2006 Obituaries; Surnames S : Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana Submitter Kathy Tell Date January 02, 2007 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 SALASSI, Alice Leger LCAP 01/10/2006 Alice Leger Salassi, 87, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, in a Lafayette hospital. She was born April 12, 1918, in Wright. She was a native of Morse and Crowley. She helped care for 11 brothers and sisters after her mom died. She worked in Lafayette prior to her marriage. Once married, she resided in Welsh, where she enjoyed raising her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Welsh. She loved caring for her home and family, cooking for family and friends, traveling and visiting family, watching birds and praying the rosary. Survivors include her loving husband of 53 years, Eddie E. Salassi; three children, Eugene E. Salassi and his wife, Betty, of Welsh, Mary Salassi Scotter and her husband, Jim, of North Little Rock, Ark., and Charles E. Salassi of Lafayette; four grandchildren, Kate, Beth, Michelle and John; two sisters, Mary Edna Landry of Iowa, La., and Eugenia LaVergne of Gueydan; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guilliam and Amelia Leger; two brothers, Octave Leger and Guilliam Leger Jr.; and seven sisters, Agnes Leger, Matilda Monceaux, Marie Leger, Pauline King, Annie Mae Gentry, Lydia Cormier and Nita Leger. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 10, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Burial will be in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is from 9 a.m. today in the funeral home SCHARFF, Georgiana C. LCAP 08//01/2006 Georgiana “Ann” Chapman Scharff, 75, of Welsh, passed away at 2:20 a.m. Monday, July 31, 2006, in a local care facility. Mrs. Scharff was born in Mamou, and she had lived in the Iowa and Welsh areas since the 1970s. She and her husband, James Scharff Sr., owned the Kreeme Drive In in Iowa for many years. She was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church of Bell City. She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Gary Scharff and wife Cindy and Dennis Scharff and wife Hope, all of Welsh, and Tim Scharff and wife Angie of Moss Bluff; one brother, Jay Chapman of Michigan; one sister, Verna Rider of Westlake; nine grandchildren, Eddie, Christy, Andy, Jamie, Bailey, Jakob, Mia and Matthew; and three greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James Scharff Sr., and son, James “Cotton” Scharff Jr. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, from St. John Vianney Catholic Church of Bell City. The Rev. Albert Borel will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Vianney Catholic Church Cemetery in Lacassine under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation is 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 6:30 p.m., and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Photo included with article SCOTT, Olive Bozarth LCAP 02/15/2006 WELSH — Olive Bozarth Scott, 91, passed away at 12:20 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, in Golden Age Nursing Home of Welsh. She was born on Jan. 1, 1915, in Humble, Texas. In 1933, she married Alvin Scott, and they enjoyed 65 years together before his death in 1999. The Scott family moved from Anahuac, Texas, to Welsh in 1955. Alvin was transferred by Sun Oil Co. when the oil drilling went offshore. Olive was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was Circle member of United Methodist Women for many years. She was also a past worthy matron of the Rebecca’s Chapter 2 Order of Eastern Star. She was their pianist until she was 85 years old. She is survived by one daughter, Sheila Scott Durflinger and husband Don of San Antonio; one son, Lance Alvin and wife Opal of Welsh; and one sister, Madge Hinson of Welsh. She has three granddaughters, Laurie Scott of Houston, Lesley Jo Corban and husband John, and Jennifer Scott, all of Baton Rouge; two stepgrandsons, Granville Farquhar and wife Beth of Welsh and Randall Farquhar and wife Lisa of Lafayette; and three great-grandchildren in Baton Rouge, Caylee, John and Connor. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in First United Methodist Church of Welsh. The Rev. Mark Goins will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is 4-6 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-noon Thursday in the funeral home and from 1 p.m. Thursday in the church. SEXTON, Juanita E. LCAP 09/09/2006 STARKS—Juanita E. Sexton, 83, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006, in a local hospital. She was a native of Champaign, Ill. and had lived in Jennings most of her life prior to her move to Starks. Juanita was baptized by Eureka Church of Christ in Illinois and had been a member of the Church of Christ in Jennings. