Bennett Charles Guidry I

Mr. Bennett Charles Guidry I, 83, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Bennett was born and raised in Mermentau. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps before settling down and raising his family. He attended SLI and began his long career with Frank’s Casing Crew. Once he got the flying bug, he became a pilot. He first flew seaplanes and later, crop dusters. Bennett enjoyed farming and hunting, was an avid fisherman and a prolific gardener. He was quite the jokester and had a nickname for everyone, whether they wanted it or not. He loved his family well and was the greatest dad, grandpa, and greatgrandpa of all. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by 4 children: Bennett Guidry II and wife, Judy, of Mermentau Cove, Jeanne Guidry Kuhn of Bastrop, Texas, Claire Guidry Toepfer and husband, Randy, of Eunice, and Jody Guidry and wife, Sherri, of Pearland, Texas; the mother of his children, Heloise Guidry of Opelousas; one brother Steven Guidry and wife, Annette, of Mermentau; 10 grandchildren: Bennett, Hannah, Andre’, Mathieu, Stefan, Alec, Grace, Jordan, Hunter, and Lexi; and 9 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Bennett was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Mercedes Guidry; two grandchildren: Zachary Guidry and Abby Toepfer; two brothers: Calvin Chester “Buddy” Guidry and Errol William Guidry; and four sisters: Cynthia, Christine, Bernadette, and Virginia.

A memorial mass was held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Mermentau.