2006 Obituaries; Surnames A : Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana Submitter Kathy Tell Date 2007 Jan 02 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 ABSHIRE, Betty LCAP 07/25/2006 JENNINGS — The funeral for Betty Ann Lopez Abshire, 61, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, in Miguez Funeral Home. The Rev. Ed Brunnert will officiate. Burial will be in Bertrand Cemetery. Visitation is 11 a.m.-8 p.m. today, with a rosary by Deacon Mike Tramel at 7:30 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Wednesday. Mrs. Abshire died at 9:55 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2006, in Extended Care of Southwest Louisiana in Lake Charles. She was a native of Jennings and was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. She was employed by the Calcasieu Police Jury as a cook at the Calcasieu Juvenile Detention Center. Survivors include one daughter, Dana Marie Daigle of Moss Bluff; two sons, Greg Abshire of Sulphur and Brandon Abshire of Lake Charles; mother, Lula Mae Breaux of Lake Charles; and one sister, Debra O’Dell of Caddo Mills, Texas. She was preceded in death by her father, Ourilian Lopez; a daughter, Amanda Rhonda Bookout; and a brother, Harliss Lopez. ABSHIRE, Cindy LeJeune LCAP 04/11/2006 BREAUX BRIDGE — The funeral for Cindy LeJeune Abshire, 38, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, in Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. Lawrence Daigle will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation is 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Wednesday. Mrs. Abshire died Sunday, April 9, 2006, in her residence. She was a native of Evangeline and was a resident of Breaux Bridge for more than four years, moving from Jennings. She was a homemaker and a member of First United Pentecostal Church of Breaux Bridge. Survivors include three daughters, Shonia Abshire of Iowa and Sheree Abshire and Becky Abshire, both of Monroe; one stepdaughter, Taylor Houghton; two sons, Dustin Abshire and Darren Abshire, both of Breaux Bridge; one stepson, Logan Houghton; her mother, Mrs. Lorena L. Teal of Jennings; fiance, Ernest Charles Houghton of Breaux Bridge; six sisters, Barbara Vincent of Pickering, Shirley Vincent of Lafayette, Katherine Vincent and Kathleen Vincent, both of Mittie, Lenora Ann Benoit of Bundick Lake and Agnes Teal of Crowley; and five brothers, Alvin LeJeune of Elton, Kenny Vincent of Lafayette, Donald Vincent of Evangeline, Walter Vincent of Mittie and Billy Ray Vincent of Hackberry. She was preceded in death by her father, Adrus LeJeune; husband, Brian K. Abshire; and two brothers, Jerry Vincent and Ernest Vincent. ABSHIRE, Damris Joseph Sr. LCAP 05/21/2006 JENNINGS — Damris Joseph Abshire Sr., 68, died Friday, May 19, 2006. His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, May 22, in Miguez Funeral Home. His body was cremated. ALEXANDER, Marena LCAP 05/07/2006 JENNINGS — Mrs. Curvey (Marena Mae Deshotel) Alexander, 54, died Thursday, May 4, 2006, in her residence. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, May 7, in Miguez Funeral Home. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. BY DORIS MARICLE LC AMERICAN PRESS 05/06/2006 Jennings fire victim is identified; home had neither gas nor electricity JENNINGS — Authorities have identified the woman who was killed Thursday night when fire swept through an East Jefferson Street home. Marena Alexander, 54, of Jennings, was found in the middle of the structure near the kitchen area, said Fire Chief Tommy Deshotel. She may have been trying to get out, he said. She is the 12th person to die in a house fire in Jeff Davis Parish since February 2005 and the third in Jennings this year. “I have been with the Fire Department for 40 years, and we have never had this many fatalities at one time ever,” Deshotel said. “There are too many people dying in structure fires.” There are no patterns to the fires, though the last two have occurred in homes without electricity, he said. Deshotel said the fire may have started in the front of the wood-frame house just inside the front door, but local and state officials have yet to determine an exact cause. “We are aware that the home had no gas or electricity and that they were using numerous candles for lights,” Deshotel said. A neighbor who saw the house burning called 911 at 9:31 p.m. Firemen arrived a short time later and had the blaze under control within 10 minutes, but remained at the scene until 4 a.m. Friday. “When we got there the whole front half of the building was heavily involved in fire,” Deshotel said. “We were advised by a neighbor there was an individual still in the home.” Deshotel said firemen attacked the structure with a deck gun and several hoses as crews entered the rear of the home to search for the victim. Alexander’s body was found shortly upon entry, Deshotel said. Alexander’s husband was not at home when the fire started, but later arrived at the scene. Deshotel said the Alexanders had been living at the home for a short time. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family,” he said. Photo with article ALFRED, Hayward Sr. LCAP 01/06/2006 FENTON — The funeral for Hayward “Poochie” Alfred Sr., 59, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, in Greater St. Joseph Baptist Church. The Rev. Arnold Wykoff will officiate. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery under the direction of Community Funeral Home of Oakdale. Visitation is from 10 a.m. Saturday in the church. Mr. Alfred died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006, in a local hospital. He was a native and resident of Fenton. He worked as a cement finisher through the union local in Lake Charles. He retired as a cement finisher foreman for Brown and Root Construction Co. after 25 years of service. Left to cherish his memories: his wife of 37 years, Delores Coleman Alfred; one daughter, Keffrey Alfred of Fenton; five sons, Hayward Alfred Jr. of Port Arthur, Texas, Malcolm, Calvin and Jason Alfred, all of Fenton, and Michael Alfred of Lake Charles; four brothers, the Rev. Eddie Alfred Sr., Luther “Sam” Alfred, Earlvin Alfred Sr. and Melvin Alfred Sr., all of Fenton; three sisters, Betty Spikes of Fenton, Lurdy Alfred of Lake Charles and Blanche Roland of Richmond, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mr. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Roosevelt Alfred and Mrs. Mable Allison Alfred; three brothers, Calvin, Babe Ray and Benjamin Alfred; and one sister, Bernice Hale. ALLEN, Ethelwynn Lewis LCAP 07/14/2006 Funeral services for Ethelwynn Lewis Allen, 68, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2006, at Fondel Memorial Chapel in Jennings. The Rev. Cecil Collins will officiate. She died Saturday, July 8, in a local hospital. Born in Elton, she lived most of her life in San Diego before moving to Fenton. She was a member of Jehovah’s Witness. Survivors include her mother, Beanna Lewis of Jennings; husband, James W. Allen of Fenton; daughters, Roseanna (Charles) Lynette Young of Loganville, Ga., Monica (Ken) Maire Allison of Covington, Ga.; sons, Wayne V. (Gloria) Allen of Norfolk, Va., James H. Athane of Fenton, Rodney J. (Mechelle) Allen of San Diego, Calif., Whitney (Rhonda) Allen of Lake Charles; brothers, Wilbert Lewis, George Lewis, both of Jennings and Roy Lewis of Maryland; 18 grandchildren; and great-granchildren. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m. today at Fondel Memorial Chapel in Jennings. Interment will be in Benevolent Cemetery. Phot included with article. ALEX, Sheffield LCAP 2006 Oct 17 Sheffield Alex, 85, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006, in a local hospital. Born in Big Lake, he lived most of his life in Lake Charles. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He retired from Riviana Foods Inc. after 39 years. He was a night jailer for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office for a number of years. He also worked at HNV Riverfront Rice Mill in Jennings for a number of years. Survivors include one daughter, Etrulia (Stanley Gims Jr.) Alex Gims of Lake Charles; one sister, Gladiola Lewis of Houston; one granddaughter, Terisha Mathis of Lake Charles; three great-granddaughters, Brianna and Margo Stevens and Brayla Mathis; one greatgrandson, McKinley Mathis; and a host of nieces and nephews. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Deacon Elray Bushnell will officiate. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel. Visitation is 8-10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, with a rosary at 9:30 a.m. Photo Included with article ANDERSON, Judith LCAP 03/06/2006 Judith “Judy” Blanchard Anderson, 61, died Saturday, March 4, in her home in Jennings. She was surrounded by family at the time of her death. Judy was raised in Westlake as part of a large family. For the past five years, she had resided in Jennings. She spent many years of her life working with various interior design, flooring and painting companies. Judy had a gift for design and decoration, which she enjoyed sharing with others. Since her marriage to Herschell Anderson, they owned and operated construction businesses in the DeRidder and Kinder areas. Judy was a loving mother and grandmother. She was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren from the eldest to the youngest and was never too tired, busy or burdened to support them in any way possible. She will be greatly missed. Judy was a member of the Jesus Worship Center in Jennings. She was preceded in death by father, A.S. Blanchard, and her mother, Nettie Templeton Racca. Judy is survived by her son, Ronald Tower and wife, Nancy; two daughters, Sissy Tower Merritt and husband Tim and Debbie Tower Mallett and husband John; four brothers, Jack Blanchard of New Iberia, Danny Blanchard of DeRidder, Jerry Racca of Onalaska, Texas, and Butch Racca