Armond Benoit

Daniel B. Burkhalter Sr.

Evelyn Estelle Cole

Abraham Conway Sr.

James William Cromwell

Mattie Jo Downs

Samuel Robert Henderson

Michelle Elizabeth Hill

Murphy Joseph LaPoint

Verna Mary Louviere

John Richard Martin

Charles R. Minter

Comolette Alston Murdaugh

Dorothy Nugent Myers

Libby Paulette Ogea

Isabel Thornton Painter

Jim Smith

Randie Lynne Spears

l

Armond “A. B.” Benoit

Armond “A. B.” Benoit, 81, of Lake Charles, La., died on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at a local hospital.

Mr. Benoit was born Oct. 10, 1937, in Big Lake, La., and lived most of his life in the Lake Charles area. He retired from the Calcasieu Parish Drainage Board, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator. Mr. Benoit enjoyed serving as an Honorary Officer for the Iowa Police Department and loved the time spent with his son on ride-alongs. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping and had a great love of everything made with shrimp. He will always be remembered as a wonderful story teller and people person, who never met a stranger.

Mr. Benoit is survived by his children, Shirley Porath and husband Lou of Ocean Springs, Miss., Terri Oliver and husband Randy of Westlake, La., John Allen Benoit and wife Pam of Lake Charles, Armond Joseph Benoit and wife Rhonda of Mamou, La., and Debra Ann Vidrine of Pine Prairie, La.; sisters, Gernice Conner of Lake Charles, Vina Melton of Longville, La., and Linda Gail LaFleur of Bell City; his aunt, Eva Faulk of Lake Charles; beloved dog, Socks; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of others he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Mae Benoit; parents, Joseph and Lula Arabie Benoit; sisters, Mary Comeaux and Ella Mae Benoit; brother, J. B. Benoit; and grandchild, B. J. Shorts.

His funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Ronnie Estes will officiate. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday from 3-8 p.m. and continue on Friday from 11 a.m. until the start of the service.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to Ann Marie for all of the care and compassion given.

The family is eternally grateful to God for all the time they had with “A. B.”

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

Daniel B. Burkhalter Sr.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home in downtown Baton Rouge, for Daniel B. Burkhalter Sr., 87, who passed away on Jan. 27, 2019, at The Carpenter House. Interment will be at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Survivors include his wife, Lynda; three sons, Burk (Stephanie) Burkhalter of Lake Charles, Pete (Debbie) Burkhalter of Mandeville, and Andrew (Crystal) Burkhalter of Baton Rouge; and one daughter, Alice (Gordon) Broussard of Covington. He also leaves behind six grandchildren whom he adored, Quinn, Zachary, Emily, Peyton, Catherine and Caroline.

Dan proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, during the time of the Korean War. After his years in the service, he returned home and completed his education at SLI. He was a longtime Insurance Adjuster and made many friends throughout his career. He was also an avid, longtime golfer who won the Lake Charles Country Club Championship along with countless other tournaments. His love for golf was passed onto his children and grandchildren. Anyone that would stop and listen to him long enough would learn of his love for his family, golf, the Marine Corps and his two constant companions — his Labrador Retrievers, Lamont and Sassy.

Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 1 p.m. in the Rabenhorst Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will take place at Resthaven Gardens of Memory immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Burkhalter’s name to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, La., or the Calcasieu Community Clinic in Lake Charles, La.

Evelyn Estelle Cole

Evelyn Estelle Cole, 84, of Sugartown, died Sunday, Jan. 27. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder. Burial will be at Smyrna Cemetery.

Abraham Conway Sr.

Abraham Conway Sr. died Jan. 26. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel.

James William
”Bill” Cromwell

James William “Bill” Cromwell, 86, died Saturday, Jan. 26. Service will be at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 30, at Hixson’s Funeral Home. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens.

Mattie Jo Downs

Mattie Jo Downs, 97, of Deville, died Saturday, Jan. 26. Service will be at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 30, at Union Baptist Church under the direction of White Oaks Funeral Home.

