Obituary Archive
Mary Ena Caswell Stroderd (08-20-2008)
IOTA – Funeral services for Mary Ena Caswell Stroderd, 93, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, in St. Jules Catholic Church in Petit Mamou with Fr. Ted Broussard officiating.
Burial will be in St. Jules Cemetery under the direction of Gessey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Iota.
Visitation will be held from 2:30-9 p.m. on Thursday and will continue from 8 a.m. until the time of services on Friday. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Thursday.
Mrs. Stroderd died on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.
Mrs. Stroderd is survived by five sons, Herman (Mildred) Stroderd of Baton Rouge, Allen (Joan) and Joseph Stroderd of Basile, Winston (Beverly) Stroderd of Broussard and Henry Stroderd of Alexandria; two daughters, Ruth (Ronald) Pousson of Egan and Barbara (John) Hoffpauir of Lafayette; four sisters, Lilly Young and Elrine Belfour, both of Eunice, Imae Seilhan of Crowley and Beatrice Doucet of Iota; two brothers, Viel and Elvin Caswell, both of Eunice; 27 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elson Stroderd Sr.; her parents, Elice and Loricia Bertrand Caswell; three sons, Edison, Patrick, and Thomas Stroderd; a daughter, Debora Stroderd; a sister, Eve Caswell; and a grandson, Daimon Stroderd.
Friends may express their condolences at www.geesey-ferguson.com
Seth Allen Guidry (08-19-2008)
Funeral services for Mr. Seth Allen Guidry, 23, will be held at 11 a.m. today, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008 in the Miguez Funeral Home Chapel in Jennings with Brother James Cormier officiating.
Burial will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings.
Visitation was held on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. and today, Sunday from 8 a.m. until the time of services
Mr. Guidry died at 6:42 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008 in the Jennings American Legion Hospital.
He was a native of Lafayette and resident of Jennings. Mr. Guidry was employed by JimBill Disposal Company. He loved to spend time and party with his family and friends.
Mr. Guidry is survived by his mother, Angela Kim Cormier of Jennings; his father Antoine Roy Guidry of Lafayette; maternal grandmother, Elaine Benoit of Lake Arthur; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Guidry of Basile; stepmother, Toni Fontenot of Ville Platte; five sisters, Wava Amelia Guidry of Lake Arthur, Nichole Lynette Cormier of Idaho, and Jennifer Bensinger, Dorothy Renee Bensinger and Danielle Fontenot, all of Ville Platte; one brother, Antoine Bensinger; two nieces; and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Webster Cormier; and his paternal grandfather, Blackie Guidry.
Pallbearers will be Randall Reed, Ronald (T-Ron) Fontenot, Mason Adams, Manson Adams, Jerome Lewis and Antoine Bensinger. Honorary Pallbearers will be William Jody Langley and Josh Chaisson.
Velma Marie Thibodeaux (08-19-2008)
Funeral services for Velma Marie Thibodeaux, 78, will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, in Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church with Fr. Charles McMillin officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Jennings, under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 2:30-9 p.m. on Monday and will continue from 8 a.m. until the time of services on Tuesday. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Monday.
Mrs. Thibodeaux died at 10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at Jennings Guest House.
Wilton A. LeBlanc (08-19-2008)
Funeral services for Mr. Wilton Aristille LeBlanc, 86, were held at 10 a.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Broussard, with Reverend Keith Landry officiating.
Burial was at 1:30 p.m. in St. Paul Mausoleum in Elton under the direction of Delhomme Funeral Home of Broussard.
Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. Monday and continued from 8 a.m. until time of services today. A rosary, led by Rev. Keith Landry, was recited at 7 p.m. Monday.
Mr. LeBlanc passed away at his residence.
A resident of Lafayette, he was the son of the late Rudolph LeBlanc of Elton and the former Susan Marcantel of Jennings. Wilton served in the U.S. Army during World War II and retired after 36 years with Sun Oil Company. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Meriam Guillory LeBlanc; three sons and their spouses, Ronnie W. LeBlanc and Joann D., Dennis, S. LeBlanc and Sandra L. and Tommy R. LeBlanc and Belinda D.; six grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Bergeron.
He was preceded in death by his two infant children, Anna and Joseph LeBlanc; his parents; and six brothers.
Pallbearers were Ronnie LeBlanc, Dennis LeBlanc, Tommy LeBlanc, Adam LeBlanc, Erik LeBlanc and Floyd Soileau.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Ste. 200, Lafayette LA 70503 or to the charity of your choice.
