Larry Wayne Fruge

Larry Wayne Fruge, 68 of Lacassine passed away Nov. 9, 2018, in his residence surrounded by his wife of 44 years and loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John Catholic Church in Lacassine on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, at 11 a.m., with Father RoJo Koonathan and Father Roland Vaughn officiating.

Visitation was held at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Visitation resumed on Monday from 8 a.m. until time of service.

Burial followed in Lacassine Cemetery.

Larry was born on Nov. 15, 1949, to Henry and Mary Louise Fruge in Jennings and grew up in Lacassine. Shortly after graduation from Lacassine High School, he began attending McNeese State University, earning his bachelor of science degree in education and graduating in 1973. Shortly after graduation he was employed by Consolidated Aluminum Plant in Lake Charles as a laborer, quickly advancing his way to supervisor.

In February 1974, he married his beloved, Ramona, and with her love and support he continued up the ladder of success. In 1975, he accepted the position of shipping clerk and quality control technician for Farmers Rice Mill, shortly after accepting the promotion to rice buyer. They welcomed into their family two children, Mary Allison Fruge on Feb. 14, 1976, and Chrystal Angelle Fruge on May 21, 1980. He was again promoted to rough rice manager in 1995, holding the position until his retirement in 2014 after 39 years.

Larry was a dedicated family man, teacher, mentor and was proudly involved with many organizations throughout his life. He served as vice president of Lacassine Optimist Club, coached Little Dribblers, volunteered on Lacassine Fire Department, served as president and vice president of Lacassine PTA, and was a member of the McNeese Rodeo Club, McNeese Alumni, McNeese ROTC and was elected to represent Lacassine and Welsh on the Jeff Davis Parish School Board District 13, even enjoying one year playing semi-pro football for the Texas Hurricanes.

He had many diverse interests throughout his life, all revolving around teaching and mentoring. He loved hunting, body building, and TaeKwonDo. He owned and operated Fruges’ TaeKwonDo School in Iowa, was registered as a fourth-degree black belt in Seoul, South Korea, and in April 2017 he was awarded the title of Master Larry Fruge. His years of training earned him many honors, including; six-time Louisiana State Championship, two-time Texas State Championship, two-time Houston Invitation Championship, three-time Houston Open Championship and was nationally-ranked from 1990 to 1992. He served as a National TaeKwonDo Referee, vice president of Louisiana State TaeKwonDo Union and was a member of the World Martial Arts Congress for Education.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ramona; two daughters, Mary Allison (Eddie) Gary of Lacassine and Chrystal Angelle (Kyle) Bourgeios of Lacassine; one sister, Mellisa (Steve) David of Lake Charles; three grandchildren, Seth, Sawyer and Sydney Bourgeois; one uncle, John Ardoin; and one aunt, Margaret Gerard; as well as his grand dog, Bentley.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to express thanks to Dr. Ron Lewis and Dr. David Buttross, Tana White, April Cormier, Kelly Maddox and all the employees of Heart of Hospice for their wonderful care. Condolences and words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.