Samuel Robert Henderson

Funeral service for Samuel Robert Henderson, 104, will be Friday, Feb. 1, at Smyrna Baptist Church, DeRidder, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.

Michelle “Melba”
Elizabeth Hill

Michelle “Melba” Elizabeth Hill was born on Jan. 20, 1980 in Lake Charles to the union of Michael and Linda Hill. She was called home to take her rest Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019.

Michelle’s memories are left to be cherished by her mother Linda Hill of Lake Charles; father, Michael Hill Sr. of Houston, Texas; daughters, Jasmine Hill and Sonterra Orphey, both of Lake Charles; Sister, Radiah Joseph of Lake Charles; nephew, James T. Ceasar Jr. of Lake Charles; her love, Floyd Mitchell Jr. of Lake Charles; and a host of family and friends.

Michelle is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Isabell (Ms. Pooh) Richard Joseph and Peter Joseph; paternal grandparents, Lee Taft Hill and Rosalie Hill; and brother, Michael Hill Jr.

Michelle’s life will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 at Fondel Memorial Chapel, 832 North Lyon Street, Lake Charles. Visitation will be at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the chapel. Pastor Floyd Prescott III, Miracles & Harvest International Church of Opelousas, La., will officiate.

Murphy Joseph LaPoint

Murphy Joseph LaPoint, 89, of Rosepine, died Saturday, Jan. 26. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Gueydan. Burial will be at Gueydan Cemetery under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.

Verna Mary Louviere

Verna Mary Louviere, 94, of Lake Charles, La., passed away Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Verna was born July 10, 1924, in Kinder, La., to Ralph and Anna Fontenot Thompson.

Verna was a member of the Catholic Daughters and her family were founding members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

Verna loved being outdoors and she loved to walk, usually a mile a day until she was 93 when her health became an issue. She had a way of making everyone she came in contact with feel like they were the most important and special person in the world. She was described as a classy lady who was gentle and caring, always greeting people with her infectious smile. She was also known for being a great confidant, you knew your secret was safe with her. Along with the love she had for her own children and family, she was looked upon by many people for being their “other mother” as she loved others as if they were her own. She was the number one fan for her entire family.

Mrs. Louviere was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 41 years, Allen Paul Louviere. She was also preceded by two sisters, Katherine Wilcox and Neva Joyce Thompson, along with three brothers, Jackie, Buddy and Daniel Thompson and her son-in-law, Terry Vizina.

Verna is survived by her three children, Carol “Tootie” Vizina, Peggy (Dan) Whelchel and Bobby (Terri) Louviere. She also leaves nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren to cherish her memory, along with her brother, Robert Thompson.

The family will receive friends at Johnson Funeral Home Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, from 5-8 p.m. with a rosary being said at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, beginning at 9 a.m. A funeral Mass will be at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. officiated by Father Trey Angie. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

w/photo option 4 color

John Richard Martin

John Richard Martin of Lake Charles passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at the age of 88 after a lengthy struggle following an automobile accident on March 13, 2017.

John was born on March 31, 1930 to Robert White Martin, Sr. and Mamie Pearl Hoffpauir Martin in Jennings, LA. He resided in the Jennings and Lake Arthur areas until the family moved to Ragley in 1942. He graduated from Ragley High School in 1947. Immediately following graduation, John joined the Marine Corps on June 3, 1947 and was honorably discharged on August 1, 1952.

After moving to Ragley, John attended a church service where he met the love of his life, Wanda Jackson. At thirteen years of age, he told his brother, Bob, that he was going to marry Wanda some day. On Jan. 18, 1952, they were united in holy matrimony that lasted until his death 67 years later.

John loved to fish all of his life. He and Maxie Creel spent many days fishing the Calcasieu and West Fork rivers. He taught his three children how to fish, followed by his five grandchildren, and then several of his great grandsons.