Personal condolences may be sent to the LeBlanc family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Velma Crochet Thibodeaux (08-19-2008)
Funeral services for Velma Crochet Thibodeaux, 78, will be held at 10 a.m., today, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church with Father Charles McMillan officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home.
Visitation was held from 2:30-9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008 and continued from 8 a.m. today until time of services.
A rosary was recited on Monday, Aug. 19, 2008.
Mrs. Thibodeaux died at 10 p.m., Aug. 15, 2008 at the Jennings Guest House.
She was born in Jennings to Telesma and Genevive Trahan Daigle. Mrs. Thibodeaux was a homemaker. She enjoyed dancing and listening to Cajun and country music.
Survivors include her son, Gerald Crochet of Jennings; two daughters, Connie Istre of Sulphur and Paula Moncla (Stephen) of Jennings; one sister, Betty Hebert of Jennings; and eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Roland and Herbert Daigle; one sister, Belva Fontenot; and one great grandson, Taylor Hebert.
Pallbearers will be Justin Crochet, Jamie Gary, Andrew Esthay, Larry Hebert, Tara Esthay and Brandy Gary. Honorary pallbearers will be Collin Moncla, Dylan Gary and Jordan Gist.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family by www.matthewsandson.net
Eugenia Fontenot (08-19-2008)
(Sept. 18, 1922-Aug. 18, 2008)
Funeral services for Eugenia Fontenot, 85, will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Elton with Father Marshall Boulet officiating.
Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in Elton under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 4-9 p.m. today, Tuesday and will continue at 8 a.m. Wednesday until time of services.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Mrs. Fontenot was a native and resident of Elton. She worked in the Air Force during WWII, was the secretary for Alvin Insurance Company, and substituted as a rural mail carrier. Mrs. Fontenot was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She also loved to sew and plant flowers.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Grady Fontenot of Elton; one son, Ronald J. Fontenot and wife, Mary, of Sulphur; one daughter, Charlotte Duplechain and husband, Archie, of Jennings; one brother, A.B. Langley of Elton; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Landry.
Edward T. Cassidy (08-14-2008)
Funeral services for Mr. Edward Thomas “Tom” Cassidy Jr., 82, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Jennings, with Msgr. Ronald Groth and Father Charles McMillin officiating.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Jennings.
Visitation will be held from 4-9 p.m. today, Thursday, and from 10 a.m. until time of services on Friday.
A rosary, led by Betty LeGros, Catholic Daughters and members of the Knights of Columbus, will be recited at 6 p.m., followed by a scripture service, led by Deacon Ed McNally, at 7 p.m. today.
Mr. Cassidy departed this life peacefully at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, at American Legion Hospital of Crowley following a courageous battle with cancer. He died in the comfort and presence of God, his wife, Shirley, and their children.
Tom was the eldest of five children born to Edward Thomas Cassidy Sr. and Della Lucille Fontenot Cassidy. He grew up in Jennings in the time of the Great Depression, during which he learned the value of a dollar and a hard day’s work. At 82 years of age, he could still turn a shovel and produce bountiful flower and vegetable gardens, a chore he learned in his youth and one that became a lifelong hobby and source of joy and accomplishment. Tom’s educational experience included a high school diploma from St. Joseph’s Seminary College in Covington and a Bachelor of Arts degree in both history and fine arts from Springhill College in Mobile, Ala. Between his years of schooling, Tom was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and served his country during World War II, where his ability to recite prayers and sing hymns in Latin earned him the privilege of serving as a chaplain’s assistant. He received an honorable discharge in 1947 and returned to Jennings to continue his civilian life. Shortly thereafter, he met a good-looking gal from Crowley who could turn heads as well as carry a tune and, on Oct. 25, 1952, he married Shirley Chambers. Their marriage, which produced seven children, grew in strength each year. This past year, they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. His life was filled with the love of family and friends and he loved nothing more than to visit and share life experiences among them. He was a free thinker who never tired of passing on the message of love and service to whomever would listen. Tom was very active in civic, charitable, church and professional organizations throughout his lifetime. Beginning in 1964, he served his community as a police juror, during which he was instrumental in getting a new courthouse built in the parish and, along with the late Gilbert Martin, personally planted many of the oak and Bradford pear trees that landscape the courthouse today. As chairman, he was successful in garnering sufficient public support for the Jeff Davis Parish Library. Tom has also been influential with the youth in the Jennings community, serving for many years as a Little League baseball coach and a member of the Boy Scouts of America Parish Committee. In 1975, he helped reorganize and served as captain of the Jennings Quarterback Club. He assisted in the formation of a new organization to promote recreation, education and tourism in Jennings, whose efforts culminated in the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park and Museum Authority. As chairman of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park, he was instrumental in the creation of the park facility presently located on Interstate 10, which provides a recreational spot for the community, as well as a tourist stop for travelers. As a veteran of World War II, Tom was a member of the James O. Hall American Legion Post No. 19 for over 50 years. He served as an executive member of the Chamber of Commerce and, in 2003, he received the Jennings-McComb Award, Jennings’ highest distinction, which recognized him as an outstanding citizen who has made a significant impact on our community during his lifetime by exhibiting outstanding leadership in both business and community service. For these same reasons, Tom was also honored with the Local Legend Award the following year.
