Fusilier of Grosse Tete; one brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney LeDoux of Lafayette; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Wida Doucet LeDoux; brother, Winfred LeDoux; and parents, Addius and Climus LeJeune LeDoux. LEE, Dorse Edward Sr. LCAP 04/23/05 Born: February 22, 1924 Died: April 21, 2005 Memorialized by: J. E. Hixson & Sons LAKE CHARLES - Dorse E. "Eddie" Lee, Sr., 81, died Thursday, April 21, 2005, in a local hospital. He was born in McKamie, Arkansas and had lived in the Welsh - Lake Charles area since 1967 after moving from Jasper, TX. He was a charter member of Lake Charles Bible Church and served as a deacon and usher. He was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. He was employed by The Downtowner and then for Players as a bellman for about fifteen years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Lee, in 1997. Survivors include one son, Dorse E. "Skipper" Lee, Jr. of Lake Charles; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 25, in Lake Charles Bible Church. Rev. John Giles will officiate. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery of Welsh under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation is Sunday from 2 - 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until service time. LEGER, Emery LCAP 11/28/2005 WELSH — Emery Leger, 72, died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005, in a local hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Welsh and attended Our Lady of Seven Dolors. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Ella Jane Leger of Welsh; two sons, Rodney Paul Leger and wife, Sandra, of Welsh, and Daniel Ray Leger and wife, Darlene, of Jennings; two stepdaughters, Diane Comeaux of Mermentau and Pam Tietje of Elton; one stepson, Jeffery LeJeune of Oakdale; one brother, Earl Leger; two sisters, Margie Mire and Wilda Leger, both of Jennings; 18 grandchildren; and 25 great- grandchildren. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 28, in Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. The Rev. Rick Hinchee will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Todd Yocham, Dwayne Gary, Carl Benoit, Lubert Fontenot, Chris LaBouve and Dustin Beard. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. LEGROS, Mary Ella LCAP Feb 26, 2005 Pg. A2 JENNINGS — The funeral for Mrs. Howard (Mary Ella) LeGros, 77, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, in Miguez Funeral Home in Jennings. The Rev. Edward Brunnert will officiate. Burial will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery. Visitation is 2:30-8 p.m. today, with a rosary by Mrs. Betty LeGros at 6:30 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Sunday. Mrs. LeGros died at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in Jennings American Legion Hospital. She was a native and lifelong resident of Jennings. She was a graduate of Jennings High School. She was a homemaker and a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. Survivors, all of Jennings, include her husband, Howard LeGros; two daughters, Roxanne and son-in- law Michael G. LaSage and Suzanne Newman; one sisterin-law, Betty Reed; one brother-in-law, Richard LaFleur; and one grandchild, Brandi Crochet. LEHMAN, Jayce John LCAP 12/29/2005 Funeral service for Jayce John Lehman, 1, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Miguez Funeral Home. The Rev. Jude Brunnert will officiate. Burial will be in the Mermentau Memorial Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 p.m. today, with rosary led by Deacon Bennett McNeal, until time of services on Friday. Jayce died at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005, at his residence. He was a lifelong resident of Jennings. Survivors include his father, John D. Lehman of Jennings; maternal grandparents, Bennett and Bernadine Viator Hanks of Jennings; and maternal great-grandmother, Alice Hanks of Jennings. He was preceded in death by one sister, Madison Paige Lehman; and paternal grandparents, Delores Ann Murray and Richard B. Lehman. JENNINGS FATALITIES Fire claims woman, baby, neighbor Mobile home burns in early Tuesday blaze BY DORIS MARICLE AMERICAN PRESS 12/28/2005 PG. 1 JENNINGS — A woman, her 1-year-old son and a 4-year-old neighbor who was sleeping over died in an early- morning fire Tuesday. Their bodies were discovered close together near a bedroom. The victims were Tiffany Hanks Lehman, 29; her son, Jayce Lehman, who turned a year old that day; and 4- yearold Taylor J. Hebert, a neighbor who had spent the night with the Lehmans at their Frank Street mobile home. John Lehman, who works offshore, was not at home when the fire broke out. “He was supposed to be coming home to celebrate Christmas and his son’s