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to all who knew her. Survivors include four sons, Jackie L. Sexton and wife, Susie of Olney, Ill., Danny Ray Sexton and wife, Carlissa of Starks, Charles J. Sexton and wife, Debbie of Jennings and Roy Sexton and wife, Gloria of Jennings; four daughters, Joan Caswell and husband, Shirley of Carlyss, Linda Heard of Starks, Judy Guidry and husband, Will of Crowley, and Vickie Hollingsworth and husband, Ray of Starks; 35 grandchildren; 58 greatgrandchildren; and 19 greatgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elzie Sexton; two sons, Delbert Sexton and Jack E. Sexton; two daughters, Juanita Green and Opal Navarre; a son-in-law, Nelvin "Neg" Leckelt; a grandson, Jamie Sexton; and two great-grandsons, Larry and Jerry Richard. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, in Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton. The Rev. Chris Maher will officiate. Burial will be in Miller Annex Cemetery in Starks. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. until the time of service Sunday in the funeral home. PHOTO included with article SHARP, Alvin “Al” LCAP 01/20/2006 SULPHUR — Alvin “Al” Sharp, 73, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006, in his residence. He was born on Sept. 1, 1932, to Arthur Sharp and Maude Keeley Sharp in Fenton and had been a resident of the Sulphur and Carlyss area for many years. He had served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Borie and retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve Seabees. Al was a member of the Board of Directors for the Southwest Louisiana Credit Union, a longtime member and deacon of Southside Celebration Worship Center, longtime volunteer of Care Help of Sulphur, past member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and a member of the VFW Post 2130. He retired from PPG as an electrician after more than 25 years of service. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Sherry Dugas Sharp of Sulphur; and three daughters, Pamela Sharp Haney, husband, David and children, Kristen, Chelsea and Lexi of White Oak, Texas, and Donna Pitre Istre, husband, Kevin, and children Bryan, Barret and Blake, and Sheila Pitre Hanks, husband, Kurt and children, Anthony, Heather, Baylen, Derek and Ryan, both of Sulphur. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Wyatt Sharp, Marvin “Bud” Sharp and Bill Sharp; and one sister, Doris Pousson Crowl. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. The Rev. Max Docusen will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Kyson, Roussell Cooper, Kenneth Naquin, Tom Conner, Dempsey Jackson and Wayne Mayfield. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Stell, David Augustine, Joel Schroeder and Phil Quinn. Vocalists will be Laura Terro and Durl Schultz. Visitation is 4-9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday. SHEFFIELD, Alex LCAP Oct 15/2006 Alex Sheffield, 85, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2005, 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 greatgranddaughters, 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. SHEUMAKER, Jeanette LCAP 02/06/2006 CARLYSS — Jeanette Sheumaker, 79, passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006, in her residence. A native Welsh, she had resided in Carlyss for the last 48 years. She was a member of Choupique Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking and loved the outdoors, especially spending time with her flowers. Survivors include her children, Harold W. Sheumaker and wife Mary Beth, Linda Thompson, Charles Sheumaker and Kathy Robichaux; grandchildren, Henry T. Sheumaker and wife Annette, Morgan LeFaye Davault and husband Billy, Christopher Thompson, Miriam, Thomas and Michael Robichaux and Lydia LeJeune; great-grandchildren, Bryan Westlund, Kyran Sheumaker and Dylan, Nathan and Trinity LeJeune; and brothers, Robert “Jack” and John Epperly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold T. Sheumaker; parents, Frank and Rosalie Epperly; and brothers, Floyd, Jimmy, Charles and Albert Epperly. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, in Johnson Funeral Home. The Rev. Nay Vickers will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery of Welsh. SHOATS, Durphy J. LCAP 10/21/2006 JENNINGS — Durphy Joseph Shoats, 80, died Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006, in a local care center. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. SHOEMAKE, Joseph, I LCAP 05/05/2006 LAKE ARTHUR — The funeral for Joseph Charles Shoemake I, 71, will be at 2 p.m. today, May 5, in Miguez Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. SHUFF, Jesse N. LCAP 03/30/200 ELTON — Jesse N. Shuff, 78, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2006, in his residence from a battle with cancer. He was blessed to have all his family and friends in continuous prayers for him. He was a native of Elton and a retired bookkeeper for International Longshoreman Association at the Port of Lake Charles. Jesse was baptized into the Catholic faith in 1975. He was very active in his church serving on the parish council as finance chairman for the Spirit Seekers Prayer Group. He served 10 years on the Charismatic Renewal Board of Trustees under the Rev. Sam Jacobs in the Diocese of Lake Charles. He was an active member on the Catholic TV program “Share the Word,” giving witness to his Catholic faith. He served as a sailor in the Merchant Marines in 1944 and was in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was called back into active duty during the Korean Conflict and was wounded, then sent to serve in Germany. He belonged to Louisiana Cattleman’s Association and Louisiana Quarter Horse Association. He leaves a legacy of love, a sincere spirit and caring for all and a new awareness of the presence of God to be able to laugh at yourself. The funeral Mass for Mr. Jesse N. Shuff will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 31, from St. Paul Catholic Church in Elton. The Rev. Marshall Boulet will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in St. Paul Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. Visitation is 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with scripture wake service at 7 p.m. followed by Cursillo rosary and from 8 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Survivors include his wife, Frieda Morgan of Elton; sons, Benneth Shuff and wife Julia of Elton, Kevin Shuff and wife Dr. Kathy of Moss Bluff and Brent Anthony Shuff and wife Yvonne of West Monroe; daughter, Tamra Shuff Fruge and husband Gene of Elton; brothers, Oscar Shuff and Clifton Shuff, both of Elton and King William Shuff of Phoenix, Ala.; sister, Zella Fruge of Jennings; 18 grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jesse N. Shuff Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Paul’s Evangelization Team, P.O. Box 129, Elton, LA 70532. Photo with article. SIMAR, Janice Crowley post signal Dec 2006 JENNINGS – Funeral services for Ms. Janice Ann Simar, 47, were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at St. Jules Catholic Church of Tee-Mamou with Rev. Ted Broussard officiating. Burial will be in St. Jules Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation began Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at 3 p.m. and continued until the time of service. A rosary was recited by Deacon Mike Tramel Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Ms. Simar died Sunday, December 3, 2006 at her residence in Crowley. She was a native of Crowley, a homemaker, a devoted mother and grandmother and enjoyed flower gardening. She was very active with the special needs children at Ross Elementary School in Crowley She is survived by four daughters, Dannielle Benoit and her spouse, Greg of Jennings; Angel Nicole Simar, Justine Noel Simar and Lana Michelle Simar, all of Evangeline; her parents, Merlin Joseph Oliver of Keenewick, Wash. and Joyce Marie Q. Thibodeaux of Rayne; two sisters, Lynn Royer and her spouse, Tony of Jennings; and Jackie Oliver of Scott; two brothers, Joey Oliver and his spouse, Janet of Kennewick, Wash. and Brian Quebodeaux of Iota; two grandchildren, Gavin Heath Benoit and Kassie Anna-Claire Benoit, both of Jennings Ms. Simar was preceded in death by her first husband, Daniel “Danny” Craig Fontenot Photo included with article SIMON, Wilma Marie LCAP 06/02/2006 Pg. A4 IOWA — Mrs. Raymond “Big Marie” Simon, 50, died at 1:15 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2006, in a local hospital. She was born in Jennings and was a resident of Iowa for most of her life. She was a member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Iowa and was an employee of Big Daddy’s Seafood Restaurant. She was more like a mother to everyone — a peacekeeper, the mold that kept the family together. Survivors include her husband, Raymond Simon of Iowa; one daughter, Chelsea Joy Eddie of Iowa; one son, Larry