He was tireless in his efforts to serve his church, as well. Cassidy was a lifelong member of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish where, for many years, he served as trustee of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church and the OLI School Board. Tom served the parishioners of OLHC by teaching high school religion classes and RCIA. He further served for many years as a lector, a eucharistic minister and in the choir, in addition to ministering to the elderly and disabled in their homes and local hospitals. He attended the 11th Cursillo held at Prairie Rhonde. He was a proud Fourth Degree member of both the Jennings Council No. 2012 of the Knights of Columbus and the Msgr. Cramer’s Assembly Knights of Columbus. He would have celebrated his 64th year as a Fourth Degree Knight this year. In 1984, he was invested as a Knight in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, an order which supports the Catholic church in the Holy Land, in recognition of his continuous faithful service to the church. Through his activities in this order, he was honored with a promotion to its highest rank, that of Knight Grand Cross. He also served as chairperson of the Diocese of Lake Charles Finance Committee for 20 years through appointment from its first bishop, Bishop Jude Speyrer. Under the direction of the bishop, the Diocese of Lake Charles honored and bestowed upon him the title of Companion of Honor. He was named the Diocese of Lake Charles Citizen of the Year for 2002-03. Tom worked in the banking, insurance and real estate industries for most of his life. He was a field representative for Cravins and Dargan Insurance Company for over 20 years and, in 1971, he was elected senior vice-president and initial manager of the newly-formed Jennings branch of American Bank. He was owner and CEO of Ed Cassidy Insurance and Real Estate Agency, where he worked for many years alongside his father and brother and, later, several of his sons, until he retired. He loved boating, gardening and, unfortunately, yard work, where he taught his children that prayer and pulling weeds went hand-in-hand. Anyone who knew Tom knew him to be a loving, generous and gentle man. His wisdom and wit were a treasure and his gift to those with whom he came into contact.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Chambers Cassidy; one daughter, Constance Cassidy Anzalone (Chuck); five sons, Edward Thomas Cassidy III (Mari), Timothy Michael Cassidy Sr. (Debbie), Kenneth Patrick Cassidy (Julie), David Christian Cassidy and Patrick Quinten Cassidy (Donna); one sibling, his only sister, Patricia Cassidy Orgeron; 22 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Thomas Cassidy Sr.; his mother, Della Lucille Fontenot Cassidy; and one son, Kevin Christopher Cassidy.
Pallbearers will be his five surviving sons, Ted, Tim, Ken, Christian and Patrick Cassidy; and his son-in-law, Dr. Charles Anzalone.
Altar servers will be his grandson, Lane Anzalone; and his great-nephew, Randall Schmid.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the OLI Library and Jefferson Davis Parish Library.
Esther L. Doucet Newton (08-14-2008)
A mass of Christian burial for Mrs. Esther Lou Doucet Newton, 88, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Lafayette, with Rev. Michael Delcambre officiating.
Musical selections, scripture readings and offertory gifts will be presented by Mrs. Newton’s nieces and nephews, including her godchildren, Pam Domingue, Esther Trahan and Dr. Tommy Leger.
Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery in Lafayette under the direction of Martin and Castille Funeral Home of Lafayette.
Visitation will be held at the church at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
A rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Friday.
Mrs. Newton passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, at her residence in Lafayette.
Born Feb. 28, 1920, in Iota to Alphonse Noel Doucet and Ozea Seilhan Doucet, she received a nursing degree from Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. During this time, she met her future husband, Ellis Newton, a native of Coquille, Ore., who was serving in the military in the Alexandria area. Following their marriage, Esther and Ellis moved to Oregon, where she worked for many years in the Portland Hospital. Before retiring, she spent several years providing care to individuals with handicaps at the Fairview Training Center near Salem, Ore. She had a special affection for children with Down’s syndrome.