of Iowa; three sisters, Jannette Fleming of Toledo Bend Lake, Annette McPayne of Moss Bluff and Darlene Areno of Moss Bluff; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, in Hixson Funeral Home in Westlake. Visitation will be held from 4-10 p.m. today, March 6, and again from 8-10 a.m. on Tuesday ANHORN, Troy Ray LCAP 05/27/2006 JENNINGS — Troy Ray Anhorn, 21, died Saturday, June 24, 2006. His funeral will be at 1 p.m. today, June 27, in Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Tee-Mamou Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. ARABIE, Alvin “Zeke” LCAP 03/24/2006 Alvin Arabie, 83, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2006, in a local hospital. He was a native of Fenton and a resident of Lake Charles. He was an Army veteran; he served in the 101st Airborne Division. He was a member of VFW Post 2130 and Painters Local 783. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Velma Arabie; three daughters, Kay Landry and husband Alfred, Rebecca Fischer and husband Tom, and Phyllis Racca and husband Kurt, all of Lake Charles; two brothers, Wilson Arabie and wife Ethel of Lake Charles and Robert Arabie of Moss Bluff; two sisters, Vena Guillory and husband Charles of Houston and Louise Guillory and husband Wilton of New Iberia; nine grandchildren, Jonathan Landry, Amiee Abshire and husband Dustin, Korey and husband Dan Garren, Terry Johnson Jr., Trevor Johnson and wife Aimee, Brandy Nicholson and husband Josh of San Antonio, Stacy Miller and husband Phillip of Lake Charles, Jessica Meyers and husband Cory of Iowa, and Ashley Racca of Lake Charles; and 12 great-grandchildren, Chasity and Macey Sandifer, Zeke Abshire, Madalyn and Hannah Garren, Gavin and Hunter Johnson, Patrick and Victoria Miller, Ethan and Alex Meyers, and Sarah Nicholson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Agate Vidrine Arabie; four brothers, Willis, Wesley, Melvin and Harry Arabie; and one great-grandson, James Nicholson. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25, from Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Burial will be in Lacassine Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation is 10 a.m.-9 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m. in the funeral home, and from 8 a.m. Saturday. Photo with article ARDOIN, Diana Courville LCAP 08/24/2006 IOWA, La. — Diana Courville Ardoin, 56, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006, in a local hospital. She was born in Jennings and she was a current resident of Iowa and a lifelong resident of Welsh. She passed away at St. Patricks Hospital in Lake Charles, Tuesday Aug. 22. She had worked most of her life in Human Resources for various companies. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She was a member of the Catholic faith. Survivors include her father, Elton Courville of Welsh; three daughters, Regina and husband, Michael Cassilis of Sulphur, Sarah and husband, David Johnson of Iowa, Jamie and husband, Brandon Perkins of Iowa; two brothers, Travis Courville and wife, Frances of Missouri City, Texas and Talbert Courville of Welsh; three grandchildren, Karen Cassilis of Sulphur and Jacob and Jordan Johnson of Iowa, her special friend, Walter Ford of Moss Bluff; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Evie Courville. Her funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Friday Aug. 25, in 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 will be 2:30-9 p.m. Thursday, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and will resume at 8 a.m. Friday until service time. Photo with article ARDOIN, Elena American Press:2006 Dec 01 Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings for Elena Mary Ardoin, 96, who died Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, in the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home. The Rev. Jude Brunnert will conduct the service. Interment will be in Lacassine Cemetery with full military rites. She was a native of Ardoin Cove and a resident of Lake Charles. She entered the Air Force on Dec. 1, 1943 and served during World War II in nursing. She retired as a lieutenant colonel on Nov. 30, 1963. She served in Homestead, Fla., Biloxi, Miss., Enid, Okla., San Antonio, and overseas in Germany. She loved gardening, yard work, flowers and traveling. Survivors include one brother, Amos Ardoin of Jennings; one sister-in-law, Jayne Ardoin of Jennings; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ozema and Ella Broussard Ardoin; three brothers, Dewey Ardoin, Levi Ardoin and Horace Ardoin; and two sisters, Deliah “Dee” Padrasky and Nova LaBorde. The family has asked that visitation be 4:30-9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. Saturday. A rosary will be recited by the Ladies of Immaculate Conception at 7 p.m. today. Pallbearers will be Joshua Ardoin, Kenny Gary, Jordan Ardoin, David Ardoin, Allan Ardoin, Richard Ardoin, Stephen Gonsoulin, Mike Ardoin and Steve Gonsoulin. Photo included with article ARDOIN, Jesse J. LCAP JENNINGS — Jesse J. Ardoin, 78, died Monday, April 10, 2006, in his residence. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, April 12, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. ARDOIN, Philip John American Press:2006 Nov 08 FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Philip John Ardoin, 40, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6, 2006, in Jefferson Hospital in Miami. He lost his battle with cancer after two years. Philip was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved landscaping. He will be most remembered for his love for his wife, children and family. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jackie Garcia Ardoin; children, Selena, Chance, Nicholas and Philip Charles Ardoin; stepdaughters, Ali and Catalina; father, Sonny Ardoin; mother and stepfather, Mary Clydelle Morris Cook and Lyle Cook; brother, Perry Ladell Ardoin; sister, Penny Lucinda Goodly; grandfather, J.C. Morris; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Esther Hebert Morris; aunt, Debbie Kay Stutes; and paternal grandparents, Alfred and Libby Ardoin. His memorial will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, in the Lacassine Community Center, and his service will be at 2 p.m. with Father Doyle officiating. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service at the center. The body was cremated. ATKINS, Harry American Press:2006 Nov 19 WELSH — Harry Atkins, 80, died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, in Hixson Funeral Home in Welsh. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. AUGUSTINE, Charles “Phil” Sr. LCAP 10/03/2006 Charles “Phil” Augustine Sr., 58, of Lake Charles died Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, in Chicago while working. Mr. Augustine was a native of Fenton and was a graduate of Fenton High School. He was a truck driver for 39 years. Mr. Augustine was a member of Christian World Ministries. Survivors include his loving wife, Brenda Augustine of Lake Charles; two daughters and their spouses, Kim and Gus Almirall of Lake Charles and Angie and Tommy Davis of Bogue Chitto, Miss.; two stepdaughters and their spouses, Veronica and Stephen Guidry and Natacha and Steve Broussard, all of Lake Charles; two stepsons, Scotty Spell and wife Michelle and Larry Spell, all of Lake Charles; three sisters, Carol Denison of Iowa and Vida Ardoin and Gean Duplechin, both of Kinder; four brothers, Orville Augustine of Kinder, Bennett and Jerry Augustine, both of Fenton, and Steve Menard and wife Debbie of Welch; 17 grandchildren, Roman, Cody, Devin, Casey, Clint, Kamlin, Chandelle, Selby, Ariel, Layken, Kort, Tristan, Lauren, Samantha, Katlynn, Caton and Bryce; and his beloved dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alied and McKinley Augustine; a son, Charles “Chucky” Augustine Jr.; and a sister, Eula Sharp. Come celebrate Phil’s new life with us. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in Johnson Funeral Home. The Rev. Jerry Snider will officiate. Burial will be in LeBleu Cemetery in Fenton. Visitation is 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m. and from 8 a.m. Thursday. Pallbearers will be Roman, Cody, Devin, Clint, Jesse and Kevin. Brian will be an honorary pallbearer. Photo included with article AYLSWORTH, Iris Kelley (April 8, 1918 - August 14, 2006) Iris “Pete” Kelley Aylsworth, 88, passed from this world to God’s heavenly kingdom on Monday, August 14, 2006. Mrs. Aylsworth was born to David and Ida Mae Kelley on April 8, 1918. She graduated from Welsh High School in 1935 and went on to attain Southwestern Louisiana Institute (U of L) and Peabody Collage in Nashville Tenn. She received a degree in education from McNeese State University and taught elementary grades in Elton, Jennings, Welsh, Fenton, and Hathaway. On March 21, 1940, she married George Aylsworth of Elton. They were both active members of the United Methodist church where Mrs. Aylsworth taught Sunday school and was a member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service. Mrs. Aylsworth leaves behind to cherish her memory; one daughter Sandra Nell Aylsworth LaFosse and husband Shirley of Elton, LA; one son, George Weaver Aylsworth and wife Jeannie of Fort Walton Beach, FL; 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded by her husband Mr. George Nelson Aylsworth, with whom she shared 52 blissful Years. She showered her love and affection upon 4 generation of descendants and will be dearly missed. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2006 in United Methodist Church in Elton. Rev. Eddie Morgan will officiate. Burial will be in China Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. until time of service in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of Elton, P.O. , Elton, La. 70532; or St. Patricks Hospital Hospice Care, 524 South Ryan, Lake Charles, La. 70601 Ardoin Funeral Home