Vacations were always at the top of the list for the Martin family. John and Wanda have many good memories after traveling to 46 countries, many islands, Amazon Safari, African Safari, and numerous visits to all of the States. He was a member of the Airstream RV Club of Zavalla, TX at Sam Rayburn for 20 years. Many caravans were enjoyed which carried them throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In March 1998, John retired from Citgo Refinery after working there for 46 years. His last position with the company was shift supervisor.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Robert White Martin, Jr. and James Alfred Martin. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Wanda Jackson Martin; children John Michael Martin of Humble, TX, Kathy Ann Butler of Spring, TX, and Keith Alan Martin of Arlington, TN; grandchildren Julie Butler of Austin, TX, Kristy Ratley of Kingwood, TX, Jill Norton of Bowling Green, MO, Kevin Martin of El Paso, TX, and Sarah Martin of Lafayette, LA; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation at Johnson Funeral home was Monday, Jan. 28, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and continued on Tuesday at the church from 12:00 PM until the start of the service. His funeral service was held Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Livingway Pentecostal Church where John was a member and an usher. The Reverends Charles Nugent and Chuck Huddleston officiated the service. Interment followed at Magnolia Cemetery in Ragley, LA.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

JOHNSON LOGO

w/photo option 4 color

Charles R. Minter

Charles Ray Minter, 87, of Lake Charles, La., died at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in the comfort of his home. He is now in Heaven with his Lord and Savior.

Mr. Minter was born in Ardmore, Okla., on Sept. 2, 1931. He worked for years in the oilfield and retired from PPG Industries. He enjoyed barbecuing for family and friends, doing “honey-do’s” for the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Willie Mae, and caring for the needs of others.

Mr. Minter leaves to honor his memory five children, Carol Minter Coleman of Warner Robbins, Georgia, Rachel Guidry and husband Ron of Houston, Texas, Charles Dale Minter and wife Jane of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, Cris Forrest of Iowa, Louisiana, and Gwynn Houston of Lake Charles; eight grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy Pasley, age 89, who resides in Tow, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Clara Minter, by his beloved wife, Willie Mae Minter, and by his recently deceased great-great grandson, Ollie, who is certainly showing him around in Heaven this moment.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at Johnson Funeral Home, conducted by his grandson, the Rev. Brian Minter, pastor of Bible Baptist Church of Llano, Texas. Interment will be at Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, from 4 until 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time.

The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff of Heart of Hospice for the compassionate care given to their beloved father.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

JOHNSON LOGO

w/photo option 4 bw

Comolette Alston Murdaugh

Comolette Alston Murdaugh,95, passed away peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019.

Comolette was born in Oretta, La., on Oct. 1, 1923, and graduated from Singer High School. She married Woodrow Wilson Alston in 1942, who passed away in 1945 while serving his country in World War II. They had one daughter, Joyce. In 1990, she married Claude Murdaugh, who passed away in 1994 after a battle with cancer. Comolette resided in Dequincy until her health declined and she moved to Sulphur to live with her daughter. She was employed with George Theriot Grocery Stores for many years, and retired from the Louisiana Department of Corrections in 1989. She was also an active member of First United Pentecostal Church for many years.

Comolette was known for her tenacious and loving spirit as well as her giving nature. She loved outdoors, especially working in her yard.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Joyce Richard of Sulphur; sisters, Altha “Coot” Elliott of Westlake, Freda Corner of Oretta; grandchildren, Devin Richard (Kim), Nerissa Anthony; Shanna Eggleston (Vaughn), Stacy Perry (John), and Courtnie Erbelding (Chris); ten great grandchildren; and eleven great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Woodrow Wilson Alston; second husband, Claude Murdaugh; mother, Lottie Quinn Burleson; and three brothers, Richard, Barney and Albert McCoy “Karo” Quinn.

Her funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in First United Pentecostal Church. The Rev. Carlie Jackson will officiate. Burial will follow at Alston Cemetery of Dequincy. Visitation will be held 4 – 8 p.m., Wednesday in Hixson-Snider Funeral Home and resume at the church Thursday, 9 a.m. until time of service.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Betty Comeaux, Lorraine Clark, and Linda Jyles; as well as Heart of Hospice for the loving and compassionate care provided to her during her last days.