In 1978, Esther and Ellis moved to Lafayette, where they enjoyed many family gatherings together until Ellis’s death in 1993 after 50 years of marriage.
Although Mrs. Newton had no biological children of her own, she was a well-loved aunt to 14 nieces and nephews and many great and great great-nieces and nephews. An especially devoted niece, Miki Camel, was her “adopted” daughter and provided companionship and assistance until her death. Aunt Esther was the family confidante and enjoyed sharing a meal and a good cup of coffee. She will be remembered for visiting into the wee hours of the night and sleeping late in the morning. She enjoyed reading and watching sports on television, and her favorite food group was “chocolate.”
Survivors include two sisters, Mildred Doucet Stroderd and her husband, Wilbert, of Lafayette and Margaret Doucet Leger and her husband, Claude, of Jennings; a sister-in-law, Rena Delafosse Doucet of Eunice; and her nieces and nephews, Connie Stroderd Guillory of Houston, Texas, Pamela Stroderd Domingue of Abbeville, Patricia Stroderd Hebert, Ellen Stroderd Wills, Michela Stroderd Camel and Paul Stroderd, all of Lafayette, Esther Breaux Trahan of Crowley, Lavona Huesers Taylor, Molly Huesers Benoit, Stephen Huesers and Elizabeth Huesers Tate, all of Lake Charles, Dr. Thomas Leger of Jennings, Deborah Leger Boudreaux of Lake Charles and Mark Doucet of Eunice.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Newton was preceded in death by a brother, A.N. “Buddy” Doucet; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Sylvia D. and Floyd Huesers and Anna Lou D. and Harry Breaux; and one infant sister, Cecile Doucet.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Thomas Leger, Paul Stroderd, Stephen Huesers, Larry Trahan, Wayne Wills and Josh Camel.
Honorary pallbearers will be Wilbert Stroderd and Claude Leger.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Women’s Center of Lafayette, 1018 Harding Street Suite 102, Lafayette, LA 70503 or Southern Care Hospice, 109 Abigayle’s Road, Scott, LA 70583.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Rodney G. Blackwell (08-13-2008)
Rodney G. Blackwell was changed over from this world to his home in Heaven on Aug. 11, 2008, while surrounded by his loving family. In the end, cancer did not defeat him; rather it was the vehicle that carried him to his home in Heaven.
Rodney leaves a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ and the true joy that comes from a life as a Christ follower. As a young boy, Rodney asked Jesus to be his Savior yielding his own life to that of Christ’s desires. Based on God’s Word, the Bible, Rodney was promised eternal life in Heaven with his Savior the moment he asked Jesus to save him. From that moment, he lived every day for the purpose of fulfilling God’s will in his life and to please his Savior. In the last few months of his life, Rodney said that he was ready to go home to the Lord.
Rodney was born on Dec. 8, 1950, in Jennings, but spent much of his life in Moss Bluff. He served his country in the United States Navy from Dec. 31, 1969, until Dec. 4, 1973. Rodney was an active member of Moss Bluff Bible Church for 32 years and was a devoted and caring husband to Kathleen Blackwell for 35 years. Rodney worked at PPG Industries for 30 years where he was an electrical supervisor. Rodney became a licensed pilot in 1976 and he flew his private Cessna plane until his keen sense of adventure required him to build his own Kitfox two-seater.
Rodney Blackwell leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Kathleen Blackwell, whom he always respected and loved unconditionally. He also leaves behind three children, Rebecca Blackwell Ainsworth and her husband, Keith; Sara Blackwell Siegert and her husband, Simon; and Joseph Rodney Blackwell. All three children accepted Jesus as their Savior due to their father’s example and committed devotion to a life for Christ. Rodney was a patient and attentive father and will be remembered with joy. Rodney also left on this Earth three granddaughters, Kourtney Rose Ainsworth, Anna Maria Siegert, and Catalina Gale Siegert, who adored him and received from him an immense amount of love and attention. His memory will resonate in their lives through the lessons learned by their parents, Rodney’s children. Rodney was also survived by his parents, Bob and Lenora Blackwell and his sister, Myra Blackwell Comeaux and her husband, children and grandchildren. They have been proud of their son and brother for all of his many, many accomplishments.
Funeral services will be held on Aug. 14, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Moss Bluff Bible Church. Reverend Edmond Rose will officiate. Burial will be in Ritchie Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Visitation is open from 1-8 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2008, at Hixson’s Funeral Home in Moss Bluff.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.mem.com