James Batiste of Iowa; three grandchildren, Gabriel, Koby and Aniyah Batiste, all of Iowa; father, Walter Batiste Sr. of Welsh; two sisters, Emily (Jarvis) Daigle of Germany and Mary Batiste of Houston; three brothers, James (Barbara) Batiste of Lafayette, Milton (Theresa) Batiste of Lake Charles and Walter (Karen) Batiste Jr. of Iowa; nieces who were like her daughters, Kimikko and Maudryana Batiste; oldest aunt, Rena Carrier of Iowa; sisters-inlaw, Christine (Alvin) Prejean and Ruth (Larry) Gamble, both of Iowa; brothers-in- law, James (Stephanie) Simon of Iowa and L.J. (Lilly) Simon of Las Vegas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Maudry Guillory Batiste; father- and mother-in- law, Leo and Celestine Simon; and brother-in-law, Gerald Simon. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, from St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. The Rev. Celcius Offor will officiate. Burial will be in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery under the direction of King’s Funeral Home. Visitation is 5-9 p.m. today in the funeral home. Photo included with article SMITH, Anna Belle Guidry LCAP 03/20/2006 CAMERON — Anna Belle Guidry Smith, 72, of Cameron, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2006, at her temporary residence in Lake Arthur after a brief battle with cancer. Anna Belle Guidry Smith was born on April 8, 1933, in Jennings. She was the 13th of 15 children born to the late Laurent Guidry and Clementine Courville Guidry. Belle was the wife of the late Elridge Wilson Smith and had been a resident of Cameron all of her adult life until Sept. 23, 2005, when Hurricane Rita blew and washed her home away. She temporarily resided in Falls Mills, Va., with her daughter, Denise, and recently in Lake Arthur with her son, Patrick and his wife, Phyllis. Belle retired from the Cameron Parish Police Jury offices. After retirement, she was employed as a cook for Tri-Con. She also did some landscaping. She was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Creole and was a faithful member of the Legion of Mary, where she ministered to homebound parishioners. She spent many years sewing and loved gardening, cooking and caring for others. She was preceded in death by siblings, Joseph Howard Guidry, Alice Guidry Sensat, Vilmond Guidry, Laurence Guidry Sensat, Abraham Guidry, Hazel Guidry Broussard, Wilfred Guidry, Hilda Guidry, Leroy Guidry, Gladys Guidry Dewitt and Shirley Guidry Kennair. She is survived by one brother, Irvin Guidry of Jennings; two sisters, Marguerite Guidry Evans and husband Bob of Liberty, Texas, and Lillie Guidry (Sister Mary Zita) of Opelousas; her eight children, Philip Elridge Smith and wife Shannon of Lake Charles, Mark Smith and wife Peggy of Carencro, Marguerite Denise Smith Campbell and husband Morgan of Falls Mills, Va., Kevin Smith of Ragley, formerly of Cameron, Patrick Smith and wife Phyllis of Lake Arthur, formerly of Cameron, Gerard Smith and wife Lori of Grand Lake, formerly of Cameron, Lisa Annette Smith of Princeton, W.Va., and Jude Craig Smith and his wife Shelley of Houma; her 18 grandchildren, Brian Smith, McKay Debarge, Ryan LeBleu, Robert and Kenneth Smith, Jennifer Campbell Owens and husband Estel of Ashland, Ky., Sheri Campbell, Christi Smith Nixson and Nicholas Smith, Ruston Smith, Matti and Houston Smith, Mindy, Sheridan and Tori Smith, Mary Reed, Erin and Alex Smith; one greatgrandchild, Jayce Nixon; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She continued her ministry of caring by faithfully sponsoring Paul Royappan I Innacimuthu from India through the CFCA for many years. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Sweetlake. The Rev. E. Joseph McGrath will officiate. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Creole. The Smith family will receive friends and family from 1-9 p.m. today at Hixson Funeral Home on Ryan Street in Lake Charles and from 8 a.m. until service time Tuesday. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. today. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Creole. SMITH, Junior LCAP 09/10/2006 Rufus “Junior” Smith, 75, passed away Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, after a long battle with cancer. He was a native of Jennings and had lived in Sulphur for many years. He served as a medic in the Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed bowling and was a member of several leagues in Sulphur and Lake Charles. Survivors include his daughters, Jackie Young and husband Russell of California and Kaye Morris and fiancé Steve Fullington, both of Lake Charles; son, Kenny Smith of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Jason Young, Jimmy Morris and wife Kelli, Aimee Hebert and husband Keno, Kari Young, Desiree Smith and Ethan Smith; great- grandchildren, Tanner Morris, Brady Morris, Gavin Schoener and Dyllan Young; brothers, Hilliard “Bobby” Smith and Clyde Smith, both of Jennings, and Earl Smith of Sulphur; and sisters, Ludie Trahan, Belva Rice and Janice Comeaux, all of Jennings. His mother, Eleanor Bellard Smith; father, Rufus Smith Sr.; and brothers, Emery, Clifford, Walter and Robert Smith, preceded him in death. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. today, Sept. 10, in Johnson Funeral Home. A gathering of family and friends for a time of remembrance is 2-5 p.m. PHOTO included with article SMITH, William LCAP 07/23/2006 William “Uncle Bill” Smith, 84, of Roanoke, died at 6:35 p.m. Saturday, July 15, 2006, in a Welsh nursing home. His funeral will be at 7 p.m. today, July 23, in Mount Triumph Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Bartel Lewis will officiate. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at the church. Burial will be in Benevolent Cemetery in Jennings under the direction of King’s Funeral Home. He was a member of Mount Triumph Missionary Baptist Church. He served in Army during World War II. He leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Ronnie (Virgie) Green of Welsh and John (Gale) Howard Charles of Tallahassee, Fla.; two sisters, Lorene Guidry of Roanoke and Zola Richardson of Beaumont, Texas; two godchildren, Marilyn Cahee Lewis and Dianne Cahee Alexander; one lifetime friend, J.C. “Red” Haley; three grandchildren; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. SOILLEAU, Allen Sr. LCAP 11/13/2006 Allen Soileau Sr., 89, died Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, in the Allen Parish Hospital. He was born in Mamou and had lived in Elton all of his life. He was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a retired farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Ceasar Soileau. Survivors include two daughters, Mary M. Soileau of Austin, Texas, and Cheryl Endsley of Houston; four sons, Alfred Soileau, Allen Soileau Jr. and Richard Soileau, all of Elton, and Wilfred Soileau of Baton Rouge; one brother, McZeil Soileau of Lake Charles; 13 grandchildren; and seven great- grandchildren. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elton. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. Tuesday in the church. Photo included with article SONNIER, Alcee “Shugh” Jr. LCAP 02/15/2006 JENNINGS — A service will be at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 15, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church for Alcee “Shugh” Sonnier Jr., 89, who died Monday, Feb. 13, 2006, in his residence. Interment will be in Hanks Cemetery in Morse, with full military rites. The Rev. Edward Brunnert will conduct the service. Mr. Sonnier was a native of Morse and a resident of Gueydan and Jennings for 13 years. He served in the Army in World War II. He was a gunner and a tank driver in Gen. Patton’s “Hell on Wheels” 2nd Armored Division. He was in battles in Algeria-French Morocco, Sicily, Normandy, northern France and the Rhineland. He loved to fish, hunt, garden and watch boxing. Survivors include four sons, James DuBois and wife Liz of Baytown, Texas, Alex Sonnier and wife Margie of Floresville, Texas, and Allen Sonnier and Wilbert Sonnier, both of Morse; one daughter, Jeannie Regan and husband Ronald of Jennings; 14 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his very special godchild, Beatrice Ardoin of Welsh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alcee and Helena Hebert Sonnier; wife, Ada Sonnier; one son, Wilfred Sonnier; one daughter, Helena Sonnier; five brothers, Ulysses, Charlie, Louis, Sidney and Jack Sonnier; and two sisters, Anna Thibodeaux and Agnes Plaisance. The family has asked that visitation begin at 8 a.m. Honorary pallbearers are Ronald Regan and Mark Regan II. Arrangements are by Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings, SONNIER, Calvin Paul American Press 2006 Dec 14 JENNINGS — Calvin Paul Sonnier, 75, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, in the local hospital. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church of Hathaway. Burial will be in Raymond-Hathaway Community Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. SONNIER, E.J. American Press:2006 Nov 16 E.J. Sonnier, 93, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006, in his residence. He was a native of Elton and a resident of Lake Charles. Mr. Sonnier was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church of Moss Bluff, where he served as an usher and a lay minister. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mazie Sonnier, and a son, Carlin James Sonnier. Survivors include two sons, Leland Sonnier of Lafayette and Charles Ray Sonnier of Vinton; seven grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Sonnier’s funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, from St. Theodore Catholic Church, with Monsignor Charles Dubois officiating. Burial will follow in Westlake Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Visitation is 3-9 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Friday in Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Photo included with article SONNIER, Kathleen Trahan LCAP 01/11/2006 LAKE ARTHUR — Funeral service for Mrs. Irvin (Kathleen Trahan) Sonnier, 54, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. The Rev. Clyde Thomas will officiate. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery under direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Funeral home visitation is 2:30-10 p.m. today, with rosary led by Carrie Thibodeaux at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Thursday. Mrs. Sonnier died at 6:12 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, in Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. A native of Hayes, she was a resident of Lake Arthur since 1971. She was a homemaker and former food committee member for the church, former den mother for the Cub Scouts and member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Mr. Irvin P. Sonnier of Lake Arthur; three sons and daughters-inlaw, Michael W. Sonnier of Lake Arthur, Curtis and Cyndi Sonnier of Nashville, Tenn., and Clint and Heather Sonnier of Belcamp, Md.; two sisters, Delores Leger of Chicago, and Gertrude Romero of Iowa, La.; two brothers, J.C. Trahan of Lake Arthur, and Danny Trahan of Welsh; and four grandchildren. SONNIER, Valentine Sr. LCAP 04/04/2004 JENNINGS — A service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church for Valentine “Val” Sonnier Sr., 73, who died Sunday, April 2, 2006, in Jennings American Legion Hospital. Interment will be in Doucet Cemetery with full military rites. The Rev. Edward Brunnert will conduct the service. Mr. Sonnier was a lifelong resident of Jennings. He was retired from the Air Force and the city of Jennings, where he was employed with the water department for 13 years. He was a member of the VFW and the Knights of Columbus. He was the Jennings-area Weather Watcher for KPLC-TV (Channel 7). Survivors include his wife, Valvalee M. Sonnier of Jennings; two sons, Valentine Sonnier Jr. and wife Sally of Dallas and Anthony Sonnier and wife Denice of Jennings; three daughters, Ramona Patrick and husband Sammy of Perry, Fla., and Belinda Hebert and husband Sidney and Brigitte Daigle and husband Roger, all of Jennings; two stepsons, William Young Jr. and wife Lisa and David Wayne Young and wife Christine, all of Jennings; one stepdaughter, Kimberlee Mier and husband Leroy of Carenco; 18 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvenie and Melenia Gary Sonnier; his first wife, Evelyn Fontenot Sonnier; two brothers, Adam Sonnier and Sam Sonnier; and one sister, Rosilie Amie. The family has requested that visitation be 11 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with a rosary to be prayed at 6 p.m. by the Knights of Columbus, and continue from 8 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Arrangements are by Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings. PHOTO WITH ARTICLE STELLY, Edgar Joseph LCAP 09/18/2006 JENNINGS — Edgar Joseph Stelly, 78, died Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Jeff Davis Living Center. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Jennings. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. STOCKWELL, Charles Michael "Mike" LCAP 01/15/2006 Born March 8, 1944 Died January 12, 2006 Charles "Mike" Stockwell, 61, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2006 in his residence. A native of Jennings, Mr. Stockwell was a Technology Instructor for McNeese State University and had resided of Lake Charles the last seven years. He was a graduate of Oklahoma State University and McNeese State University. Survivors include his wife of thirty six years, Sheila Stockwell of Lake Charles; children, Meredith Stockwell of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lesli Turner and husband, Greg of Denver, Colorado, Nathan