Opelousas Daily Times Obituaries. May, 2000 St Landry Parish, Louisiana ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Monday -- May 01, 2000 OBITUARIES Craig August, Merlin Darbonne, Annie David, Joseph Fontenot, Murphy Johnwell, John McGee, Genevieve Sibille. Craig August Funeral services for Mr. Craig August are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Merlin Darbonne WASHINGTON - Funeral services for Mr. Merlin Darbonne, 61, were held at 2 p.m. today in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church here with burial in Cedar Hill Cemetery. The Rev. William Gearheard conducted the services. Mr. Darbonne, a resident of Washington, died at 6:05 a.m. Sunday, April 30, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. He was a professional truck driver and a veteran of the U.S. Army. Survivors include: his wife, Rachel H. Darbonne of Washington; his mother, Mable D. Darbonne of Washington; six daughters, Karen Darbonne of Cankton, Karla Bernard of Plaisance, Katheleen Darbonne of Lawtell, Toni Tagliarino of Opelousas, Danielle Darbonne of Arnaudville and Blanche Darbonne of Prairie Ronde; four brothers, Raymond Darbonne of Washington, Dearel Darbonne of Lake Charles, Larry Darbonne of Grand Prairie, and Mitchell Darbonne of Lake Charles; two sisters, Mrs. John L. (Jackie) Matt and Mrs. Merrill (Winnie) Dupre, both of Washington; and eight grandchildren. Mr. Darbonne was preceded in death by his father, Mason Darbonne. Visiting hours were observed from 4 p.m. Sunday until time of services today. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on North Main in Opelousas was in charge of arrangements. Annie David CROWLEY - Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Mae David, 85, were held at 10 a.m. today in St. Theresa Catholic Church here with burial in West Crowley Cemetery. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice was in charge of arrangements. Joseph Fontenot MAMOU - Funeral services for Mr. Joseph Shad Fontenot, 41, will be held at 3 p.m. today in St. Ann Catholic Church here with burial in Pine Point Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Mamou is in charge of arrangements. Murphy Johnwell Funeral services for Mr. Murphy Johnwell are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. John McGee SAVOY - Funeral services for Mr. John P. McGee, 67, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Thomas Chapel here with burial in the church cemetery. Quirk & Son Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Genevieve Sibille Funeral services for Mrs. Genevieve Franchebois Sibille, 78, were held at 11 a.m. today in Sibille Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Breaux conducted the services. Mrs. Sibille, a native and resident of Opelousas, died at 10:15 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. She was a retired teacher with the public school system and a member of Our Lady of Mercy Altar Society. Survivors include: two sisters, Mrs. Eloise Quirk of Eunice and Mrs. Irene Bienvenu and husband, Dr. Patrick Bienvenu, of Lafayette; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Waldene Franchebois of Opelousas; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Sibille was preceded in death by her husband, J.S. Sibille Sr.; and a son, J.S. Sibille Jr. Visiting hours were observed from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. today until time of services. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas was in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Tuesday -- May 02, 2000 OBITUARIES for 05-02-00 Doris Campbell, Edmay Courvelle, Eva Doucet, Tierra Johnson, Emma Moorehead, Mary Ned, Elvin Ortego. Doris Campbell LAKE CHARLES - Funeral services for Mrs. Doris Cormier Campbell, 86, were held at 11 a.m. today in Fondel Memorial Chapel here with burial at a later date. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Lake Charles was in charge of arrangements. Edmay Courvelle GRAND COTEAU - Funeral services for Mrs. Marcellin Courvelle, the former Edmay Ancelet, 92, will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Courvelle, a native of Kaplan and a resident of Sunset, died at 6 a.m. today (Tuesday, May 2, 2000) in J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home in Arnaudville. She was a parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Survivors include: a daughter, Joyce Frank and her husband Donald of Sulphur; a grandson, Scott James Faulk and his wife Nicole of Sulphur; two brothers, Francis Ancelet and Ray Ancelet and his wife Grace, both of Sulphur; and a sister, Mrs. Annie Bruce of Sulphur. Mrs. Courvelle was preceded in death by her husband, Marcellin Courvelle; her parents, Dutalie Ancelet and the former Ida Sonnier; seven brothers; and two sisters. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Wednesday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Melancon Funeral Home of Carencro is in charge of arrangements. Eva Doucet IOTA - Funeral services for Ms. Eva Rose Doucet, 76, were held at 11 a.m. today in St. Joseph Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Iota was in charge of arrangements. Tierra Johnson Funeral services for Infant Tierra Nicole Johnson are incomplete at this time. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Lake Charles was in charge of arrangements. Emma Moorehead Funeral services for Mrs. Emma Nicole Moorehead, 66, are incomplete at this time. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Kinder is in charge of arrangements. Mary Ned Funeral services for Ms. Mary Ned are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Elvin Ortego WASHINGTON - Funeral services for Mr. Elvin Ortego, 74, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church here with burial in Cedar Hill Cemetery. The Rev. William Gearheard will conduct the services. Mr. Ortego, a native of Evangeline Parish and a resident of Opelousas since 1957, died at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2000, at his residence. He was a businessman. Mr. Ortego owned and operated Ortego Oil and Supply, E. Ortego & Sons Contractors and Beau Chene Truckstop. He was a member of the Elks Lodge of Opelousas. Survivors include: his wife, Ena O. Ortego of Opelousas; three sons, Mike Ortego and his wife Myra, Brad Ortego and his wife Sharon, and Neil Ortego and his wife Cathy, all of Opelousas; three daughters, Mary Mardine Ortego, Diana Wallett and her husband Mike, and Paula Bienvenu and her husband Steve, all of Opelousas; five sisters, Mrs. Joice Lafleur and Priscilla Lafleur, both of Ville Platte, Mrs. Mary Nell Reed of Bunkie, Mrs. Gladys Buller of Hodge and Velma Richard of Opelousas; ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Ortego was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Loreina Doucet Ortego; and two brothers, Wilfred and Nelson Ortego. Visiting hours will be observed from 5 to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Wednesday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on N. Main in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Thursday -- May 04, 2000 Obituaries Craig Augustus CROWLEY - Funeral services for Mr. Craig Hillard Augustus, 50, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Israelite Baptist Church here with burial in West Crowley Cemetery. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Wilson Carmouche CARENCRO - Funeral services for Mr. Wilson "Kelot" Carmouche, 70, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church here with burial in Evangeline Memorial Gardens. Mr. Carmouche, a resident of Carencro, died at 4:25 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2000, at his residence. Visiting hours will be observed from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. Saturday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Melancon Funeral Home, Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4117 North University Avenue, Carencro is in charge of arrangements. Josephine Dudley Funeral services for Mrs. Josephine Dudley, 84, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Lee Fontenot Funeral services for Mr. Lee Fontenot are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Gladys Johnson EUNICE - Funeral services for Mrs. Gladys Vickers Johnson, 87, were held at 2 p.m. today in Ardoin's Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Otis Lalonde Funeral services for Mr. Otis Lalonde, 83, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in St. Landry Cemetery. Mr. Lalonde, a resident of Opelousas, died at 3:10 a.m. today (May 4, 2000) in Opelousas General Hospital. Survivors include: a daughter, Mrs. Joe (Clemmie) Fontenot of Opelousas; three grandchildren, Geralyn Soileau, Susan Romero and Joseph "Joey" Fontenot; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be observed from 3 p.m. today until time of services on Friday. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Robert Landry ABBEVILLE - A memorial Mass for Robert C. Landry, 67, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 6, in St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church here. A resident of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and a native of Abbeville, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, after a brief illness. A former Catholic priest for 32 years in the Diocese of Lafayette, he served at the following church parishes: Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Ville Platte; St. Genevieve Catholic Church, Lafayette; Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church, Lafayette; St. Paul Catholic Church, Elton; St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas; St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Maurice; and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Broussard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Landry and Velta Broussard Landry. Ceola Richard Funeral services for Ms. Ceola Mouton Richard, 79, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Carencro. The Rev. Malcolm O'Leary will conduct the services. Ms. Richard died at 12:40 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2000, in St. Patrick Sister of Charity Hospital in Lake Charles. Survivors include: four sons, Nelson Richard, Michael Richard and Larry Richard, all of Houston, Texas, and Dennis Richard of Lake Charles; eight daughters, Rose Joe and Sharon Jones, both of Houston, Texas, Marie Richard, Cheryl Falola, Doris Nwosu, Ethel Jones, Barbara Richard and Brenda Johness, all of Lake Charles; two brothers, Joseph Mouton of Dallas, Texas, and Mannis Mouton of Houston, Texas; six sisters, Elta Guillory of Grand Coteau, Lillian Griffin of Lafayette, Netha Frank and Eva Mouton, both of Houston, Texas, Agnes Mouton and Eula Mae Mouton, both of Lawtell; 44 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn a host of family and friends. Ms. Richard was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Levins Mouton and Camille Mouton; a brother, Dalton Mouton; and two sisters, Mary Barnes and Martha Mouton Lenton. Visiting hours will be observed from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Willard Richard CHURCH POINT - Funeral services for Mr. Willard Richard, 58, will be held at 4 p.m. Friday in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in the church mausoleum. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements. Le Jenelle Robinson GRAND COTEAU - Funeral services for Mrs. Le Jenelle Lewis Robinson, 49, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Robinson died at 10:20 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2000, in Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Visiting hours will be observed from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. Saturday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Melancon Funeral Home of Grand Coteau is in charge of arrangements. Lou Stewart Funeral services for Mrs. Lou Hester Stewart, 71, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Opelousas with burial in Bellevue Memorial Park. The Rev. Willie Maynard will conduct the services. Mrs. Stewart died at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2000, at her daughter's residence. She was a member of Golden Star Chapter #26 OES; Elizabeth Brooks Comeaux Elks Council; St. Landry Retired Educators Association; R.B. Jones Consistory #298 and Assembly #298; Curry Golden Unit #574 (American Legion); National Association of University Women (NAUW); St. Benedict Temple #1013; and A.L. Ventroy Amaranth Court #22. Survivors include: a son, Gerald Wayne Thomas of Opelousas; a son-in-law, Sonny Cormier of Opelousas; a daughter, Mrs. Darlyn Thomas-Cormier of Opelousas; a brother, Thomas Brown Jr. of Opelousas; three sisters, Mrs. Bertha Brown Joubert of Opelousas, Mrs. Ruby Lee Tumer of New Orleans and Mrs. Yola Barnes of Houston, Texas; a granddaughter, Miss Keisha Thomas of Baton Rouge; and a godson, Roland Gordon Jr. of Lancaster, S.C. Mrs. Stewart was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brown Sr.; her husband, Levi Stewart; and two sisters, Mrs. Willie Bea Albert and Mrs. Della Ruth Gordon. Visiting hours will be observed from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday in Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Friday May 05, 2000 Chaney Cain, Lela Rae Courville, Odette Edwards, Emma Morahead, Mary Ned, Willard Richard, Zerline Semien, Rose Spaulding, Alcin Veronie. Chaney Cain Funeral services for Mrs. Chaney Cain, 92, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Lela Rae Courville EUNICE - Funeral services for Mrs. Lela Rae Lecombe Courville, 69, will be held at 3 p.m. today in Ardoin's Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Odette Edwards Funeral services for Ms. Odette Edwards are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Emma Morahead KINDER - Funeral services for Mrs. Emma Lois Cooper Morahead, 66, will be held at noon Saturday in Christ & Praise Worship Center here with burial in Botley Cemetery. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Kinder is in charge of arrangements. Mary Ned EUNICE - Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ned, 78, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in New Zion Baptist Church II here with burial in St. Joseph Baptist Church Cemetery in Chataignier. Missionary Gloria Ned will conduct the services. Mrs. Ned, a resident of Eunice, died Monday, May 1, 2000, in Savoy Medical Center in Mamou. Survivors include: five daughters, Eva Jordan and Clara Goodley, both of Eunice, Rose Mary Smith and Dorothy Arthur, both of Baton Rouge, and Virginia Porter of Port Allen; a son, Jimmy Ned of Lake Charles; three brothers, Howard Poullard of Mamou, Calvin Poullard of Elton and Albert Poullard of Oberlin; a sister, Carrie Mae Thomas of Chataignier; and 20 grandchildren. Mrs. Ned was preceded in death by a son, Bishop Lawrence Ned Jr. A wake will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday in New Zion Baptist Church II in Eunice. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Willard Richard CHURCH POINT - Funeral services for Mr. Willard Richard, 58, will be held at 4 p.m. today in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in the church mausoleum. Monsignor Fred Swenson will conduct the services. Mr. Richard died at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2000, in Lafayette General Hospital. Willard, a native of Cankton, his wife, Shirley, and three children, Glen, Melissa and Monique, moved to Church Point in November of 1971 and opened Thrifty Way Pharmacy Inc. which he owned and managed. He was a 1959 graduate of Sunset High School and graduated from Northeastern Louisiana University in Monroe with a B.S. in pharmacy. After graduating he was employed by Eckerd Drugs in Opelousas from 1963 to 1967 as a pharmacist and store manager, from 1968 to 1971 he was a pharmacist supervisor in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. While in Church Point, Willard became active in civic organizations. He was a member of the Church Point Jaycees and served on the Industrial Inducement Committee, which was responsible for Garan, Inc., locating in Church Point. He served as president of the Pee-Wee Football league, was elected and served as City Councilman for four years. Mr. Richard was named Chairman of the Board during the organization of La. Wholesale Drug Co. and was charter president for four years. He was a member of the Church Point Area Chamber of Commerce, a 25-year member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Church Point Bank & Trust. Willard was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Survivors include: his mother, Ethia Savoie of Cankton; his wife, Shirley Landry Richard of Church Point; a son, Glen M. Richard and wife Deborah of Lafayette; two daughters, Melissa Stevens and husband Rudy of Lafayette and Monique Simpson and husband Brent of Port Allen; three brothers, Norward Richard and Paul Allen Richard, both of Cankton, and Carroll Richard of Baton Rouge; and six grandchildren, Hayley and Blake Richard, Evan and Emily Stevens and Eric and Madeleine Simpson. Pallbearers will be Glen Richard, Rudy Stevens, Brent Simpson, Norward Richard, Paul Allen Richard and Carroll Richard. The family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345. Visiting hours were observed from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. today until time of services. A rosary was recited at 8 p.m. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements. Zerline Semien Funeral services for Ms. Zerline Antoine Semien, 57, are incomplete at this time. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Lake Charles is in charge of arrangements. Rose Spaulding Funeral services for Mrs. Isam Spaulding, the former Rose Durio, 88, will be held (time and date pending) in Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas with burial in Bellevue Memorial Park. Mrs. Spaulding, a resident of Opelousas, died at 12:25 a.m. today (Friday, May 5, 2000) in Doctors' Hospital in Opelousas. She was a homemaker. Survivors include: a son, George Leon Spaulding and his wife Alma of Moreno Valley, Calif.; a daughter, Suzanne Spaulding of Opelousas; and grandmother of Robyn and Michelle Spaulding of Moreno Valley, Calif. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Hwy. in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Alcin Veronie BASILE - Funeral services for Alcin Veronie, 78, were held at 2 p.m. today in Quirk & Son Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Reed Cemetery/Guy Community. Quirk & Son Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Sunday -- May 07, 2000 Carol Babineaux CARENCRO - Funeral services for Carol Ann Babineaux, 56, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 7 in the Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel here with burial in Evangeline Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Babineaux, the former Carol Nelson, died Friday, May 5, 2000, at 10:45 p.m. in her residence in Carencro. A rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and resumed at 8 a.m. until the time of services Sunday. Melancon Funeral Home, Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4117 North University Ave., Carencro, is in charge of the arrangements. Mary Carrier Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Carrier are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of the arrangements. Lydia Marie Collins GRAND COTEAU - Funeral services for Mrs. J.A. Collins, 57, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the St. Charles Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Collins, the former Lydia Marie Stelly, died Friday, May 5, 2000, at her residence in Church Point. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 225 in Church Point and the K.C. Council Auxiliary in Church Point. Rev. will conduct the services. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Saturday. Survivors include: two sons, Bryant Keith Collins and his wife Renee of Opelousas, Kenny Joe Collins and his wife Rachael of Mamou; two grand children, Celeste Paige Collins of Opelousas and Scotty Lanclos of Leonville. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.A. Collins, a daughter Charlene and her parents, Walter and Lydia Wimberly Stelly. Visitation was held at 11 a.m. Saturday until 10 p.m. and will resume at 9 a.m. Sunday until the time of services. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of the arrangements. Charles Cory Cortez Funeral services for Charles Cory Cortez, 83, will be held 10 a.m. Monday in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Cortez, a resident of Opelousas, died May 5, 2000, at 3:50 p.m. at Opelousas General Hospital. Rev. Bert Lewis will conduct the Baptist services. Mr. Cortez was a World War II Army veteran and worked all his life as a pipeline welder. He was a native of Mallet. He is survived by his brother, C.J. Prudhomme of New Iberia. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Elouise Cortez; two brothers, Mitchell Prudhomme and Ammy Prudhomme; and four sisters, Annie Bibb, Bertha Pitre, Anna Cortez and Louise Moreau. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. Sunday until 9 p.m. and will resume at 8 a.m. Monday until the time of services. Sibille Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Eugene Cortez ARNAUDVILLE - Funeral services for Eugene Cortez, 59, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 8 in the Melancon Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the St. Regis Cemetery here. Mr. Cortez died Friday, May 5, 2000, at 9:05 p.m. in Houma. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday and will resume at 8 a.m. Monday until the time of services. Melancon Funeral Home of Arnaudville is in charge of the arrangements. Agnes Deville VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mrs. Jamie Deville, 89, the former Agnes Manuel, will be held at noon Sunday, May 7, 2000 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. Ardoin Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of the arrangements. Lee Edward Fontenot VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Lee Edward Fontenot, 53, will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the St. Mary Baptist Church with burial in St. Paul Cemetery here. Mr. Fontenot died Wednesday, May 3, 2000, in Baton Rouge. Rev. Clarence Fontenot will conduct the services. Survivors include: his mother, Mable Mose Fontenot of Ville Platte; his companion Leslie M. Williams of Ville Platte; two daughters, Stagona Leblanc of Mamou and Catina Bellard of Lake Charles; a step-daughter, Connie Doucet of Ville Platte; five sons, Lee. J.C. Fontenot, Ed J.P. Fontenot, Kano Fontenot, Patrick L. Jack and Willie J. Jack, all of Ville Platte; nine brothers, Edward Fontenot and Johnny R. Fontenot of Mamou, Lawrence Fontenot of Point Blue, Johnny L. and Wilfred Fontenot of baton Rouge, Robert L., Clarence and Tilman Fontenot of Lake Charles, and Gilton Fontenot of Texas City, Texas; one sister, Ethel Stagg of Baton Rouge and seven grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of services Sunday. A dismissal will be held at 10 a.m. Monday. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of the arrangements. Benjamin Sam Funeral services for Benjamin Sam, 69, are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of the arrangements. Rose Spaulding Funeral services for Mrs. Isam Spaulding, 88, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the Lafond-Ardoin Chapel on the Old Sunset Road with burial in Bellevue Memorial Park. Mrs. Spaulding, the former Rose Durio, died Friday, May 5, 2000, at 12:25 a.m. in Doctor's Hospital of Opelousas following a lengthy illness. Rev. Eugene Tremie will conduct the services. A rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Survivors include: one son, George Leon Spaulding and his wife Alma of Moreno Valley, Calif.; one daughter, Suzanne Spaulding of Opelousas; and two grandchildren, Robyn and Michelle Spaulding of Moreno Valley, Calif. She was preceded in death by her husband Isam Spaulding and her parents, Adeline and Emily Reed Durio. Visitation will be held from 8 a.m. Tuesday until the time of services. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of the arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ May 08, 2000 OBITUARIES Jean Barras, Wilfred Courville, Josephine Dudley, Amet Dupont, Louvenia Henderson, Birdie Olivier. Jean Barras Funeral services for Mrs. Lester Barras, the former Jean Ryder, 67, will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home South in Opelousas with burial Bellevue Memorial Park. The Rev. Ted Hall will conduct the services. Mrs. Barras, a resident of Sunset formerly of Opelousas, died at 4:49 p.m. Sunday, May 7, 2000, in Lafayette General Hospital. Survivors include: two sons, L.J. Barras and his wife Jamie of Sunset and John Barras and his wife Carla of Opelousas; four grandchildren, John Alexander Barras and Savannah Barras, both of Opelousas, Dana Lynn Barras and Lester J. Barras III, both of Sunset; and a great-grandchild, Tucker Barras of Sunset. Mrs. Barras was preceded in death by her husband, Lester J. Barras; her parents, Herbert and Rita Devillier Ryder; and a son, Sidney Barras. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 p.m. today until time of services on Tuesday. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Road in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Wilfred Courville IOTA - Funeral services for Mr. Wilfred "Shorty" Courville, 72, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Joseph Catholic Church here with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Iota is in charge of arrangements. Josephine Dudley Funeral services for Mrs. Josephine Zachary Dudley, 84, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in St. Landry Cemetery. The Rev. Malcolm O'Leary will conduct the services. Mrs. Dudley died Thursday, May 4, 2000, in Senior Village Nursing Home in Opelousas peacefully. She was born March 19, 1916, to Frank and Edmonia Zachary. Mrs. Dudley worked for many years for the Academy of Immaculate Conception Convent (AIC) and throughout the years was always a devout and dedicated member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church where she served with the Legion of Mary, the St. Joseph Society and a variety of prayer groups. Survivors include: two children, a son, Anthony Howard Dudley of Houston, Texas, and a daughter, Catherine Dudley Joseph of San Diego, Calif.; a brother, Nathan Zachary of Opelousas; a sister, Mable Morris of Opelousas; six grandchildren, Robin Elizabeth Joseph of Dallas, Texas, Kimberly Ann Joseph and Henry Reginald Joseph, both of Los Angeles, Calif., Stephanie Campbell, Elizabeth Dudley and Donna Dudley, all of Houston, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Visiting hours will be observed from 5 to 9 p.m. today in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Amet Dupont MELVILLE - Funeral services for Mr. Amet "Hoss" Dupont, 77, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in St. John Catholic Church here with burial in St. John Cemetery. The Rev. Jose Padinjarepeedika will conduct the services. Altar servers will be Kara and Kyle Aguillard. Music will be provided by David Aguillard and Skip Courtney. Mr. Dupont, a resident of Melville, died at 6:10 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2000, in Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette. He was a retired custodian for 30 years of the Melville High School and at the time of his death was with Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Melville. Survivors include: his wife, Gladys Hebert Dupont of Melville; a son, Gene Dupont and his wife Cindy of Carencro; four daughters, Veronica (Connie) LeBlanc and her husband Clyde of Melville, Julie Aguillard and her husband Jimmy of Singapore, Traci Duvall and her husband Mike of Arnaudville and Teri D. Speyrer of Melville; two sisters, Beulah Savant and Emily Lanclos, both of Eunice; 15 grandchildren, David LeBlanc, April L. Richard, Summer LeBlanc, Shane and John Dupont, Kelly, Kristen, Kyle and Kara Aguillard, Channing, Laci, Tristan and Micah Duvall, Geoff and Alexis Speyrer; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jasmine and Kourtney Dupont, and Bailey Richard. Mr. Dupont was preceded in death by a child John Huey Dupont; his parents, Joseph and Beulah Guillott Dupont; a sister, Mrs. Lilly Hoyt; and five brothers, Morgan, Ally, Willis, Preston and Wilbert Dupont. Pallbearers will be grandsons, David LeBlanc, John and Shane Dupont, Kelly Aguillard, Channing Duvall and Geoff Speyrer. Honorary pallbearers will be Tristan and Micah Duvall. Visiting hours will be observed from 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. Wednesday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Melville is in charge of arrangements. Louvenia Henderson Funeral services for Mrs. Louvenia Henderson, 92, are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Birdie Olivier ARNAUDVILLE - Funeral services for Mrs. Archange Olivier, the former Birdie Cormier, 83, will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday in St. Francis Regis Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. William Ruskoski, pastor of St. Francis Regis Catholic Church, will conduct the services. Mrs. Olivier, a native of Carencro, a resident of Arnaudville for most of her life and a resident of J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home, died at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 7, 2000, in J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home in Arnaudville. Survivors include: two sons, Archie Olivier and Priscilla and Archange "A.J." Olivier Jr. and Christine, both of Arnaudville; five daughters, Unesse David and Francis, Laura Dell David, Octavia Montet and Clegg, Erilda Guilbeau and Floyd and Pauline Guillory and Anthony, all of Arnaudville; three sisters, Bernice C. Lagrange and Lucille Guidroz, both of Arnaudville; and Anna Mae Lagrange of Sunset; 14 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Mrs. Olivier was preceded in death by her husband, Archange Olivier Sr.; her parents, Lastie Cormier and the former Octavia Kidder; two brothers, Weston Cormier and Harris Cormier; and two sisters, Nola C. Leblanc and Adez C. Taylor. Visiting hours will be observed from 2 to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Tuesday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Melancon Funeral Home of Arnaudville is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Tuesday -- May 09, 2000 OBITUARIES Wilferd Courville, Rowell Duos, Amet Dupont, Euna Labbe, Zalie Soileau. Wilferd Courville IOTA - Funeral services for Mr. Wilferd "Shorty" Courville, 72, were held at 11 a.m. today in St. Joseph Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Iota was in charge of arrangements. Rowell Duos Funeral services for Mr. Rowell Duos are incomplete at this time. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Amet Dupont MELVILLE - Funeral services for Mr. Amet "Hoss" Dupont, 77, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in St. John Catholic Church here with burial in St. John Cemetery. The Rev. Jose Padinjarepeedika will conduct the services. Altar servers will be Kara and Kyle Aguillard. Music will be provided by David Aguillard and Skip Courtney. Mr. Dupont, a resident of Melville, died at 6:10 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2000, in Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette. He was a retired custodian for 30 years of the Melville High School and at the time of his death was with Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Melville. Survivors include: his wife, Gladys Hebert Dupont of Melville; a son, Gene Dupont and his wife Cindy of Carencro; four daughters, Veronica (Connie) LeBlanc and her husband Clyde of Melville, Julie Aguillard and her husband Jimmy of Singapore, Traci Duvall and her husband Mike of Arnaudville and Teri D. Speyrer of Melville; two sisters, Beulah Savant and Emily Lanclos, both of Eunice; 15 grandchildren, David LeBlanc, April L. Richard, Summer LeBlanc, Shane and John Dupont, Kelly, Kristen, Kyle and Kara Aguillard, Channing, Laci, Tristan and Micah Duvall, Geoff and Alexis Speyrer; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jasmine and Kourtney Dupont, and Bailey Richard. Mr. Dupont was preceded in death by a child John Huey Dupont; his parents, Joseph and Beulah Guillott Dupont; a sister, Mrs. Lilly Hoyt; and five brothers, Morgan, Ally, Willis, Preston and Wilbert Dupont. Pallbearers will be grandsons, David LeBlanc, John and Shane Dupont, Kelly Aguillard, Channing Duvall and Geoff Speyrer. Honorary pallbearers will be Tristan and Micah Duvall. Visiting hours will be observed from 3 to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Wednesday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Melville is in charge of arrangements. Euna Labbe CHURCH POINT - Funeral services for Mrs. Euna Labbe, 73, were held at 9 a.m. today in Duhon Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in St. Edwards Cemetery in Richard. The Rev. Dan Edwards conducted the services. Mrs. Labbe, a resident of Church Point, died at 3:45 a.m. Monday, May 8, 2000, in Acadia-St. Landry Hospital in Church Point. Survivors include: a daughter, Mrs. Camille Nelda Kenney of Springfield; a son, Bertman (Patricia) Labbe of Church Point; a sister, Adelle LeJeune of Church Point; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Labbe was preceded in death by her husband, Bernice Labbe; her parents, Arnold and Ana Thibodeaux; 11 brothers and sisters. Visiting hours were observed from 3 to 10 p.m. Monday and from 8 a.m. today until time of services. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point was in charge of arrangements. Zalie Soileau Funeral services for Mrs. Zalie Soileau, 81, are incomplete at this time. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Wednesday -- May 10, 2000 OBITUARIES Rowell Duos, Leroy Edmond, Edna Mae Lockett, Verna Roberie, Gurley Soileau. Rowell Duos VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mr. Rowell Duos, 80, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in the church mausoleum. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Leroy Edmond Funeral services for Mr. Leroy Edmond are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Edna Mae Lockett MORROW - Funeral services for Mrs. Edna Mae "Mom Duncey" Lockett, 61, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Little Rock Baptist Church here with burial in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Cottonport. Escude Funeral Home of Mansura is in charge of arrangements. Verna Roberie GRAND PRAIRIE - Funeral services for Mrs. Verna Roberie, 73, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in St. Peter's Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Roberie, a resident of Grand Prairie, died at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette. Survivors include: four sons, Richard and Landris Roberie, both of Faubourg, Randy and Mitch Roberie, both of Grand Prairie; two daughters, Paula Mayeaux of Faubourg and Defline Briley of Grand Prairie; a sister, Alice Pitre of Ville Platte; 18 grandchildren, Chris, Becky, Mike and John Briley, Angie B. Johnson, Monica R. Olivier, Dutch, Krystal, Brian, Lacey, Brandon, Kasey and Loren Roberie, Amanda Mayeaux, Gabriel Mayeaux, Daniel Mayeaux, Emily Ann Roberie and John Mitchell Roberie Jr. Mrs. Roberie was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Debbie Briley and Brandy Roberie. Visiting hours will be observed from 5 p.m. today until time of services on Thursday. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Gurley Soileau VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mrs. Gurley Soileau, 81, will be held at 4 p.m. today in Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church here with burial in Evangeline Memorial Mausoleum. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Thursday -- May 11, 2000 Obituaries f Margie Alex, Amy Boone, Amy Boone, Mary Carriere, Claude Castille, Lucy Darbonne, Leroy Edmond, Odette Edwards, Louvinia Henderson, Leroy LeDay, Rosaline May, Clemie McDaniel, Lou Richard, Alton Romer, Benjamin Sam Jr., Verline Simien. Margie Alex LAKE CHARLES - Funeral services for Mrs. Margie Alex, 80, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church here with burial in Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Lake Charles is in charge of arrangements. Amy Boone PRAIRIE RONDE - Funeral services for Mrs. Amy Lejeune Boone, 92, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Prairie Ronde Baptist Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Bernard Waas will conduct the services. Mrs. Boone, a resident of Lawtell, died at 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. She was a housewife. Survivors include: three sons, Henry Boone Jr. of Opelousas, Adrian Boone of Eunice and James Boone of Lawtell; seven daughters, Ruby Granger and Virginia Bertrand, both of Opelousas, Ella Bertrand, Victoria Pitre, Eva Boone, Mary Boone and Velma Boone, all of Lawtell; 30 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Boone was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Boone Sr.; her parents, Christoval and Victoria Boone; four sons, Hilden, Louis G., Rufus and Alan Boone; a daughter, Wilma Soileau; five brothers; and a sister. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 to 11 p.m. today and from 7 a.m. Friday until time of services. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Hwy in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Channey Cains PORT BARRE - Funeral services for Mrs. Channey Cains, 91, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Mary Baptist Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Wilson Doomes will conduct the services. Mrs. Cains died at 4:09 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2000, in Tri Community Nursing Home in Palmetto. Survivors include: a stepson, Earnest Cains of Opelousas; a stepdaughter, Cora Simmons of Lake Charles; a brother, Mancel Marshel of Palmetto; a sister, Olivia King of Palmetto; seven grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Cains was preceded in death by her parents, Mancel and Laura Marshel; her husband, Hardy Cains; and a son, Lawrence Cains. Visiting hours will be observed from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Mary Carriere Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Emma Carriere, 47, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Community Chapel Church of God in Christ in Opelousas with burial in Garden of Memories. The Rev. Frank Ford, pastor of Community Chapel Church of God in Christ, will conduct the services. Mrs. Carriere, a resident of Opelousas and a native of Lafayette, died Friday, May 5, 2000, in Mallet. She was a member of Community Chapel Church of God in Christ. Survivors include: her mother, Eva Mary Sheppard of Opelousas; two daughters, Alica Faye Carriere and Regina Carriere, both of Opelousas; a sister, Rose Mary Cole of Opelousas; and a native of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mrs. Carriere was preceded in death by her father, Adam Joseph Guillory; her stepfather, James Sheppard; a son, Phil Keith Batiste; two brothers, Joseph and Adam Jr. Guillory; and a sister, Loise Bernard. A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in Community Chapel Church of God in Christ in Opelousas. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Claude Castille Funeral services for Mr. Claude Castille, 76, are incomplete at this time. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings is in charge of arrangements. Lucy Darbonne Funeral services for Mrs. Lucy Darbonne, 80, are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Leroy Edmond Funeral services for Mr. Leroy Edmond, 77, will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas with burial in St. Leo Cemetery in Leonville. Mr. Edmond died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. Survivors include: a brother, Hilton Edmond of Houston, Texas. Visiting hours will be observed from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Odette Edwards VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mrs. Odette "Mom Dette" Edwards, 85, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Ninth Baptist Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. M.L. Thomas will conduct the services. Mrs. Edwards died Friday, May 5, 2000, in Summit Institute in Sulphur. Survivors include: a daughter, Mary Lee Edwards of Houston, Texas; a son, Leroy Edwards and wife Calva of Houston, Texas; four sisters, Pearl Ledet, Lucy Thomas and Cora Alfred, all of Ville Platte, and Lorrina Lacefield of Compton, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Ville Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. Louvinia Henderson Funeral services for Mrs. Louvinia Henderson, 92, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in Myrtle Grove Cemetery. The Rev. Malcolm O'Leary, pastor of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, will conduct the services. Mrs. Henderson, a resident of Opelousas and a native of Plaquemine, died Saturday, May 6, 2000, in Opelousas. She was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas. Survivors include: a sister, Mrs. Helen Eaglin of Opelousas; and a host of relatives and friends. Mrs. Henderson was preceded in death by her husband, Charles D. Henderson; seven brothers; and three sisters. A wake will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Leroy LeDay Funeral services for Mr. Leroy LeDay, 61, are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Rosaline May Funeral services for Mrs. Rosaline May, 79, are incomplete at this time. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Kinder is in charge of arrangements. Clemie McDaniel PINE PRAIRIE - Funeral services for Clemie McDaniel, 80, were held at 1 p.m. today in St. Peters Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements. Lou Richard PORT BARRE - Funeral services for Mrs. Lou Richard, 74, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in the old church cemetery. Mrs. Richard, a resident of Port Barre, died at 5:50 a.m. today (Thursday, May 11, 2000) in Doctors' Hospital of Opelousas. Survivors include: two sons, Sherman V. Richard of Lafayette and Joseph Terry Richard of New Orleans; two daughters, Mary Kaye Richard Hogue of Port Barre and Theresa Joan Richard LeBlanc of Denham Springs; two sisters, Rena Duplechain and Yvonne Bourque, both of Port Barre; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Richard was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Edward Richard; her parents, Homer and Aline Prudhomme; and a brother, Lyness Prudhomme. Visiting hours will be observed from 4:30 to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Friday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sibille Funeral Home of Port Barre is in charge of arrangements. Alton Romer Funeral services for Mr. Alton Romer are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Benjamin Sam Jr. Funeral services for Mr. Benjamin Sam Jr., 69, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas with burial in True Vine Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Hilton Sam, pastor of New Birth Baptist Church, will conduct the services. Mr. Sam, a resident of Houston, Texas, and a native of Washington, died Wednesday, May 3, 2000, in Houston, Texas. Survivors include: three stepsons, Wilford Johnson, Leroy Johnson and Charlie Brogans Jr., all of Houston, Texas; a stepdaughter, Diane; two brothers, Aaron Sam of Houston, Texas, and Curley Sam of Port Arthur, Texas; three sisters, Silverena Sam of Washington, Evelyn Freeman and Octavia Simmons, both of Opelousas; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mr. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Vesteree Brogans; four sisters; four brothers; and a godchild, Shirley Offord Goodwill. A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Verline Simien Funeral services for Mrs. Verline Antoine Simien, 52, are incomplete at this time. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Lake Charles is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Friday -- May 12, 2000 OBITUARIES Yourick Fruge Jr., Emily Guidroz, Lorena Hernandez, Leroy LeDay, Antoine Levier, Edna Mae Lockett, Rose Presley, Benjamin Sam Jr., Verline Simien, Leroy Vallin. Yourick Fruge Jr. VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mr. Yourick Fruge Jr., 56, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday in Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church here with burial at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the church cemetery in Tate Cove. The Rev. Eradley Ben will conduct the services. Mr. Fruge, a resident of Ville Platte, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Savoy Medical Center in Mamou. Survivors include: his mother, Irene Clark Fruge of Ville Platte; his wife, Leatrice Fruge of Ville Platte; three daughters, Joyce Marie Fruge, Katherine Lee Fruge and Cynthia Lynn Johnson, all of Ville Platte; four sons, Kenneth W. Fruge, James N. Fruge, Micheal Fruge and Eric Jr. Fruge, all of Ville Platte; three sisters, Ella Mae Skinner of Ville Platte, Lena Bell Colston and Ezola Cormier, both of Lake Charles; and 25 grandchildren. A wake will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday in Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Ville Platte. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Emily Guidroz LAWTELL - Graveside services for Infant Emily Elizabeth Guidroz, 2 days, were held at 11 a.m. today in St. Bridget's Catholic Church Cemetery here. Emily, a resident of Church Point, died at 9:02 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. Survivors include: her parents, Mathew and Kimberly Guidroz of Church Point; her paternal grandparents, Donald and Rita Guidroz of Church Point; and her maternal grandparents, Jules and Judy Daigle of Church Point. Visiting hours were observed from 9 a.m. today until time of services. Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements. Lorena Hernandez CHURCH POINT - Funeral services for Mrs. Lorena Savoie Hernandez, 97, will be held (time pending) Monday in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements. Leroy LeDay WASHINGTON - Funeral services for Mr. Leroy Earnest LeDay, 61, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church here with burial in the Old Grand Prairie Cemetery in Grand Prairie. Deacon Darjean, of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Grand Prairie, will conduct the services. Mr. LeDay, a resident of Opelousas and a native of Grand Prairie, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Opelousas. He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas. Survivors include: his wife, Josephine LeDay of Opelousas; six sons, Willie LeDay of Lafayette, Joseph LeDay of Washington, James, Marion and Paul LeDay, all of Opelousas, and David LeDay of Orlando, Fla.; three daughters, Carolyn LeDay and Connie Jacobs, both of Houston, Texas, and Angela LeDay of Omaha, Neb.; a brother, Earlis LeDay of Opelousas; four sisters, Mary Jacobs of Houston, Texas, Elaine Levier of Portland, Oreg., Eloise LeDay and Barbara Thomas, both of Opelousas; eight grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. A wake will be held from 8 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington. Mr. LeDay was preceded in death by his mother and father; and four brothers. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Antoine Levier Funeral services for Mr. Antoine Levier are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Edna Mae Lockett BIG CANE - Funeral services for Mrs. Edna Mae "Mom Duncey" Lockett, 61, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Spring Bluff Baptist Church here with burial in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Cottonport. Escude Funeral Home of Mansura is in charge of arrangements. Rose Presley KINDER - Funeral services for Mrs. Rose Mae Presley, 79, will be held at 8 p.m. today in Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church here with burial at 9 a.m. Saturday in Botley Cemetery. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Kinder is in charge of arrangements. Benjamin Sam Jr. Funeral services for Mr. Benjamin Sam Jr., 69, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas with burial in True Vine Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Hilton Sam, pastor of New Birth Baptist Church, will conduct the services. Mr. Sam, a resident of Houston, Texas, and a native of Washington, died Wednesday, May 3, 2000, in Houston, Texas. Survivors include: three stepsons, Wilford Johnson, Leroy Johnson and Charlie Brogans Jr., all of Houston, Texas; a stepdaughter, Diane; two brothers, Aaron Sam of Houston, Texas, and Curley Sam of Port Arthur, Texas; three sisters, Silverena Sam of Washington, Evelyn Freeman and Octavia Simmons, both of Opelousas; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mr. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Vesteree Brogans; four sisters; four brothers; and a godchild, Shirley Offord Goodwill. A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Verline Simien LAKE CHARLES - Funeral services for Mrs. Verline Antoine Simien, 52, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Fondel Memorial Chapel here with burial in Eastside Cemetery. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Lake Charles is in charge of arrangements. Leroy Vallin Funeral services for Mr. Leroy Vallin are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Sunday -- May 14, 2000 Obituaries Theophile Alsandor, Warren Ceasar, Lucy Darbonne, Pervice Duvall, Lorena Hernandez, Gaynor Soileau, Kenneth Tanner. Theophile Alsandor Funeral services for Theophile Alsandor, 78, are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Warren Ceasar LAFAYETTE - Funeral services for Warren Lee Ceasar, 48, will be held 11 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church here with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. Borgia Aubespin. Mr. Ceasar, a native of Basile, died Thursday, May 11, 2000 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. He was a resident of Lafayette for more than 27 years. Mr. Ceasar was an internationally acclaimed musician who played with various well-known artists including, Clifton Chenier, Zachary Richard, Al Green and Isaac Hayes. He recorded three albums and had one in production at the time of his death. His music will live forever in our hearts. Survivors include: his parents, McKinley Ceasar Sr. and Edith Ceasar of Basile; a son, Julius Ceasar of Lafayette; two daughters, Lucretta Ceasar and Jessica Ceasar, Lafayette; four brothers, Gussy Ceasar of Houston, Texas, Danny Ceasar, and wife Geraldine, of Missouri City, Texas, Ricky Ceasar of New Orleans and Dennis Ceasar, and wife, Jackie, of Carencro; a sister, Patricia Celestine, and husband Jerry, of Houston; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Ceasar was preceded in death by his brother, McKinley "Mac" Ceasar Jr.; and his maternal grandparents, Francis Willis and Lovenia Willis. Visitation is 7 a.m. Monday until time of service at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lafayette. Syrie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Lucy Darbonne WASHINGTON - Funeral services for Mrs. Lucy Darbonne, 80, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church here with burial in St. Ann's Catholic Church in Mallet. Deacon Darjean will conduct the services. Mrs. Darbonne, a Mallet native, died May 10, 2000 in Opelousas. She was a resident of Opelousas. Survivors include: eight sons, Donald Darbonne of Corona, NY, Patrick Darbonne of Staton Island, NY, Sanders Darbonne Jr. of Glennellyn, Ill., Harvey and Joseph Darbonne of Opelousas, Jimmie Darbonne Sr. of Eunice and Mark and Dane Darbonne of Lake Charles; two daughters, Jackie Burlow of Lake Charles and Linda Simien of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Albert Avilla Sr., Johanna Avilla of Opelousas and Betty Avilla of Buffalo, Texas; two brothers, Moses and Raymond Guillory both of San Francisco, Calif.; and three sisters, Willie Mae Denson and Mildred Montaque of Beaumont, Texas, and Manda Kordesh of California, 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Darbonne was preceded in death by her husband, Sanders Darbonne, and one daughter, Betty Avilla. A wake will be held from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. today. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charged of the arrangements. Pervice Duvall KROTZ SPRINGS - Funeral services for Pervice E. Duvall, 24, will be held 2 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Krotz Springs with burial in the Baptist Cemetery here. Officiating will be the Rev. Gary Mitchell. Mr. Duvall, formally of Melville, died Friday morning, May 12, 2000, following an auto accident. He was a resident of Breaux Bridge and worked as a dispatcher with Greens Pressure Testing in Lafayette. Survivors include: his mother, Earline B. Duvall of Melville; his maternal grandparents, Patrick Barker and Julia Barker of Palmetto; his wife, Crystal Dupont Duvall of Breaux Bridge; three daughters, Robin Duval, age 4, Ruby Duvall, age 3, and Blythe Duvall, age 4 months, all of Breaux Bridge; a brother, Cecil Duvall Jr. of Melville; a sister, Racheal Duvall Mouret of Opelousas; and a niece, Jodi Mouret of Opelousas. Visitation is 4 p.m. Sunday through time of service Monday at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Lorena Hernandez CHURCH POINT - Funeral services for Mrs. Lorena Savoie Hernandez, 97, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery #1. The Rev. Tom Montelaro will conduct the services. Mrs. Hernandez, a resident of Church Point and a native of Bellevue, died at 6:40 a.m. Friday, May 12, 2000, in Acadia-St. Landry Guest Home in Church Point. Survivors include: a son, Donald Hernandez and wife Sue of Newhall, Calif.; a brother, Leroy "Lee" Savoie of Lake Charles; a sister, Mrs. Chris (Edna) Rozas of Ville Platte; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Visiting hours were observed from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, and will resume at 10 a.m. today until 6 p.m. and from noon Monday until time of services. A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Saturday. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements. Gaynor Soileau VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Gaynor Soileau, 66, will be held 4 p.m. Sunday at Our Lady Queen of All Saints here with burial in the church cemetery. Ardoin Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Kenneth Tanner VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mr. Kenneth W. Tanner, 69, were held at noon Saturday in Ardoin's Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Chenneyville Cemetery in Chenneyville. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements. Mildred Sylvester GRAND PRAIRIE - Funeral services for Mrs. Mildred Sylvester, 73, will be held at 11:30 a.m. today at St. Peter's Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Sylvester, the former Mildred Soileau, died at 3:15 p.m. Friday in Opelousas General Hospital. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 p.m. Saturday until the service today. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of the arrangements. Kenneth Wayne Hicks III Funeral serviced for baby Kenneth Wayne Hicks III, infant, are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of the arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Monday -- May 15, 2000 May 15, 2000 OBITUARIES Leona Donatto, Helen Freddie, Kenneth Hick III, Grace Hidalgo, Eldridge Hurks, Helen LaGrange, Anteole Moran, Verby Pitre, Elise Richard, Mary Richard, Jean Washington . Leona Donatto Funeral services for Mr. Leona Donatto, 77, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Helen Freddie Funeral services for Mrs. Helen Freddie are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Kenneth Hick III Funeral services for Infant Kenneth Wayne Hick III were held at 9 a.m. today in Garden of Memories in Opelousas. The Rev. Frank L. Ford, pastor of Community Chapel Church of God in Christ in Opelousas, conducted the services. Kenneth died Friday, May 12, 2000, in Lafayette. Survivors include: his father, Kenneth Wayne Hick of Opelousas; his mother, Latarsha Harrison of Opelousas; his maternal grandparents, Loney Harrison of Opelousas and Warren Lee Thomas of Opelousas; his maternal great-grandparents, Hammond and Catherine Hick of Opelousas; his paternal great-grandparents, Willie and Irma Durisseaux of Opelousas; two brothers, Kenneth Wayne Hick II and Rasheed Zackery, both of Opelousas; and a sister, Telemekus Collins of Opelousas. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas was in charge of arrangements. Grace Hidalgo Funeral services for Mrs. Louis V. Hidalgo, the former Grace Richard, 85, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in Bellevue Memorial Park. The Rev. Eugene Tremie will conduct the services. Mrs. Hidalgo, a resident of Opelousas, died at 7:36 p.m. Sunday, May 14, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. Survivors include: a son, John Hidalgo of Opelousas; a brother, Allen Richard of Opelousas; a sister, Corine Calais of Cecilia; two grandchildren, Jerilyn H. Richard and Joseph Doug Hidalgo; and a great-grandchild, Macy E. Richard. Mrs. Hidalgo was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Hidalgo; and a brother, Albert Richard. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Tuesday until time of services. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Hwy in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Eldridge Hurks Funeral services for Rev. Eldridge Hurks are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Helen LaGrange ARNAUDVILLE - Funeral services for Mrs. Helen Theresa LaGrange, 50, were held at 2 p.m. today in St. Francis Regis Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. LaGrange, a resident of Arnaudville, died Saturday, May 13, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. Survivors include: her husband, Walter LaGrange of Arnaudville; two daughters, Tammy L. Breaux of Breaux Bridge and April L. Hardy of Arnaudville; a son, Jody W. LaGrange of Arnaudville; two sisters, Wilma C. Allemond of Arnaudville and Mabel C. Dalfrey of Patterson; a brother, John Whitney Cormier of Zwolle; and six grandchildren, Chase Bijeaux, Hailey Bijeaux, Bridge Hardy, Whitney Hardy, Bailey LaGrange and Tyler LaGrange. Mrs. LaGrange was preceded in death by her father, Louis Ellis Cormier; her mother, Mabel Cormier; and a brother, Louis D. Cormier. Visiting hours were observed from 4 p.m. Sunday until time of services today in Pellerin's Funeral Home in Arnaudville, which was in charge of arrangements. Anteole Moran Funeral services for Mr. Anteole Moran, 89, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Sibille Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas with burial in St. Francis Regis Cemetery in Arnaudville. The Rev. Austin Leger will conduct the services. Mr. Moran, a native of Arnaudville and a resident of Opelousas, died at 11:46 a.m. Sunday, May 14, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital of Opelousas. Survivors include: two daughters, Mrs. Burton (Jeanette) Charles of Opelousas and Mrs. Rowena Manuel of Ville Platte; a sister, Mrs. Raoul (Eliza) Benoit of Plaucheville; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be observed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Tuesday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Verby Pitre VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mrs. Verby P. Pitre, 87, will be held at 4 p.m. today in Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Prairie Ronde. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Elise Richard PLAISANCE - Funeral services for Mrs. Elrick "Pete" Richard, the former Elise Sonnier, 91, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in St. Andrew's Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Msgr. Louis Melancon will conduct the services. Mrs. Richard, a resident of Plaisance, died at 5:50 p.m. Sunday, Mary 14, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. Survivors include: a son, Francis A. Richard and wife Murella of Grand Prairie; four daughters, Lourie Sylvester and husband Blaine, Elrose Vidrine and husband Dorris, Burnal Sylvester and husband J.C. and Mercedes Guillory and husband Jerril, all of Grand Prairie; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Richard was preceded in death by her husband, Elrick Richard; six brothers, Elvin, Dallas, Delta, Clester, Aaron and Clifford; a sister, Viola Fontenot; and an infant daughter, Myrtle Richard. Visiting hours will be observed from 2 p.m. to midnight today and from 8 a.m. Tuesday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Hwy in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Mary Richard Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Hazel Richard, 85, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Jean Washington Funeral services for Mrs. Jean Washington are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Tuesday -- May 16, 2000 OBITUARIES Claude Castille, Jr., Leona Donatto, Kenneth Hicks III, Teurling Lafleur, Antoine Levier, Ella Riggs. Claude Castille Jr. JENNINGS - Funeral services for Mr. Claude Joseph Castille Jr., 76, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings is in charge of arrangements. Leona Donatto Funeral services for Mr. Leona Norbert Donatto, 77, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas with burial in St. Landry Cemetery. The Rev. Jeff Deblanc will conduct the services. Mr. Donatto died at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, May 14, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. He was a veteran of World War II having served from 2/4/43, to 2/18/46. Survivors include: his wife, Mary Lou Durousseau Donatto of Opelousas; a son, Monica Alvin Donatto of Houston, Texas; a daughter, Brenda Marie Donatto Medley of New Orleans; a brother, Wilmer Donatto of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Ruth Donatto Collins of Los Angeles, Calif., and Sylvia Donatto Dartez of San Jose, Calif.; and five grandchildren. Visiting hours will be observed from 8 to 11 a.m. Wednesday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. A rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Kenneth Hicks III Funeral services for Baby Kenneth Wayne Hicks III were held at 9 a.m. Monday in Garden of Memory in Opelousas. The Rev. Frank L. Ford, pastor of Community Chapel Church of God in Christ in Opelousas, conducted the services. Kenneth died Thursday, May 11, 2000, in Lafayette. Survivors include: his father, Kenneth Wayne Hicks of Opelousas; his mother, Latarsha Harrison of Opelousas; his maternal grandparents, Loney Harrison of Opelousas and Warren Lee Thomas of Opelousas; his maternal great-grandparents, Isreal and Leona Harrison of Opelousas; his paternal grandparents, Hammond and Catherine Hicks of Opelousas; his paternal great-grandparents, Willie and Irma Durisseaux of Opelousas; two brothers, Kenneth Wayne Hicks II and Rasheed Zachery, both of Opelousas; and a sister, Telemekus Collins of Opelousas. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas was in charge of arrangements. Teurling Lafleur Private Memorial services for Mr. Teurling "Took" Lafleur, 72, were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the home of his children in Opelousas. Mr. Lafleur, a resident of Opelousas, died Thursday, May 11, 2000, in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette. He was a graduate of Opelousas High School, received his undergraduate degree from USL and attended pre-med at LSU. Survivors include: his wife, Betty Lafleur of Opelousas; six children, Tommy Lafleur, Lesley Lafleur, Katherine Lafleur, Christine Lafleur, Rodney Lafleur and Eileen Lafleur; two sisters, Mrs. Glen (Marguerite) Hunt and Mrs. Emile (Mamie) Steckler; three brothers, Ronald Lafleur, Donald Lafleur and Dale Lafleur; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Antoine Levier Visitation for Mr. Antoine Levier will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Ella Riggs Funeral services for Mrs. Ella Mae Riggs are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Wednesday -- May 17, 2000 OBITUARIES Rena Bellard, Hazel Bennett, Preston Foster, Jose Fraguela, Silton Zachary . Rena Bellard Funeral services for Mrs. Rena M. Bellard, 81, are incomplete at this time. Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements. Hazel Bennett Funeral services for Mrs. Hazel Vickers Bennett, 75, are incomplete at this time. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings is in charge of arrangements. Preston Foster LEWISBURG - Funeral services for Mr. Preston Foster, 90, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. John Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Very Rev. Msgr. Fred Swenson will conduct the services. Mr. Foster, a resident of Opelousas, died at 1:35 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2000, in Acadia-St. Landry Hospital in Church Point. He was a retired farmer. Survivors include: two daughters, Evelyn F. Miller and husband Paul B. of Lafayette and Rose F. Daigle and husband John A. of Opelousas; a sister, Mary Richard of Church Point; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Foster was preceded in death by his wife, Louise David Foster; his parents, Phillip and Ida Burleigh Foster; six sisters; two brothers; and a daughter. Visiting hours will be observed from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Thursday until time of services. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Sunset Hwy. in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Jose Fraguela LAKE CHARLES - Funeral services for Mr. Jose Fraguela, 49, were held at noon Tuesday in Fondel Memorial Chapel here with burial at a later date. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Lake Charles is in charge of arrangements. Silton Zachary Funeral services for Mr. Silton Zachary, 84, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Thursday -- May 18, 2000 OBITUARIES Rena Bellard, Patricia Cormier, Lelma Dupre, Gilfred Hebert, Rev. Eldridge Hurks Sr., Michael LeBlanc, Antoine Levier, Lucille Quebedeaux, Alton Ramer, Mary Richard, Ella Riggs, Mae Thibodeaux, June Vidrine, Silton Zachary Sr. Rena Bellard RICHARD - Funeral services for Mrs. Rena Matte Bellard, 81, were held at 11 a.m. today in St. Edwards Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Dan Edwards conducted the services. Mrs. Matte, a resident of Church Point, died at 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2000, in Acadia-St. Landry Hospital in Church Point. Survivors include: her husband, Orice Bellard of Church Point; a sister, Amy Courville of Branch; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Bellard was preceded in death by her parents, Amelie Matte and Maxilian Matte; and a nephew, Hilton Doucet. Visiting hours were observed from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and from 7:30 a.m. today until time of services. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point was in charge of arrangements Patricia Cormier EUNICE - Funeral services for Mrs. Patricia Cormier, 58, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Anthony Catholic Church here with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Lelma Dupre Funeral services for Mrs. Lelma Ardoin Dupre, 91, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel on the Sunset Hwy. in Opelousas with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Prairie Ronde. The Rev. Jeff Deblanc will conduct the services. Mrs. Dupre, a resident of Ville Platte, died at 1:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. She was a housewife. Survivors include: two sons, Larry Dupre of Newaverly, Texas, and Paul Gus Dupre of Opelousas; two daughters, Mrs. Urel (Jackie) Fontenot of Ville Platte and Mrs. George (Bernita) Parks of Opelousas; 17 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Dupre was preceded in death by her husband, Talbot Dupre; her parents, Douvic Ardoin and Estelle Fontenot Ardoin; a son, Charles T. Dupre; and a daughter. Visiting hours will be observed from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. Saturday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Sunset Hwy. in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Gilfred Hebert ARNAUDVILLE - Funeral services for Mr. Gilfred Hebert, 81, will be held (time and date pending) in St. Francis Regis Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Melancon Funeral Home of Arnaudville is in charge of arrangements. Rev. Eldridge Hurks Sr. VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Rev. Eldridge Hurks Sr., 72, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Antioch Baptist Church here with burial in St. James Cemetery in Bayou Chicot. The Rev. Eradley Ben will conduct the services. Rev. Hurks, a resident of Bayou Chicot, died Monday, May 15, 2000, in Ville Platte Medical Center. Survivors include: his wife, Coye Hurks of Bayou Chicot; two daughters, Odelia Rose Hurks/Goldman of Bayou Chicot and Phyllis Leah Hurks/Hill of Detroit, Mich.; five sons, Ellis Elvis Hurks and Elridge Hurks Jr., both of Detroit, Mich., Anthony Hurks and Harold Hurks, both of Atlanta, Ga., and Eastern L. Hurks of Bayou Chicot; 15 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Ville Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. Michael LeBlanc Funeral services for Mr. Michael LeBlanc, 46, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Antoine Levier WASHINGTON - Funeral services for Mr. Antoine "Tony" Levier, 57, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church here with burial in the Old Grand Prairie Cemetery in Grand Prairie. Mr. Levier died at 10 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2000, in Portland, Oreg. Survivors include: his wife, Mrs. Elaine Levier of Portland, Oreg.; a son, Timotheus Levier of Portland, Oreg.; two brothers, Wilbert Levier and Clebert Levier, both of Opelousas; and two sisters, Louise Jolivette and Rose Mary Leger, both of Opelousas. Visiting hours will be observed from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Lucille Quebedeaux CARENCRO - Funeral services for Mrs. Lucille "Lou" Guidry Quebedeaux, 89, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Peters Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Bill Melancon, pastor of St. Peters Catholic Church, will conduct the services. Mrs. Quebedeaux died Wednesday, May 17, 2000, at her daughter's residence in Lafayette. Visiting hours will be observed from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Friday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Melancon Funeral Home of Carencro is in charge of arrangements. Alton Ramer Funeral services for Mr. Alton Joseph Ramer, 81, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2000, in Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in Garden of Memory Cemetery. The Rev. Malcolm O'Leary will conduct the services. Mr. Ramer, a native and resident of Palmetto, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital in Opelousas. Survivors include: his wife, Mrs. Gertrude Durriseau of Opelousas; a son, Alton Ramer of Opelousas; a grandson he (Mr. Ramer) raised, Nakia Ramer; seven daughters, Betty Valyan, Lena Dougas, Michelle Ramer and Brenda Conway, all of Houston, Texas, Lillie Joseph, Lucy Mae Ramer and Darlene Ramer, all of Opelousas; a sister, Dora Jones of Palmetto; a special granddaughter, Latriva Goodley of Opelousas; 31 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. Mr. Ramer was preceded in death by his parents, John and Annie Mae Ramer; a daughter, Linda Faye Ramer; a sister; a brother; and a grandson. A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. A rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Mary Richard BELLEVUE - Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Hazel Richard, 85, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. J.V. Toussaint will conduct the services. Mrs. Richard died at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, May 14, 2000, at her residence. She was a member of the Missionary and of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Bellevue. Survivors include: four sons, Henry James Broussard of Houston, Texas, Lawrence Lee Richard of Lawtell, Nelson Richard of Houston, Texas, and Ronald Richard of Ville Platte; four daughters, Rosa Mae Randall of Houston, Texas, Mary Emma Richard and Priscilla Richard, both of Opelousas, and Linda Sam of Lawtell; 42 grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Richard was preceded in death by her parents, Varim and Harriet Johnson; her husband, Overton Richard; a child, Philoman Broussard; eight brothers; and nine sisters. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Ella Riggs Funeral services for Mrs. Ella Mae "Chut" Comeaux Riggs, 67, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Opelousas with burial in Bellevue Memorial Park. The Rev. Joel Greene will conduct the services. Mrs. Riggs died at 9 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2000, at her residence. Survivors include: five sons, Floyd Riggs Jr. of Baton Rouge, Charles Riggs, Darrell Riggs, Dexter Riggs and Troy Riggs, all of Opelousas; four daughters, Grace Riggs Rosette, Talisa Riggs and Vickie Comeaux, all of Opelousas, and Vanessa Riggs Veazie of Lafayette; a stepdaughter, Martha Carter of Lecompte; three brothers, Lester Comeaux and James Comeaux, both of Opelousas, and Joe Ellis Comeaux of Riverside, Calif.; four sisters, Mary Harrison, Anna Tyler, Emma Comeaux and Ethel Comeaux, all of Opelousas; 23 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mrs. Riggs was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Adeline Peter Comeaux; her husband, Floyd Riggs Sr.; a daughter, Linda Riggs Darby; and a sister, Viola Jones. Visiting hours will be observed from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday in Mt. Olive Baptist church in Opelousas. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Mae Thibodeaux LEONVILLE - Funeral services for Mrs. Mae Stoute Thibodeaux, 85, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in St. Leo the Great Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Thibodeaux, a native and resident of Leonville, died at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital of Opelousas. She was a member of the St. Leo Ladies Altar Society. Survivors include: two brothers, Andrew Stoute of Leonville and Ray Stoute of Port Barre; four sisters, Irene Stoute of Opelousas, Mrs. Elwood (Elise) Credeur of Port Neches, Texas, Pearl Thibodeaux of Lafayette and Mary Ann Kilchrist of Leonville; two nieces, Elizabeth White of Orange, Texas, and Susan Theriot of Port Arthur, Texas; and three nephews, Kim Anthony Kilchrist of Leonville, Elwood J. Credeur Jr. of Port Neches, Texas, and Michael J. Credeur of Tucson, Ariz. Mrs. Thibodeaux was preceded in death by two great-nieces and three great-nephews. Visiting hours will be observed from 10 a.m. Friday until time of services in St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville. Sibille Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. June Vidrine VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Ms. June G. Vidrine, 70, will be held at 3:30 p.m. today in Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in Evangeline Memorial Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Silton Zachary Sr. Funeral services for Mr. Silton Zachary Sr., 83, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in St. Leo Cemetery in Leonville. The Rev. Malcolm O'Leary will conduct the services. Mr. Zachary died at 6:56 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. Survivors include: six sons, Silton Zachary Jr. of Port Barre, Andrew Zachary Jr. of Lake Charles, Paul Milton Zachary of Opelousas, Joseph Zachary, Charles Zachary and Donald Ray Zachary, all of Dallas, Texas; three daughters, Olivia Celestine of Opelousas, Mary Evelyn Zachary and Dianne Z. Brown, both of Port Arthur, Texas; 53 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mr. Zachary was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Sophia Bob Zachary Sr.; his wife, Evelina Zachary; two children, Merrick and Wilton John Zachary; three brothers; and three sisters. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Friday -- May 19, 2000 OBITUARIES Hazel Bennett, Joseph Catoire, Vernise Demoruelle, Gary dePerrodil, Harrison Fontenot, Paul Fontenot Sr., Gilfred Hebert, Mae Thibodeaux, Ada Vidrine, Jean Washington. Hazel Bennett WELSH - Funeral services for Mrs. Hazel Vickers Bennett, 75, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in New Hope Baptist Church here with burial in East Ridge Cemetery. Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings is in charge of arrangements. Joseph Catoire VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mr. Joseph Shirley Catoire, 84, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in St. Peter's Cemetery in Grand Prairie. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Vernise Demoruelle VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Ms. Vernise LaHaye Demoruelle, 82, will be held at 4 p.m. today in Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Gary dePerrodil VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mr. Gary D. dePerrodil, 33, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Ardoin's Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Evangeline Memorial Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Arnold will conduct the services. Mr. dePerrodil, a resident of Ville Platte, died Wednesday, May 17, 2000, in a motor vessel "Mr. Lampton" while on the Mississippi River. He was a tow boat pilot on the Mississippi River, employed 14 years by Magnolia Marine Transportation. Survivors include: his wife, Donna D. dePerrodil of Ville Platte; his parents, Jerry and Bobbie dePerrodil of Leesville and mother, Linda Spell of Lake Charles; a stepson, Joshua Paul Jones of Ville Platte; a daughter, Brittany Stone; a stepdaughter, Tiffany Nichole Jones of Ville Platte; a brother, Dale dePerrodil of Leesville; and a sister, Belinda Blessing of Lake Charles. Mr. dePerrodil was preceded in death by a brother, Jeremy dePerrodil. Visiting hours will be observed from 10 a.m. today until time of services on Saturday. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Harrison Fontenot VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mr. Harrison Fontenot, 72, were held at noon today in Ardoin's Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Ardoin's Cemetery in Mamou. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements. Paul Fontenot Sr. VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mr. Paul Clyde Fontenot Sr., 56, were held at 2 p.m. today in Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church here with burial in Fontenot Cemetery in Tate Cove. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements. Gilfred Hebert ARNAUDVILLE - Funeral services for Mr. Gilfred Hebert, 81, will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in St. Francis Regis Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. William Ruskoski, pastor of St. Francis Regis Catholic Church, will conduct the services. Musical selections will be provided by Valerie Andrus. The songs will be Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, I Will Never Forget You, Be Not Afraid, Were You There, Lord Let Me Walk and Daddy's Hand. Mr. Hebert, a native of Breaux Bridge and a resident of Arnaudville most of his life, died at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital in Opelousas. He retired in 1980 as a self-employed carpenter with 46 years of service. Mr. Hebert had been a parishioner of St. Francis Regis Catholic Church and was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a veteran of the military, having served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Hebert was a member of the Arnaudville V.F.W. Survivors include: his wife, Earline Castille Hebert of Arnaudville; two sons, Ervin Hebert and his wife Norma of Arnaudville and John Earl Hebert and his wife Madeline of Lafayette; two daughters, Bernadine Nezat of Port Barre and Mrs. Norma Jean Roberthon of Breaux Bridge; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Hebert was preceded in death by a daughter, Veronica H. Whaley; his parents, Gabriel Hebert and the former Amelia Robert; four brothers, Arnaud Hebert, David Hebert, Olden Hebert and Ray Hebert; and three sisters, Martha H. Mouton, Eunice H. Mouton and Eula H. Quebedeaux. Visiting hours will be observed from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. Monday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Pallbearers will be Mark Hebert, Warren Whatley Jr., Donald Nezat II, Richard Charles Hebert, Ryan Paul Roberthon, Randall Rodriguez, Robert LeBlanc, John Earl Hebert and Ervin Hebert. Melancon Funeral Home of Arnaudville is in charge of arrangements. Mae Thibodeaux LEONVILLE - Funeral services for Mrs. Mae Stoute Thibodeaux, 85, were held at 2 p.m. today in St. Leo the Great Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Thibodeaux, a native and resident of Leonville, died at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital of Opelousas. She was a member of the St. Leo Ladies Altar Society. Survivors include: two brothers, Andrew Stoute of Leonville and Ray Stoute of Port Barre; four sisters, Irene Stoute of Opelousas, Mrs. Elwood (Elise) Credeur of Port Neches, Texas, Mrs. Pearl Thibodeaux of Lafayette and Mrs. Mary Ann Kilchrist of Leonville; two nieces, Elizabeth White of Orange, Texas, and Suzanne Theriot of Port Arthur, Texas; three nephews, Kim Anthony Kilchrist of Leonville, Elwood J. Credeur Jr. of Port Neches, Texas, and Michael J. Credeur of Tucson, Ariz.; two great-nieces and three great-nephews. Mrs. Thibodeaux was preceded in death by her parents, Clebert Stoute and Marie A. Richard; a brother, Joseph C. Stoute; and two sisters, Essie and Joyce Stoute. Pallbearers will be Kim A. Kilchrist, Elwood J. Credeur Jr., Patrick Davis, Roy Guillory, Phillip Wain and George Wain. Visiting hours were observed from 10 a.m. today until time of services in St. Leo Catholic Church in Leonville. Sibille Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Ada Vidrine Funeral services for Mrs. John A. Vidrine, the former Ada Dupre, 87, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday in Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Prairie Ronde. The Rev. Jeff DeBlanc will conduct the services. Mrs. Vidrine, a resident of Plaisance, died at 3:05 a.m. today (Friday, May 19, 2000) in Opelousas General Hospital. She was a homemaker. Survivors include: two sons, Steve Vidrine and wife Rose of Opelousas and Gerry Vidrine and wife Mary Lee of Plaisance; five grandchildren, Belinda Hawks of Linden, Mich., Jennifer Thibodeaux of Opelousas, Michael Vidrine of Grand Prairie, Angela Clay of Stock Ridge, Ga., and Marla Gibson of Grayson, Ga.; and eight great-grandchildren. Mrs. Vidrine was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Vidrine; her parents, Hector Dupre and Emily Guillory; and two brothers, Walter and Ferdie Dupre. Visiting hours will be observed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. Sunday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Hwy in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Jean Washington EUNICE - Funeral services for Mrs. Jean Washington, 55, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in New Zion Baptist Church here with burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery. The Rev. Allen Ben will conduct the services. Mrs. Washington, a resident of Eunice, died Saturday, May 13, 2000, in Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette. Survivors include: her husband, Raymond Washington of Eunice; three daughters, NeaMaleka Washington and Sandra N. Washington, both of Eunice, and Zalphia L. Washington of Lafayette; a son, Johnny R. Washington of Kinder; a stepson, Kenneth E. Hardy of Beaumont, Texas; a brother, Robert L. James Sr. of Pasadena, Texas; two sisters, Shirley M. Watts-Payne of Port Arthur, Texas, and Jolie M. James of San Fernando Valley, Calif.; four grandchildren; and two step grandchildren. A wake will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in New Zion Baptist Church in Eunice. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Sunday -- May 21, 2000 Obits Currie Bourque EUNICE - Funeral services for Mrs. Currie Mary Bourque, 75, were held 10 a.m. Saturday at Quirk and Son Funeral Home with burial in St. Paul Cemetery. Quirk and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Charles Darjean Funeral services for Charles Darjean are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangement. Darmas Daigle LAWTELL - Funeral services for Mr. Darmas Daigle, 83, will be held 10 a.m. Monday at St. Bridget Catholic Church here with burial in St. Bridget Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. Daniel R. Picard. Mr. Daigle died 12:40 a.m., Saturday, May 20, 2000 at the Medical Center of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette. He was a retired farmer and 17-and-a-half-year employee with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Survivors include: a son, Gene I Daigle, and his wife Betty, of Church Point; a daughter, Mary Grace Fontenot, and her husband Ronald, of Lawtell; a sister, Pauline Smith of Greenwell Springs; two brothers, Lemmie Daigle of Church Point and Woodrow Daigle of Scott; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Daigle was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Angela Bourgeois Daigle; and two children, Joycelyn Ann and Aldon Daigle. Visitation is 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday to time of service at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the old Sunset Highway. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Clorise Daire VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Clorise B. Daire, 85, will be held Monday, time pending, at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church here with burial in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Mrs. Daire, the former Clorise Bertrand, died 7:15 a.m. Saturday in an area hospital. She was a resident of Eunice. Visitation is 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to time of service Monday at LaVille Funeral Home in Ville Platte. LaVile Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Vickie Duhon BASILE - Funeral services for Mrs. Vickie Ann Duhon, 39, will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Augustine Catholic Church here with burial in Langley Cemetery. Mrs. Duhon was the former Vickie McGee. Ardoin's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Milton Guillory Funeral services for Milton Guillory, 85, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Valentine Guillory Funeral services for Valentine G. Guillory, 80, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Abel Hardy ARNAUDVILLE - Funeral services for Abel Hardy Sr., 78, were held 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Francis Regis Catholic Church here with burial in the St. Francis Regis Cemetery. Mr. Hardy, a resident of Arnaudville, died 3 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2000, at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette. Visitation was 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at St. Francis Regis Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in the name of Abel Hardy Sr. may be made to St. Francis Regis Catholic Church, P.O. Box 36, Arnaudville, LA 70512. Melancon Funeral Home of Arnaudville was in charge of arrangements. Rayfield Jackson Funeral services for Rayfield Jackson, 49, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Esta Manuel VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Esta Manuel, 83, were held noon Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in the Evangeline Memorial Cemetery. Ardoin Funeral Home in Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements. Mary Richard BELLEVUE - Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Hazel Richard, 85, were held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. J.V. Toussaint conducted the services. Mrs. Richard died at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, May 14, 2000, at her residence. She was a member of the Missionary and of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Bellevue. Survivors include: four sons, Henry James Broussard of Houston, Texas, Lawrence Lee Richard of Lawtell, Nelson Richard of Houston, Texas, and Ronald Richard of Ville Platte; four daughters, Rosa Mae Randall of Houston, Texas, Mary Elma Richard and Priscilla Richard, both of Opelousas, and Linda Sam of Lawtell; 42 grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Richard was preceded in death by her parents, Varim and Harriet Johnson; her husband, Overton Richard; a child, Philoman Broussard; eight brothers; and nine sisters. Visiting hours were 4 to 10 p.m. Friday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which was in charge of arrangements. John Stelly Funeral services for John Allen "Bro" Stelly, 55, will be held 11 a.m. Monday at St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church here with burial in the St. Leo the Great cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. Daniel Schexnayder. Musical selections will be provided by Debbie Richard. Mr. Stelly died 11:10 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2000, at his residence in Arnaudville. Survivors include: his wife, Shirley Meche Stelly of Arnaudville; a son, Brady Stelly, and his wife Brandie, of Leonville; two daughters, Tonia Dupuis, and her husband Kurt, and Tricia Dupuis, and her husband Kevin, all of Leonville; three brothers, Hubert Stelly, and his wife Melba, Leon Stelly, and his wife Elsie, all of Eunice, and J.C. Stelly, and his wife Dorothy, of Leonville; three sisters, Marie Angelle Sanders, and her husband Josue, of Houston, Shirley Savoie, and her husband Herman, of Virginia, and Audrey Angelle, and her husband James, of Eunice; and six grandchildren. Mr. Stelly was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Joseph Stelly and the former Vernice Lalonde. Visitation is 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. until time of service Monday at Melancon Funeral Home in Grand Coteau. A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Sunday. Melancon Funeral Home of Grand Coteau is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Sidney Thibodeaux An open house celebrating the life of Mrs. Sidney Thibodeaux will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at LaMode Shoes, 906 Harding St., Lafayette. Mrs. Thibodeaux died 8:26 a.m. Saturday at her home following a brief illness. She was the former Sallie Morris Lanehart of Woodville, Miss. Mrs. Thibodeaux was a resident of Lafayette since 1937 and with her late husband, Sidney S. Thibodeaux, owned and operated LaMode Shoes for more than 60 years. She served as president of LaMode Shoes until her death. Mrs. Thibodeaux was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Grace Agate Sunday School Class. She also played a very active role in the dance school business her daughters operated for 14 years. Survivors include: two daughters, Kathleen T. Parris, and her husband James, and Toni T. Wiley, both of Lafayette; two sisters, Evelyn L. Stevens of Baton Rouge and Edith L. Brasseaux of Sugar Land, Texas; four grandchildren, Grant Wiley of LaJolla, Calif., Lane Wiley, Kirk Daly and Nicole Daly, all of Lafayette; and two great-grandchildren, Skye Richard and Tyler Daly, both of Lafayette. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony Wayne Lanehart and Sallie Morris Lanehart; her husband; four sisters and a brother. Mrs. Thibodeaux donated her body to the Bureau of Anatomical Studies, Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. In lieu of the flowers, the family requests that any donation in her memory be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnson St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503; the First United Methodist Church; or to your favorite charity. Visitation will be hosted by Mrs. Thibodeaux's daughters, Kathi Parris and Toni Wiley, at their mother's home during the days prior to the May 28 celebration of life. Martin and Castille Funeral Home of Lafayette is in charge of arrangements. Marlon Thomas Funeral services for Mr. Marlon Thomas, 22, are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Monday -- May 22, 2000 OBITUARIES Danny Boulet, Darmas Daigle, Clorise Daire, Tony Frank, Jeremy Gorley, Milton Guillory, Rosita Guidry, Shawn Savant, Eva Tillman, Gearlyn Wilkins . Danny Boulet EUNICE - Funeral services for Mr. Danny Floyd Boulet, 30, were held at 2 p.m. today in Quirk & Son Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in St. Lawrence Cemetery in Mowata. Quirk & Son Funeral Home of Eunice was in charge of arrangements. Darmas Daigle LAWTELL - Funeral services for Mr. Darmas Daigle, 83, were held at 10 a.m. today in St. Bridget Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Daniel R. Picard conducted the services. Mr. Daigle died at 12:40 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2000, in the Medical Center of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette. He was a retired farmer and 17-and-a-half-year employee with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Survivors include: his wife, Gladys Thibodeaux Daigle of Lawtell; a son, Gene I. Daigle, and his wife Betty, of Church Point; a daughter, Mary Grace Fontenot, and her husband Ronald, of Lawtell; a sister, Pauline Smith of Greenwell Springs; two brothers, Lemmie Daigle of Church Point and Woodrow Daigle of Scott; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Daigle was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Angela Bourgeois Daigle; and two children, Joycelyn Ann and Aldon Daigle. Visiting hours were observed from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. today until time of services in Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the old Sunset Highway, which was in charge of arrangements. Clorise Daire VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mrs. Clorise Bertrand Daire, 85, were held at 11 a.m. today in Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church here with burial in Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Mrs. Daire, a resident of Eunice, died at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2000, in Savoy Medical Center in Mamou. Survivors include: two sons, Harold Daire of Eunice and Joseph Daire of Kenner; a daughter, Rosemary Fergus of Lafayette; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Visiting hours were observed from 8 a.m. today until time of services. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements. Tony Frank Funeral services for Mr. Tony Frank are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Jeremy Gorley Funeral services for Mr. Jeremy Gorley, 24, are incomplete at this time. Mr. Gorley died Sunday, May 21, 2000, in Houma. Survivors include: his parents, Randy and Clara Fontenot Gorley of Houma; four brothers, Brandon Gorley, Troy Jerry Gorley, Tyler Gorley and Kyle Gorley; his paternal grandmother, Murris V. Gorley of Eunice; his maternal grandmother, Hazel Fontenot of Eunice; and his aunts and uncles, Ricky Gorley, Marcus Gorley, Ricky Fontenot, Jay Fontenot, Faye Picou and Peggy. Mr. Gorley was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Troy Jerry Gorley; his maternal grandfather, Dallas Fontenot; two aunts, Barbara Fontenot and Linda Fontenot. Smart Funeral Home of Houma is in charge of arrangements. Milton Guillory MALLET - Funeral services for Mr. Milton Guillory, 85, will be held at noon Tuesday in St. Ann Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Guillory died at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. He was a member of Local Labor Union 1170 of Baton Rouge and a retired farmer. Mr. Guillory was also a member of St. Ann Catholic Church for over 55 years. Survivors include: his wife, Mary Leger Guillory of Swords; three daughters, Mrs. Louberta Guillory Trail of Port Arthur, Texas, Mrs. Rose (Herbert) Papillion and Mrs. Gloria (Ralph) Sonnier, both of Swords; and a granddaughter, Mrs. Helen (Lawrence) Bellow-Rene' of Pitreville. Mr. Guillory was preceded in death by his mother, Estella Brooks; two daughters, Mary Ruby Guillory Bellow and Mary Evella Guillory Leday; a son, Milton Guillory Jr.; and a sister, Bertha Malbrough. Visiting hours will be observed from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday in St. Ann Catholic Church in Mallet. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Rosita Guidry Funeral services for Mrs. Adam (Rosita) Guidry are incomplete at this time. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements. Shawn Savant Funeral services for Mr. Shawn Savant, 29, are incomplete at this time. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Eva Tillman Graveside services for Miss Eva Margaret Tillman, 81, will be held at 4 p.m. today in Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas. Dr. Spiller Milton will conduct the services. Miss Tillman, a resident of Franklin formerly of Sunset and Lafayette, died at 9:05 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2000, in Franklin Nursing Home in Franklin. She was the loving daughter of the late Walter J. Tillman and Augusta Schumacher Tillman. Miss Tillman was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and raised in Bunkie then lived most of her adult life in Sunset and Lafayette. She retired from the St. Landry Parish School System. Miss Tillman was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lafayette, the Lorraine Chapter of the Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron and other officers, a life member of the Fidelity Chapter and a member of the D.A.R. Survivors include: a sister, Sara A. Tillman of Wilmington, Del.; and a close cousin, Mrs. June Tillman Stevens of Franklin. Miss Tillman was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Rae Elizabeth Tillman. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Road in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Gearlyn Wilkins Funeral services for Ms. Gearlyn Wilkins are incomplete at this time. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Wednesday -- May 24, 2000 OBITUARIES Ewell Allison, John Futral, Sr., Kim Ridout, Virgie Williams. Ewell Allison EUNICE - Funeral services for Mr. Ewell "Uncle-U" Allison, 84, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Mathilda Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Frank Brothers Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. John Futral Sr. Funeral services for Mr. John E. Futral Sr., 92, are incomplete at this time. Sibille Funeral Home of Port Barre is in charge of arrangements. Kim Ridout EUNICE - Funeral services for Mrs. Kim Deaville Ridout, 28, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in St. Anthony Catholic Church here with burial in St. Paul Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Virgie Williams EUNICE - Funeral services for Ms. Virgie Williams, 83, were held at 10 a.m. today in Quirk & Son Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Liberty Cemetery in Elton. Quirk & Son Funeral Home of Eunice was in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Thursday -- May 25, 2000 Obituaries Katie Babineaux, Effie Boudreaux, Ferdie Brasseux Sr., Charles Darjean, Tracy Frank, John Futral Sr., Valentine Guillory, Rayfield Jackson Jr., Dorothy Olivier, Shawn Savant, Isom Soileau, Marlon Thomas, Gearlyn Wilkins. Katie Babineaux Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, in Lafayette Memorial Park Babyland for Katie Elizabeth Babineaux, who died Friday, May 5, 2000, in Women's and Children's Hospital in Lafayette. The Rev. Keith DeRouen, pastor of The Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist, conducted the services. Katie was the infant daughter of Ernest James Babineaux and the former Sally Ann Long of Arnaudville. Survivors include: her parents, Ernest and Sally Long Babineaux; her maternal grandparents, Paul and Marilyn Long of Lafayette; her paternal grandmother, Edna Babineaux of Arnaudville; and her maternal great-grandparents, Eldora Graser "Minnie" McHenry and Heloise Picard Belsome of Lafayette. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, was in charge of arrangements. Effie Boudreaux MELVILLE - Funeral services for Mrs. Geneus "Blue" Boudreaux, the former Effie Londerno, 76, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the First Pentecostal Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Ray Majors will conduct the services. Mrs. Boudreaux, a resident of Melville, died at 3:29 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. She was a housewife. Mrs. Boudreaux was a loving wife, mother and wonderful Saint of God. Survivors include: a son, Clayton Boudreaux and wife Augie of Melville; three daughters, Ruby Bertrand and husband David (Dave), Caroline Ansley and husband Richard (Ricky) and Brenda Frame and husband Jules Jr. (Junior), all of Melville; a brother, Burke Londerno and wife Bertha of Melville; 11 grandchildren, Gwen Frame, Randall Ansley, Shandy Dodge, Alicia Sparks, Tricia Frame, Sharla Johnson, Travis Frame, Genie Boudreaux, Jordon Boudreaux, Alexis Boudreaux and Shane Naquin; and eight great-grandchildren, Waylon Frame, Brady Frame, Landon and Brett Ansley, Rikki Dodge, Blaine and Dakota Sparks and Taylor Johnston. Mrs. Boudreaux was preceded in death by her husband, Geneus (Blue) Boudreaux; three brothers, Taylor, Mack and Willard Londerno; and three sisters, Roberta Naquin, Eura Murray and Lula Fontenot. Visiting hours will be observed from 3 to 11 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Friday until time of services in the First Pentecostal Church of Melville. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Melville is in charge of arrangements. Ferdie Brasseux Sr. Funeral services for Mr. Ferdie Brasseux Sr., 80, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in Bellevue Memorial Park. The Rev. Jeff DeBlanc, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, will conduct the services. Mr. Brasseux, a native of Lawtell and a resident of Opelousas, died at 1:30 a.m. today (Thursday, May 25, 2000) in Senior Village Nursing Home in Opelousas. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, having obtained rank of 3rd Degree Knight, Veteran of Foreign War Post #2483, American Legion Post 45 for over 47 years, Usher Society for 50 years, and was serving as president of Ushers since 1968. He was a veteran of the military having served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Survivors include: his wife, Lydia Kady Brasseux of Opelousas; two sons, Henry Lee Brasseux and Ferdie Brasseux Jr. and his wife Ann, all of Opelousas; a daughter, Betty B. Young of Chataignier; eight grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and four brothers, Ray Brasseux and his wife Mable of Scott, Wills Brasseux, James Brasseux and Lionel Brasseux, all of Opelousas. Mr. Brasseux was preceded in death by his parents, Willie "Bill" Brasseux and the former Victoria Guilbeau; a sister, Lizo B. Darbonne; and two brothers, Paul Brasseux Sr. and Elrick Brasseux. Visiting hours will be observed from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. Saturday until time of services in Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Hwy. in Opelousas. Melancon Funeral Home of Carencro is in charge of arrangements. Charles Darjean LAWTELL - Funeral services for Mr. Charles Daniel Darjean, 55, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Holy Family Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Jude Mary Obiechina, CMF, will conduct the services. Mr. Darjean died at 1:24 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. He was a Social Studies teacher for 26 years in the St. Landry Parish School System. Mr. Darjean was a member of the Air Force and Army Reserve and the Knights of Peter Claver. He served on the Lawtell District Board. Survivors include: his wife, Louthra Lavergne Darjean of Lawtell; two daughters, Cynthia Darjean and Shelia Darjean, both of Lawtell; three brothers, Herbert Darjean of Houston, Texas, Randolph Darjean and Rodney Darjean, both of Opelousas; and three sisters, Olivia Darjean, Geraldine Pierre-Auguste and Lauris Jordan, all of Opelousas. He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mr. Darjean was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Vertie Darjean; a brother, Dallas Darjean; and two sisters, Bertha Darjean Bihm and Brenda Darjean White. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Tracy Frank VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Ms. Tracy Ann Frank, 34, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Matthew Baptist Church here with burial in Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery in Tate Cove. The Rev. Freddie Durgin will conduct the services. Ms. Frank, a resident of Ville Platte, died Saturday, May 20, 2000, in Huey P. Long Hospital in Pineville. Survivors include: five brothers, Willie Frank, Micheal Frank and Hillman Frank, all of Ville Platte, Willman Frank of Alexandria and Elmo Frank of Bunkie; and three sisters, Pricilla Fontenot and Alice William, both of Ville Platte, and Carol Denton of Lafayette. A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in Owens-Thomas Funeral Home in Ville Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. John Futral Sr. Memorial services are pending at this time for longtime resident of Port Barre John Edward Futral Sr. Mr. Futral died at 3 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital of Opelousas at the age of 92, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Futral is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Faune Ruppe, originally of Oakley, Kans. The couple resided at their ancestral home on Bayou Courtableau for 51 years. They are the parents of two children, John Futral Jr., and wife Lillie, of Baton Rouge, and Ellyn Ponton, and husband Charley, of Fort Worth, Texas. He is further survived by two grandchildren, Allan Futral, and wife Candace, of Walker and Michelle Futral of Baton Rouge. He was further blessed with two great-grandchildren, Brett and Devin Futral of Walker, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Captain Sam Futral and Gertrude Dodd Futral. He was further preceded in death by six siblings, Merrell Futral, Gertrude Futral Graves, Alice Futral Land, Grace Futral Shoemaker, Florence Futral Hidalgo and Ethel Futral Robert. Mr. Futral was a Civil Engineering graduate of L.S.U. in Baton Rouge, class of 1934. He was an instructor at T.H. Harris Community College and was very instrumental in developing the Civil Engineering Program. Mr. Futral authored the textbook used in conjunction with the program which was used for a number of years at the college. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a longstanding member of Humble Cottage Lodge No. 19 of Opelousas and Scottish Rite Consistory of El Paso, Texas. Mr. Futral was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Port Barre. The Futral family requests donations be directed to either the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. Sibille Funeral Home of Port Barre is in charge of arrangements. Valentine Guillory MALLET - Funeral services for Mrs. Valentine G. Guillory, 80, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Ann Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Denis Osuagwu will conduct the services. Mrs. Guillory died at 9:40 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital of Opelousas. Survivors include: her husband, Ernest Guillory Sr. of Lawtell; two daughters, Gerry Dargin of Lake Charles and Elaine Bishop of Missouri City, Texas; four sons, Hilbert Guillory of Hephzibah, Calif., Ernest Guillory Jr. of Paris, France, Peter Guillory of Holland, Mich., and Donald Guillory of Madison, MS; a brother, Felix Guillory of Lake Charles; two sisters, Gloria Santiego of New Orleans and Walterine Slack of Los Angeles, Calif.; 25 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Guillory was preceded in death by three children, Rebecca Guillory, Hilton and Gerard Guillory. Visiting hours will be observed from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Ann Catholic Church in Mallet. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Rayfield Jackson Jr. GRAND PRAIRIE - Funeral services for Mr. Rayfield Jackson Jr., 49, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in True Vine Baptist Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. L.T. Thomas will conduct the services. Mr. Jackson died at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2000, in Shreveport. Survivors include: three sons, Rayfield Jackson III of Opelousas, Wilton Jackson of Mamou and Milton Jackson of Houston, Texas; a daughter, Lori Ann Jackson of Eunice; two brothers, Joseph Lionel Jackson of Fort Polk and Lionel Jackson of Lake Charles; ten sisters, Burnerdean J. Malveaux, Mursey Lee Colston, Merline Minor, Joyce Marie Carrier, Mavray J. Malveaux, Reaethel Arvie, Loretta Collins and Junelle Jackson, all of Opelousas, Rose Lee Young of Houston, Texas, and Jessie Lee Gibbs of Lake Charles; and seven grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn four brothers-in-law, Vanyard Young Sr., Willery Arvie II, Milton Collins and Dwight Carrier; a sister-in-law, Amy White Jackson of Opelousas; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mr. Jackson was preceded in death by his parents, Rayfield Jr. and Christina Thomas Jackson; and a brother, Mayfield Jackson. Visiting hours were observed from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday in True Vine Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Dorothy Olivier VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy "Dot" Mae Fontenot Olivier, 67, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Ardoin's Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Shawn Savant Funeral services for Mr. Shawn Christopher Batiste Savant, 29, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas with burial in Garden of Memory. The Rev. Nolan Arvie, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Opelousas, will conduct the services. Mr. Savant, a resident of Opelousas and a native of Lafayette, died Friday, May 19, 2000, in Lake Charles. He was a member of Refuge Temple Church of Lake Charles. Survivors include: his father, Merlin Stevens of Opelousas; his mother, Mrs. Sandra Gail Savant of Lake Charles; his special friend, Romania F. Ceasar of Lake Charles; three daughters, Crystal and Jada Savant and Latricia Hunt Savant, all of Opelousas; two brothers, Sterling Stevens and William Savant, both of Opelousas; two sisters, Tonia Stevens and Gloria Savant, both of Opelousas; and a host of relatives and friends. Mr. Savant was preceded in death by his adopted father, William Savant; his maternal grandparents, Hebert Batiste and Vernice Rideaux; and his paternal grandmother, Rita Stevens. A wake will be held from 8 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. Isom Soileau VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mr. Isom Soileau, 80, were held at 1:30 p.m. today in Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church here with burial in Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements. Marlon Thomas PLAISANCE - Funeral services for Mr. Marlon Dale Vincent Thomas, 22, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Mohorn Baptist Church here with burial at 10 a.m. Saturday in the church cemetery. The Rev. Melvin Jackson, pastor of Mohorn Baptist Church, will conduct the services. Mr. Thomas, a native and resident of Opelousas, died Friday, May 19, 2000, in Opelousas. He was a member of Mohorn Baptist Church in Plaisance. Survivors include: his mother, Cora Lou Thomas of Houston, Texas; his mother/aunt, Pearl Johnson; three brothers, Tony Johnson of Houston, Texas, Kermit Thomas (Debra) of Plaisance and Solomon Thomas Jr. (Valfie) of Baton Rouge; five sisters, Becky Thomas, Melissa Saulter (Roman), Mary Frilot (Henry) and Sharon Guidry (Jeffery), all of Houston, Texas, and Grace Garnier (Thomas) of Atlanta, Ga.; four nephews; one niece; his best friends, Corey Jones, Tagshuwa Washington, Ebony Motte and Lawrence Robinson; and a host of relatives and friends. Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by Solomon Thomas Sr. A wake will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Friday in Ford and Joseph Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas and from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in Mohorn Baptist Church in Plaisance. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Gearlyn Wilkins CROWLEY - Funeral services for Gearlyn Wilkins, 46, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Israelite Baptist Church here with burial in West Crowley Cemetery. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Friday -- May 26, 2000 OBITUARIES Jackie Mistrot, Gloria Neucere, Catherine Smith, Mary Voitier. Jackie Mistrot Funeral services for Mrs. Jackie Stoute Mistrot, 88, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery. Mrs. Mistrot, a resident of Opelousas, died at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2000, in Senior Village Nursing Home in Opelousas. Survivors include: a son, Joseph A. Mistrot Jr. and wife Mary of Opelousas; two daughters, Patsy Toussel and husband Jimmy of Opelousas and Melba Brou and husband Jimmy of Ville Platte; 13 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Mistrot was preceded in death by her husband Joe Mistrot Sr.; and a daughter, JoAnn Chachere. Visiting hours will be observed from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Saturday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Gloria Neucere CARENCRO - Funeral services for Mrs. Gloria Deany Landry Neucere, 53, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel here with burial in Evangeline Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Msgr. Charles Mallet will conduct the services. Musical selections will be provided by Tony Broussard. The songs will be Amazing Grace, My Shepherd Is The Lord, On Eagles Wings and Hail Mary. Mrs. Neucere, a native of Arnaudville and a resident of Bristol/Sunset area all of her life, died at 2:25 a.m. Thursday, May 25, 2000, at her residence in Bristol, after fighting a lengthy battle with kidney cancer. She was a parishioner of St. John Berchman Catholic Church and the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary Post #5153. Mrs. Neucere had been employed at Stullers Settings in Lafayette for five years. Survivors include: her husband, Ellis R. Neurcere of Bristol; two daughters, Shelly Dautreuil and her husband, Mitch, and Tricia Menefee and her husband, Rusty, all of Duson; two grandchildren, Mitchell Dautreuil Jr. and Taylor Dautreuil, both of Duson; her parents, Chester Landry and Annie Patin Landry of Bristol; and two brothers, Patrick Landry and his wife, Betty, of Carencro, and Kert Landry and his wife Earline, of Mire. Mrs. Neucere was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Landry; her maternal grandfather, Gilbert Patin; her maternal grandmother, Sophie Guilbeau Patin; her paternal grandfather, Villior Landry; and her paternal grandmother, Celeste Comeaux Landry. Memorial contributions in the name of Gloria "Deany Landry" Neucere may be made to Hospice of Acadiana, Inc., 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, La. 70503. Pallbearers will be Danny Landry, Stacey Landry, Bryan Landry, Mitch Landry, Mitch Dautreuil, Rusty Menefee and Chad Neucere. The family wishes to express their thanks to Hospice of Acadiana, Dr. Joseph Brierre, Eric Buller, P.A., and the staff at Louisiana Oncology Center, for their caring serving provided. Visiting hours will be observed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Saturday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Melancon Funeral Home, Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4117 North University Avenue, Carencro is in charge of arrangements. Catherine Smith Funeral services for Ms. Catherine Marie Smith, 44, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. Mary Voitier CHURCH POINT - Funeral services for Mary Frances Horecky Voitier, 74, has been tentatively set for 11 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church here. Mrs. Voitier was born December 8, 1925, and died May 25, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital of Opelousas. She was a lifelong resident of Church Point. She graduated from St. Mary's College in South Bend, Ind., and was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters and a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. Mrs. Voitier was a member of the Board of the Acadia-St. Landry Hospital and was the first woman elected to the Board of Farmer's State Bank & Trust Co., a position she held until her death. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Indian Hills Ladies Golf Association. Among the many honors attained throughout her life, Mrs. Voitier served as the first queen of the Yambilee Festival in St. Landry Parish and as the Grand Marshal of the Buggy Festival in Acadia Parish. Mrs. Voitier is survived by nine children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren; and a sister. Her children are Robert Voitier Jr. and his wife Vicki, Mary Beth Tolson and her husband Mark, Paul Albert Voitier, William Voitier and his wife Susan, Richard Voitier, Ann Voitier, Margaret Fulkerson, Stephen Voitier and his wife Jackie, and Roy Voitier and his wife Maureen. Her grandchildren are Martial David, Matthew Lauren, Caroline, Mary Elise, Lizzie, Jim, W.J., Ben, Joseph, Mary Katherine, Madeline, Kate and Jacob Voitier, Robert Roy and John Funderburk, and Michael, Jennifer and Sam Fulkerson. Her sister is Theresa Clair Burleigh. She was preceded in death by her husband, M. Robert Voitier Sr.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. Roy Horecky ; and her brother, Albert Roy Horecky. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Acadiana Multiple Sclerosis Center in Lafayette. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Sunday -- May 28, 2000 Obits Agnes Barzare MAMOU - Funeral services for Ms. Agnes Barzare, 80, were held at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Ann's Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. Quirk & Son Funeral Home of Eunice was in charge of arrangements. Kevin Barzare EUNICE-Funeral Services for Mr. Kevin Barzare, 29, will be held at 11 a. m. Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church here with burial in the St. Paul Mausoleum in Eunice. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Clarence Joseph Fontenot EUNICE-Funeral services for Mr. Clarence Joseph Fontenot will be held Wednesday, May 31 at St. Mathilda Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The time of service is pending. The Rev. Alexander will conduct the services. Mr. Fontenot died at 7 p. m. Tuesday, May 30 at the Eunice Community Medical Center. Survivors include: his wife, Geogiana Fontenot of Eunice, two daughters, Lavell Guidry of San Antonio and Henrietta Stewart of Jacksonville, Fla.; one step-daughter, Cassandra Sykes; two sons, Patrick J. Fontenot or Prairieville, and Mark K. Fontenot of Eunice; one sister, Jean Lewis of Eunice; and 15 grandchildren. A rosary will be recited at 7 p. m. Tuesday. A wake will be held Tuesday, May 30 at Bishop Caesar Hall in Eunice. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Donald Lafleur VILLE PLATTE-Funeral services for Mr. Donald Lafleur, 56, will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Chruch in here with burial in the Mt. Pilgrim B. C. Cemetery in Tate Cove. The Rev. Eradly Ben Sr. will conduct the services. Survivors include: his wife Annie Ben Lafleur of Ville Platte; three sons, Thomas J. Lafleur of Escondeido, Calif., Donald O. Lafleur and Anthony J. Lafleur both of Ville Platte; and three brothers, Earnest Lafleur and Elton Lafleur of Ville Platte, and Wilbert Lafleur Sr. of Houston Texas; seven sisters, Marjorie Guillory and Octavia Edwards both of Ville Platte, Mildred Lafleur and Loula M. Doucet of Lake Charles, and Ophilia Wilson, Olivia Anderson and Lily M. Allen all of Houston, Texas. Jamie May LAFAYETTE-Funeral services for Mr. Jamie May, 26, will be held at 10 a. m. today in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille Funeral Home here with burial in the Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery. Mr. Jody Jagneaux and Mr. Dennis May will conduct the services. Mr. May died Friday, May 26 at 9:30 a. m. in Lafayette General Medical Center. He was a native of Massilon, Ohio and a resident of Lafayette for 8 years. Mr. May was the manager of Dugas Auto Parts in Melville, LA. Survivors include one son, Austin May; his father and step-mother, Orel and Judy May; his mother and step father, Arlene and Alex Dugas; three sisters, April May, Leslie May and Robin Downing; one brother, Orel Dennis May Jr.; five step-sisters, Kathy Jagneaux, Cassandra Trahan, Melanie Jaramillo, Gena Ruth McQuillen and Lisa Sonnier; one step-brother, Dickie Lee Dugas; and his paternal grandmother, Maudie May. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Clovis May, his maternal grandparents, Eules Susie Jones and his step-father, Gene McQuillen. Visiting hours will be observed from 11 a. m. to 10 p. m. Saturday and from 8 a. m. until the time of services on Sunday. Martin and Castille Funeral Home Inc. of Lafayette is in charge of arrangements. Paul Mayeux VILLE PLATTE-Funeral services for Mr. Paul Mayeux, 73, will be held at 10 a. m. Monday at Our Lady Queen of All Saints here with burial in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Mr. Mayeux died at 10:18 a. m. at his residence in Ville Platte following a long illness. He was a deacon for our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church and was ordained in 1973. Survivors include: his wife, Gertie Pratt Mayeux of Ville Platte, five sons, Michael Philip Mayeux of Scott, Stephen Paul Mayeux of Grand Prairie, John Edward Mayeux of Ville Platte, Gilbert Andrew Mayeux, Peter Damian Mayeux both of Lafayette. Katheryn Hollier of Kinder, and Rose Mary Miller of Scott, Angela Rozas of Ville Platte, Kateri Manuel of Ricohoc, Adrienne Ebrahim of Houston, and Gemma Miller of Ville Platte; 32 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Joseph Francis Mayeux. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital or to Hospice of St. Landry. A rosary will be recited at 7 p. m. today. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Remi Sonnier EUNICE-Funeral services for Mr. Remi Sonnier, 83, will be at 1 p. m. Saturday, May 27, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church here with burial in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Quirk and Son Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements. Dominic Earl Venable CHURCH POINT-Funeral services for Mr. Dominic Earl Venable, 84, will be held at 1 p. m today at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Catholic Church here, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Venable was a resident of Lawtell and a retired farmer. He died at 3:45 p. m. May 26, at Acadia/St. Landry Guest Home. Deacon Jim Cormier will conduct the services. Survivors include his sister, Ruby Mayers of Metairie and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral home was open for visitation Saturday from 4 p. m. to 10 p. m. and it reopened this morning at from 9 a. m. until the time of service. A rosary was said at 7 p. m. Saturday. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point was in charge of the arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Monday -- May 29, 2000 OBITUARIES Maxie Rae Deville, Thelma Ortego, Ella Stermer. Maxie Rae Deville VILLE PLATTE - Memorial services for Mrs. Maxie Rae Ortego Deville, 60, were held at 8 a.m. today in Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church here. Mrs. Deville, a resident of Ville Platte, died Saturday, May 27, 2000, at her residence. Survivors include: her husband, E.J. Deville of Ville Platte; four sons, Dirk Deville, Darren Deville, Jeff Deville and Corey Deville, all of Ville Platte; three daughters, Lissette Broussard of Lafayette, Patchie Deville of Baton Rouge and Arianne Deville of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; two sisters, Faith Hamilton of Opelousas and Christine Ortego of Oberlin; and two grandchildren, Jim and Erin Deville, both of Ville Platte. Mrs. Deville was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Ortego. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements. Thelma Ortego Funeral services for Ms. Thelma Ortego are incomplete at this time. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Ella Stermer KROTZ SPRINGS - Funeral services for Mrs. Johnell Stermer, the former Ella Mae Dupuis, 74, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the 1st Baptist Church here with burial in the Baptist Cemetery. Mrs. Stermer, a resident of Krotz Springs, died Sunday, May 28, 2000, in Opelousas General Hospital. She was a housewife. Survivors include: her husband, Johnell Stermer of Krotz Springs; three sons, Chester O'Connor Jr. of Port Barre, Johnny O'Connor of Eunice and Alvin Patrick O'Connor of Krotz Springs; nine daughters, Mary Lucille Devillier, Roma Gail Duvall, Rose West, Darline Barker and Genever Hudson, all of Krotz Springs, Charlene O'Connor and Elvina Mire, both of Melville, Magleeen LeJeune of Marganium and Mona Lisa Pierce of Holly Beach; a sister, Pricella LaHaye of Krotz Springs; a brother, Erving Dupuis of Jonesville; 37 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Stermer was preceded in death by her parents, Forest and Phileman Thibodeaux Dupuis; and a son, Kermit Joseph O'Connor. Visiting hours will be observed from 4 to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Tuesday until time of services. Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Krotz Springs is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Tuesday -- May 30, 2000 OBITUARIES Clarence Fontenot, Leeman Freeman, Pearl Miller, Alcina Morein, Thelma Ortego, Jean Voitier. Clarence Fontenot EUNICE - Funeral services for Mr. Clarence Joseph Fontenot, 58, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Mathilda Catholic Church here with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Alexander will conduct the services. Mr. Fontenot, a resident of Eunice, died Thursday, May 25, 2000, in the Eunice Community Medical Center. Survivors include: his former wife, Georgiana Fontenot of Eunice; two daughters, Lavell Guidry of San Antonio, Texas, and Henrietta Stewart of Jacksonville, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Cassandra Sykes; two sons, Patrick J. Fontenot of Prairieville and Mark K. Fontenot of Eunice; a sister, Jean Lewis of Eunice; and 15 grandchildren. A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. today in the Bishop Ceasar Hall in Eunice. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Owens-Thomas Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Leeman Freeman Funeral services for Mr. Leeman Freeman, 68, are incomplete at this time. Williams Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Pearl Miller EUNICE - Funeral services for Ms. Pearl Miller, 84, were held at 2 p.m. today in Quirk & Son Funeral Home Chapel here with burial in St. Paul Mausoleum. Quirk & Son Funeral Home of Eunice was in charge of arrangements. Alcina Morein VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mrs. Alcina Ledoux Morein, 91, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church here with burial in Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Thelma Ortego VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Mrs. Thelma Fontenot Ortego, 79, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church here with burial in Evangeline Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Ortego, a resident of Ville Platte, died at 6:26 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2000, in Ville Platte Medical Center. Survivors include: two sons, David Ortego of Ville Platte and Todd Ortego of Eunice; a daughter, Jinver Ortego Soileau of Ville Platte; ten grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be observed from 10 a.m. Wednesday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ville Platte. LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements. Jean Voitier CHURCH POINT - Funeral services for Mary Frances Jean Horecky Voitier, 74, were held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church here. Mrs. Voitier was born December 8, 1925, and died May 25, 2000, in Doctors' Hospital of Opelousas. She was a lifelong resident of Church Point. She graduated from St. Mary's College in South Bend, Ind., and was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters and a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. Mrs. Voitier was a member of the Board of the Acadia-St. Landry Hospital and was the first woman elected to the Board of Farmer's State Bank & Trust Co., a position she held until her death. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Indian Hills Ladies Golf Association. Among the many honors attained throughout her life, Mrs. Voitier served as the first queen of the Yambilee Festival in St. Landry Parish and as the Grand Marshal of the Buggy Festival in Acadia Parish. Mrs. Voitier is survived by nine children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren; and a sister. Her children are Robert Voitier Jr. and his wife Vicki, Mary Beth Tolson and her husband Mark, Paul Albert Voitier, William Voitier and his wife Susan, Richard Voitier, Ann Voitier, Margaret Fulkerson, Stephen Voitier and his wife Jackie, and Roy Voitier and his wife Maureen. Her grandchildren are Martial David, Matthew Lauren, Caroline, Mary Elise, Lizzie, Jim, W.J., Ben, Joseph, Mary Katherine, Madeline, Kate and Jacob Voitier, Robert Roy and John Funderburk, and Michael, Jennifer and Sam Fulkerson. Her sister is Theresa Clair Burleigh. She was preceded in death by her husband, M. Robert Voitier Sr.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. Roy Horecky ; and her brother, Albert Roy Horecky. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Acadiana Multiple Sclerosis Center in Lafayette. Guidry Funeral Home of Church Point was in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ Wednesday -- May 31, 2000 OBITUARIES Catherine Smith Catherine Smith Funeral services for Ms. Catherine "Cathy" Smith, 44, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas with burial in St. Landry Cemetery. The Rev. Malcolm O'Leary will conduct the services. Ms. Smith died at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, May 25, 2000, at her mother's residence. Survivors include: her mother, Mrs. Dorothy Stoute Smith of Opelousas; her father, Allen Smith of Baton Rouge; three brothers, Roderick Smith of Opelousas, Don Juan Smith of Mississippi and Patrick Stoute of Houston, Texas; and three sisters, Lisa Lazard of Opelousas, Phyllis Smith of Baton Rouge and Cassandra Smith King of Orange, Texas. She also leaves to mourn her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred (Mildred) Stoute of Opelousas; her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary Bob Edmond of Opelousas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ms. Smith was preceded in death by a brother, Renwick Smith; a sister-in-law, Peggy Smith; and her paternal grandfather, Sidney Edmond. Visiting hours will be observed from 8 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday in Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, which is in charge of arrangements. ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................