HIXSON LOGO

Dorothy Nugent Myers

A Mass of Christian burial for Dorothy Nugent Myers, 87, of Jennings, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Jennings, under the direction of Matthews & Son Funeral Home.

w/photo option 4 bw

Libby Paulette Ogea

Libby Paulette Ogea, 68, a resident of Lake Charles, passed from this life on Jan. 28, 2019, in a local hospital.

Libby will be remembered for her warm and welcoming smile and her incredibly big heart. She never met a stranger and made many friends on her journey here on earth. Her family will miss the meals she cooked for them every Friday Evening. She loved playing Bingo and traveling to Las Vegas.

Mrs. Ogea is preceded in death by her parents, Murphy Broussard and Denezia Sexton, her daughter, Tammy LaRocca, and brother Randy Broussard.

Libby leaves to cherish her memory her children, Bruce Broussard and wife Paula of Lake Charles and her daughter, Shelly Knox and husband Steve of Lake Charles, her fiancé, Patrick Comeaux, sisters, Molly Myers and Loretta Miller both of Lake Charles, five granddaughters, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in the chapel of Lakeside Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, from 8 a.m. until time of service. Funeral service will be held at Lakeside Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Mermentau Cemetery.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with the family at wwww.lakesidefh.com.

LAKESIDE LOGO

w/photo option 3 color

Isabel “Bel” Thornton Painter

Isabel “Bel” Thornton Painter, 81, passed away peacefully on Jan. 27.

Bel was born March 9, 1937, in Natchitoches, La. She was the youngest daughter of Sam and Alberta “Bert” Thornton, growing up in Boyce, La. She attended Bolton High School and Newcomb College of Tulane University, where she was a member of AOII Sorority. After earning her Education degree in 1959, she began her teaching career in New Orleans.

She married Joseph David Painter on Jan. 28, 1960. They were blessed to share 59 years of marriage. They have two children Sam Painter married to Virginia “Ginny” Davis, and Amy Painter Allen married to JD “Dale” Allen. She is also survived by her two grandsons James David and Jonathan Allen, her niece Kathy Vincent Hanudel and her nephew Burt Vincent.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Katherine “Kitty” Vincent and her niece Vicky Vincent Stulb.

A life-long educator, Bel taught at the Episcopal Day School and in the French Immersion Program for Calcasieu Parish Schools. She retired from teaching to become a full-time grandmother, “Mamou” to her boys she so dearly loved. She was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, the Junior League of Lake Charles, the Krewe of Mystique and many other organizations.

She enjoyed sharing her love of traveling, cooking and sewing with her family and friends.

Thanks to the many friends who supported her and her family during her illness and to the caring staff at The Guardian during her final care.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 715 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles. Visitation will be held at the Church from 11 a.m. until the service begins. The officiant will be the Reverend Francis “Boo” Kay.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Episcopal Day School or the charity of your choice.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

JOHNSON LOGO

Jim Smith

James “Jim” Wallace Smith, 86, of Lake Charles, died Monday, Jan. 28, in a local care facility. Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, followed by military honors, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

w/photo option 4 bw

Randie Lynne Spears

Randie Lynne Spears, 35, passed away on Jan. 27, 2019.

Randie was raised in Las Vegas, Nev., and moved to Iowa, La., in 2008. She was a substitute teacher at Iowa Elementary and a member of Church of the King. She loved God and her family very much. Randie always wanted to help others. She is fondly remembered as a fantastic mother and for her wonderful laugh and big smile. Her family deeply loves her and misses her dearly.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her two children, William and Ellie; husband, Jeff Spears; sister, Desireé Beltramini (Jesse); mother, Lisa Creech (David); father, Scott Reese; and many other friends and family members.

She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Connie Johnson; and father-in-law, Robert Spears.

A funeral service will be held at Church of the King at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Pastor Todd Schumacher will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, and will resume at 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

JOHNSON LOGO