LEESVILLE– A Leesville business owner paid in full the expenses incurred for the funeral of a Hornbeck toddler found dead in Beauregard Parish this month.

According to Jerry Jeane, owner of Jeane Funeral Services where the services for two-year-old Willow Rain Renteria-Molina are being handled, David Walters, owner of the bar The Infirmary located outside of Leesville, came forward to assume responsibility of the costs.

“He came to me and said he wanted to take care of all the costs. I thought that was such a wonderful act of kindness,” Jeane said.

Jeane stated that he only charged Walters for what was absolutely necessary.

“I only charged him for the graveside services expenses and the casket. I am not going to make a profit off of a baby — especially in a tragedy like this,” Jeane said. “I am a father too, and in this job I am supposed to be there for the families in their time of need, that is what we do here.”

Various motorcycle clubs have supported Walters in his endeavor to take on all expenses related to Renteria-Molina’s funeral, and they have said they will support him again during a fundraiser being held on May 21 to raise money for a headstone.

“This is not the first time they have helped in a way such as this,” Jeane stated. “I appreciate them and their help so much. This is really a time that shows how strong of a community we have when we all pull together for a greater good.”

Jeane has been involved in the funeral business for over 33 years, and just opened up his own funeral home three years ago, and he said that recent tragedies in Vernon Parish make an already difficult job even harder.

“This really touches people’s hearts. It’s normally something you hear about happening in other places, other states, but now it is happening here. It’s just so tragic.”

Jeane said that he continues to receive calls from the public asking if they can donate to the services, but he said he tells them that everything has been taken care of.

“If they still wish to donate or if I receive any money in the mail, I forward that on to Walters to go towards the headstone. It’s not ours to keep, I will not keep it here,” he said.

Walters has stated that after the fundraiser, if there are funds leftover after a headstone is purchased, they will be donated to a child abuse prevention organization.

 

Follow Pamela Sleezer on Twitter at twitter.com/PamelaAmPress