birthday. Instead, he’s coming home to this,” said Donna Lamkin, Tiffany Lehman’s cousin, as she stood just down the street from the charred mobile home Tuesday morning. “They hadn’t opened their gifts yet,” Lamkin said. “They were waiting for him to come in.” A neighbor returning home from work at about 1 a.m. saw the flames and called 911, Jennings police Lt. Ricky Benoit said. The home was engulfed when firefighters arrived. On Tuesday, Bennett Hanks’ eyes filled with tears as he recounted visiting his daughter and grandson hours before the fire struck. “I just took supper down to her last night,” Hanks said. “Jayce was running around. It’s his birthday today.” Hanks lives just down the street from his daughter. He tried to rescue her, his grandson and Hebert by entering the back door, but he was unable to get in. He then went to the front of the mobile home, where he tried to rip the siding off. Hanks said he was close to his daughter. They talked often and saw each other frequently, he said. “She was always calling to see what we were doing,” Hanks said. Hebert was a close family friend and spent many nights with the Lehmans, Hanks said. “He was my little buddy, too,” he said. “We had him spoiled.” The cause of the deaths has not been determined. The bodies were sent to Calcasieu Parish for autopsies. Neighbors and family members were having a difficult time coping with the tragedy. Many wept and hugged one another as they gathered nearby. “My uncle called me this morning,” Lamkin said. “When I heard it, it was a total shock. I couldn’t believe it.” Lamkin described her cousin as a loving mother. She said Jayce was a happy toddler who was just learning to walk and liked to get into things. He was the family’s first grandson. The state fire marshal’s office is investigating, said Carl Miller, assistant city fire chief. Investigators did not find smoke detectors in the home, he said. Seven people have died in house fires this year in Jeff Davis Parish, six of them in Jennings. LEHMAN, Tiffany Hanks LCAP 12/29/2005 Funeral service for Mrs. John (Tiffany Hanks) Lehman, 29, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Miguez Funeral Home in Jennings. The Rev. Jude Brunnert will officiate. Burial will be in Mermentau Memorial Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 p.m. today, with rosary led by Deacon Bennett McNeal, until time of services on Friday. Mrs. Lehman died at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005, at her residence. Mrs. Lehman was a lifelong resident of Jennings. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, John D. Lehman of Jennings; parents, Bennett and Bernadine Viator Hanks of Jennings; one sister, Eve Viator of Jennings; one brother, Chris Hanks of Lake Arthur; and paternal grandmother, Alice Hanks of Jennings. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Madison Paige Lehman; grandfather, Willard Hanks; and grandparents Elias and Eve Viator. ARTICLE by DORIS MARICLE LCAP 12/29/2005 Pg.B1 Accounts set up for fire victims JENNINGS — Bank accounts have been set up for families of the three victims of a mobile home fire Tuesday. Tiffany Hanks Lehman, 29, and her 1-year-old son, Jayce, died in the early-morning fire. A neighbor’s son, 4- year-old Taylor J. Hebert, who had spent the night at the Lehman’s home, also died. A fund for the Lehman family has been set up at the MidSouth Bank in Jennings. The account number is 2627086. A fund has been established at The Bank in Jennings for the Hebert family, who lost their son in the fire. The account number is 1718517. Family members say the fire appears to have started in the kitchen area near a washer and dryer, which blocked off the front and rear entrance to the mobile home, trapping the victims inside. LEJEUNE, Steven Dale LCAP 04/08/05 JENNINGS — Steven Dale LeJeune, 25, died Wednesday, April 6, 2005, in Jennings. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9, in Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. Burial will be in St. Jules Catholic Church Cemetery. LELEUX, Howard W. LCAP 08/22/05 JENNINGS — Funeral services for Mr. Howard W. “Billy” LeLeux, 57, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005, in Miguez Funeral Home, with Deacon Ed McNally officiating. Burial with military graveside honors will be in Calvary Cemetery. Funeral home visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. today to the time of services. A rosary led by Mrs. Betty LeGros will be prayed at 6 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel. Mr. LeLeux died at 6:27 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at his mother’s residence. He was a lifelong resident of the Jennings and Roanoke area, and worked in the oil field. He was an Army veteran, having served in Vietnam, and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Wava LeJeune LeLeux of Jennings; a brother, Jack J. LeLeux of Jennings; a niece, Tasha Shuff; a nephew, Harley LeLeux; and two special great-nieces, Laci Shell and Hannah Shuff. Mr. LeLeux is preceded in death by his father, Mr. Lawrence M. LeLeux, and a brother, Scott LeLeux. Pallbearers will be Archie Vincent, Benny Furgeson, Chad Shuff, and Harley, Curtis and Nolan LeLeux. Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Bouley and Oran Richard. LEMAIRE, Dot LCAP 07/12/05 Pg. A2 column 2 June 26, 1937 - July 10, 2005 LAKE ARTHUR — Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today, July 12, at a Mass of Christian burial from St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Gueydan honoring the life of Dot LeMaire, 68, who died Sunday, July 10, 2005, at American Legion Hospital in Crowley. She will be laid to rest at St. Anthony Cemetery in Lake Arthur. The Rev. Mitchell Guidry will officiate. Serving as pallbearers will be Tim Mier, Brian Hebert, Jason Cart, Rick LeMaire, Clint LeMaire and Rick LeMaire Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Rus Bourque, James Vincent and Myles Landry. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Frank LeMaire of Lake Arthur; one son, Dale Landry and his wife, Margaret, of Crowley; one daughter, Lynn and her husband, Tim Mier, of Gueydan; two stepsons, Rick LeMaire and his wife, Deanna, and Clint LeMaire and his wife, Joy, all of Lake Arthur; two stepdaughters, Carla and her husband, Art Scarborough, of Carlyss, and Julie and her husband, Ed Robicheaux, of Lake Arthur; one sister, Helen Matlick of Lake Arthur; her best friend, Cindy Landry of Gueydan; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; 11 stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Chester Landry; parents, Willton Guidry and the former Eunice Bertrand; and brother, Sidney Paul Guidry. The family requests that visiting hours be observed prior to services today at Vincent Funeral Home, 311 Fourth St., Gueydan LENNETTE, Ethel Castille LCAP 12/22/2005 Ethel “Blave” Castille Lennette, 91, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in Jennings hospital. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Jennings. The Rev. Hyacinth Okafor will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Friday at the church, with rosary recited at 9:30 a.m. Born in Elton, she lived in Jennings most of her life. She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Sodality Group and on the Block Rosary Committee. Survivors include five sons, Patrick McLish Lennette of Lake Charles, Patrick McKinnly Lennette and Wilbert Lennette Jr., both of Port Arthur, Amos Lennette of Beaumont, Texas, and Jimmie Lennette of New Orleans; six daughters, Patricia Lennette and Janethel Withers, both of Jennings, Jackie Varner of Shreveport, Kary Shirley Simpson and Ethel Mae Lennette, both of Port Arthur, and Lula Perkins of Orange, Texas; and a number of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. LEWIS, Cherry Jackson LCAP 12/02/2005 Mrs. Cherry Jackson Lewis, 37, died at 3:50 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, in a local hospital. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in New Hope Baptist Church in Welsh. The Rev. Jerry Jackson Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Eastridge Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel. A wake will be at 5 p.m. today in the church. She was born in Welsh, where she lived most of her life before moving to Lake Charles. Survivors include one daughter, Shacola Danae Jackson; two sisters, Sandy (Edward) Trent and Mary (Cruz) Francisco; four broth- ers, James (Andrea), Rocky (Cynthia), Terry and Jimmy (Dorothy); and her mother, Hester (Wilson) Frank of Lake Charles LEWIS, Loretta Jennings - Services for Mrs. Murphy (Loretta Chaisson) Lewis, 28, will be May 26. Mrs. Lewis' body was found May 20, 2005. Article: Authorities still don’t know how a woman found floating in a separate drainage canal May 20 died. The body of Loretta Lynn Chaisson Lewis, 28, of Jennings, was found floating in a ditch near a bridge in the east fork of the Grand Marais off La. 1126. Authorities have said Lewis’ death is being treated as a homicide, although there were no signs of trauma on the body. A toxicology test found that drugs and a high concentration of alcohol were present in Lewis’ body at the time of her death. Woman’s identity confirmed BY DORIS MARICLE AMERICAN PRESS Aug 10, 2005 LIGGIN, Dr. Samuel J. LCAP Jan 29, 2005 Jennings - Dr. Samuel J. Liggin, 88, died Jan 26, 2005, in a local hospital. His graveside service was at 1 pm. Friday, Jan 28, in Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery in Duback