Stockwell of Rockville, Maryland, Heather Stockwell and Ashlee Stockwell, both of Lake Charles; grandson, Christian Michael Turner; sisters, Suzanne Smith and Karen Chargois, both of Lafayette; brother, Tom Stockwell of Jennings; mother, Joyce Stockwell of Lafeyette. His memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm, Tuesday, January 17, 2006 in Sale Street Baptist Church, 1611 West Sale Road, under direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Dr. Eddie Simmons will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:30 pm until service time in the church. STRAHAN, Marie LCAP 03/02/2006 Marie Strahan, 85, of West Orange, Texas, and former resident of Lake Charles, died Tuesday, February 28, 2006, at her son’s home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2006, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Joseph P. Daleo from St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. A graveside service and burial will follow at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery in Welsh. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home in Orange. Mrs. Strahan was born on August 10, 1920, in Welsh, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Eugene and Lydia (LeBlanc) Lognion. She lived in the Lake Charles area most of her life and had moved to West Orange after hurricane Rita. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Lester Strahan, parents, brother, Walter Lognion and sister, Anna Lee Estes. Those left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Debra Strahan of West Orange; granddaughter, Tara Leigh Strahan of Austin, Texas and sister, Ruth Krippse of Welsh. Serving as pallbearers are Chip Johnson, Kevin Staudenmier, Greg Savage, Thomas Krippse, Joe Tuter and Leo Edwards. Honorary pallbearers are John Barras, Craig Barras, Jeremy Russell and Ryan English. SUIRE, Aurelia Duhon LCAP 03/02/2006 LAKE ARTHUR — Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church of Lake Arthur, for Aurelia Duhon Suire, 94, who died Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at the Jennings Guest Home. Interment will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery. The Rev. Clyde Thomas will conduct the service. She was a native of Gueydan and a resident of Lake Arthur. She was a homemaker and loved to cook and loved her family, she enjoyed visits with her family. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Survivors include one son, Jesse Suire of Lake Arthur; one daughter, Lena Guidry of Bell City; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and five great-greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duffy Suire; parents, Luma and Maria Hebert Duhon; three brothers, Lucien, Ken and Raymond Duhon; and one sister, Julie Boudreaux. The family has requested that visitation be 2-9 p.m. today, with rosary prayed at 7 p.m. and from 8 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Ricky Guidry, Lance Guidry, Michael Taylor, Lester Guidry, Johnny Landry and Keith Comeaux. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur SYLESTINE, Shylynn LCAP 01/12/2006 July 4, 2004-Jan. 10, 2006 ELTON — Funeral service for Shylynn Mihiya Cherish Sylestine, 18-month-old, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Ardoin Funeral Home in Elton. The Rev. Jake Crowell will officiate. Burial will be in St. Peters Cemetery. Visitation is 4-10 p.m. Friday, with singing service at 7 p.m. and from 8 a.m. Saturday. Shylynn died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, in Elton. Survivors include her mother, Annette “Nikki” Gary of Moss Bluff; brother, Chase Yates of Shreveport; paternal grandparents, Susie and Danny Bond of Elton; maternal grandparents, Randy and Kim Gary of Carlyss; maternal greatgrandparents, Carol and Walter Bettis of Moss Bluff; uncles, Calvin, Arnold, Travis, Patrick, Eric, Brandon, Casey and Christopher; and aunts, Kay, Tanya, Clarice, Candice, Angel, Natalie, Chelsea and Autumn. Shylynn was preceded in death by her father, Nolan Mark Sylestine; uncle, Donnie Wayne Sylestine; and paternal great-grandparents, Edward and Della Sylestine. Pallbearers will be Calvin Sylvestine, Casey Gary, Brandon Gary and Reggie McGirt. Shylynn was a child who brought joy and love to everyone around her. She will be greatly missed. SYLESTINE, Shylynn LCAP 01/14/2006 ELTON — Shylynn Mihiya Cherish Sylestine, 18 months, daughter of Annette Gary of Moss Bluff, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Her funeral will be today, Jan. 14, at Ardoin Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Peters Cemetery.