under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. LITTERAL, Izora LCAP Feb 18, 2005 Pg. A2 column 3 The funeral for Mrs. Glenn F. (Izora Wilkins) Litteral Sr., 94, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, in Raymond United Methodist Church. The Rev. Kathy Howell will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is 4-9 p.m. today and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Mrs. Litteral died at 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, in Jennings American Legion Hospital. She was a native of El Campo, Texas. She was a resident of the Hathaway area for 69 years, moving there from Crowley. She was a graduate of Crowley High School. She was a homemaker and member of Raymond United Methodist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Judith Ann Heath of Baton Rouge and Darla Jean VanFickell of Houston; two sons, Charles E. Litteral and Glenn F. Litteral Jr., both of Hathaway; one sister, Juanita W. Boggs of Fort Worth, Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Annie Irene Young Wilkins; husband, Glenn F. Litteral Sr.; three sisters, Myrtle Wilkins, Myra W. Proctor and Viola W. McElroy; and one brother, Woodrow Wilkins. Pallbearers will be Scott and Randy Litteral, Tim and Gregory Heath, John Heath Jr. and Jason and Jeffrey VanFickell. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. H.F. Guilbeau, Stanley Cresap, John Compton and Harold Brown. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Raymond United Methodist Church. LIVINGSTON, Wesley LCAP 07/07/05 HOUSTON — Wesley Lloyd Livingston Jr., 44, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2005, in a boating incident. He was a native of Elton. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Joseph, formerly of New Iberia. Survivors include his wife, Toni Kelly, formerly of Lake Charles; children, Wesley James and Tori Wrené, both of Houston, and Wesley III of Oceanside, Calif.; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley L. (Geraldine) Livingston Sr. of Elton; six sisters, Deborah (William) Clark of Baton Rouge, Acquanetta (Sidney) Jack and Venessa Livingston, both of Elton, Sybyl (Lester) Coleman and Avis Livingston, both of Lake Charles, and Mildred (Edward) Smith of Ruston; his mother-in-law, Birdell Kelly of Lake Charles; three sisters-in-law, Geraldine Joseph of New Iberia, Jassaland Kelly- Jenkins of Lake Charles and Retta Kelly of Houston; eight nephews; five nieces; and a host of other relatives and friends. His wake will be Friday in Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Elton, 1409 Martin Luther King Drive, with visitation 5-9 p.m. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. (changed from 1 p.m.) Saturday, July 9, with visitation from 10 a.m. at Champions Covenant, 13111 Bammel North Houston Road in Houston (northwest). Arrangements are by Carl Barnes Funeral Home of Houston. LOUNSBERRY, Errol E. LCAP 07/06/05 LAKE ARTHUR — The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2005, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church of Lake Arthur for Errol E. Lounsberry, 65, who died Monday, July 4, in Jennings American Legion Hospital. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. The Rev. Clyde Thomas will conduct the service. Mr. Lounsberry was a native of Crowley and a resident of the Lake Arthur-Gueydan area. He passed away two days before one of his favorite activities, the Vermilion Rice Field Tour, which will be rescheduled in his honor at a later date. Errol was a very successful rice farmer from Gueydan and a leader in the industry. He hosted the Vermilion Rice Field Tour every year since 1984. He served on the Rice Research Board and was past chairman of the Vermilion Parish rice and soybean advisory committees. He served as president of the Vermilion Rice Growers Association and was very instrumental in its organization. He was one of three Vermilion producers selected to attend the first LSU AgCenter Ag Leadership Development program; was named 1997 National Rice Farmer of the Year by Rice Farming Magazine; 1988 International Rice Festival Farmer of the Year; and Abbeville Rotary Farmer of the Year in 1988. He loved innovation and research and was eager to implement new practices on his farm in the Lake Arthur vicinity of western Vermilion Parish. He also loved sharing information with his fellow farmers and believed that research and extension were an integral part of modern farming. He was an avid supporter of the LSU AgCenter, was a producer of top yields in both seed rice and commercial rice and was still excited about farming, despite the struggles with low prices, high costs and other challenges. He was positive, upbeat and always willing to visit with people about his passion — rice farming. Errol was an excellent farmer, a leader in the rice industry of Vermilion Parish and the U.S. He contributed a great deal to society by being first to try new practices and always making his farm available for research demonstrations and field days. He will be greatly missed by family and many friends he had made over the years. Survivors include his wife, Yvonne Hebert Lounsberry of Lake Arthur; one son, Joel Kent Lounsberry and his wife, Jamie, of Lake Arthur; two daughters, Gay Lynn Popeck and her husband, Mark, of Olive Branch, Miss., and Michelle Deshotel and her husband, Scott, of Welsh; one brother, Ronald James Lounsberry and his wife, Dee-Ann, of Baton Rouge; eight grandchildren, Errin and Hillary Lounsberry, Benjamin, Connor and Bailey Popeck and Nick, Sydney and Beau Deshotel; and two nephews, David and John Lounsberry of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Pearl Fontenot Lounsberry. The family has requested that visitation be 11 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur LOUVIERE, Audrey F. LCAP June 23, 2005 Pg. A2 HOUSTON — Audrey Fontenot Louviere, 76, died Tuesday, June 21, 2005, in a Houston hospital. She was a native of Elton and had lived in Lake Charles for 35 years before moving to Houston eight years ago. She was a graduate of Elton High School and McNeese State University, having received a bachelor of science degree in speech. She also received a master of arts degree. She worked for 30 years with the Department of the Air Force and Army at Lake Charles Air Force Base, and she also worked in the NASA space program. She worked one year in the English department at Lamar University, Orange campus. She was a visiting professor of English at McNeese State University for 13 years, and she also worked with the ROTC program as a military personnel tech. She was the recipient of the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service in 1985, presented by the Department of the Army, the only female to receive this honor. She was a former member of the Mayor’s Armed Forces Committee, director of the Veteran’s Day Parade for a several years and a volunteer for the American Heart Association. She was a founding board member of Krewe Déjà Vu du Monde in 1989. She held many offices during her 16 years. She received an award this past Mardi Gras season during Déjà Vu’s presentation by the board of directors for staying active as an associate board member. She acted as a consultant to several organizations during the past eight years in Texas, when communities in Texas wanted to start Mardi Gras krewes. She was a very vital part of her beloved krewe and will be sorely missed by the entire membership. She was on the original board of directors for Contraband Days. She was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church for more than 30 years. She is survived by her daughter, Carla Ann Louviere of Houston; two grandsons, Jim Barnes of Waco, Texas, and Chris Barnes of Sulphur; three great-granddaughters, Brooke, Jenna, Gabrielle and one future great-grandchild; one sister, Dorothy “Dot” Hinman of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 24, from St. Margaret Catholic Church. Monsignor Charles Dubois will officiate. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Elton under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation is 2:30-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m. followed by comments from friends and family, and 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home LOVE, Daisy Marie LCAP Feb 16, 2005 Born: August 13, 1921 Died: February 15, 2005 Memorialized by: Hixson Welsh Daisy Marie Love, 83, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, in a Baton Rouge care center. She was a native of Bentley and a longtime resident of Welsh. She had been employed by Welsh General Hospital, where she enjoyed serving others. Survivors include two sons, Ronald A. Love and wife Patti of Wilmington, Mass., and Randal R. Love of St. Francisville; one daughter, Linda Domingue and husband Alfred of St. Gabriel; one sister, Gustave Carr of Pineville; four grandchildren, Josh Domingue, Ben Domingue, Jessica Domingue and Heather Love; and one great-grandchild, Ariana Domingue. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Love. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, in Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Deacon George Carr will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation is 5-9 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. Friday. LOWERY, Bonnie F. LCAP 02/26/2005 JENNINGS — Bonnie F. Lowery, 61, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, Feb. 26, in Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. Private burial will be in Andrus Family Cemetery at a later date.