Ronald Utise Duhon

Frank Joe Foitek

Barbara Ivey Huntington

Madeline A. Leonard

Donald Ray “Poo Poo” LeDoux

Barbara Dumesnil Reggie

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Ronald Utise Duhon

Feb. 17, 1936

Sept. 28, 2019

On the morning of Sept. 28, 2019, Ronald Utise Duhon passed away peacefully in Tavares, Fla.

Ron was born to parents, Marguerite and Utise Duhon in Beaumont, Texas. Ron would often reminisce about his idyllic childhood days spent alongside his brother, Mike Duhon and oldest friends, Wayne “Bokie” Abercrombie and Walter Farque.

Ron graduated from LaGrange High School in 1954 and was proud to have been voted best male tenor voice at state. His family will always remember his powerful singing voice.

Ron and Gloria had three girls together, Vickie, Veronica and Vivian. After serving as an airman in the airforce (55-58) Ron, Gloria and their three girls moved to Colorado. They eventually settled in Littleton.

Ron was a man of incredible faith and character. He built a life for his family with hard work and an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit. He owned too many successful businesses to count.

He is survived by his three daughters, Vickie Duhon, Veronica Sheets and Vivian Hein; as well as his brother, Mike Duhon. He also leaves behind five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. All for whom he had great love. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends and family. No funeral will be held by his request but we ask that if you’re interested in honoring his life to make a donation to your local charity of choice.

Frank Joe Foitek

I love you too.

Frank Foitek, 83, left this world to continue his journey in heaven with all who preceded him on Oct. 17, 2019 AD. These past few weeks his family and friends visited him often, all left with what was to become, his last words on earth: “I love you too.”

“I promise to find hope through the heartache, to find joy through the sadness, to find strength though incredible weakness, to love even when it is hard, to live freely and bravely, even when I am scared, to make the most of my days… to live in a way that would make you proud.”

We are very proud of the man who sought only to protect his family and his country.

Frank enjoyed his time on earth with his family. He traveled to many states and countries following family as often as he was able. He loved us. He loved Johnny Cash, the Grit channel and going to church on Sundays. Always ready with his quick wit and humorous responses to any situation.

A special thanks to our neighbors, Carlos Archield, Betty and Betty and of course the Gatson family. Mr Sherman for his constant guidance. I would also like to thank his best friends Jim Hubbard and Darryl Fontenot who spent many a day just hanging out discussing the Astros and football.

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus and the VFW Post 3619 both of which have given Frank and our family many of our fondest memories.

He was born a child of God on Dec. 27, 1935 AD in West, Texas. The son of Frank and Estelle Foitek. He was the oldest of 8. He was a big brother to Jerry and Mary Rose, Bill and Katherine, Daniel, Rosalie and Edwin, JoAnn and Thomas, Patsy and Gary and Donna and Jerry. He was the loving husband of Mary Ann Ruzicka for 47 years. He was an incredible father to Belitha and Earl, Joe, Joanna and Dave, Valerie and Marty. The Pawpaw to Christian, Dacia and Mike, Misty, David and Katherine, Kelsey, Chayton, Elias, Noah, Norman and Breanna, Sloan and PJ. Great Pawpaw to Amber, Izzy, Adam, Gabriel, Mikey, Addie, Justin, Violet, Ari and Hope. Special Friend of Barbara Bolton of DeRidder.

Frank Foitek earned his Associates Degree in General Studies, a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business from Northwestern State University all while supporting and raising a family of 6.

He has been a St Joseph’s Catholic church member since 1962. Frank was a founding member of the DeRidder chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He was a 4th Degree knight, financial secretary and the Faithful Navigator for the Knights of Columbus. Frank Foitek Served in the United States Army for 20 years and is a Vietnam Veteran. After serving his country he then went on to work in the post office for 22 years, retiring in 1998.

By Merrit Malloy

When I die

Give what’s left of me away

To children

And old men that wait to die.

And if you need to cry,

Cry for your brother

Walking the street beside you.

And when you need me,

Put your arms

Around anyone

And give them

What you need to give to me.

I want to leave you something,

Something better than words

Or sounds.

Look for me

In the people I’ve known

Or loved,

And if you cannot give me away,

At least let me live on in your eyes

And not your mind.

You can love me most

By letting

Hands touch hands,

By letting bodies touch bodies,

And by letting go

Of children

That need to be free.

Love doesn’t die,

People do.

So, when all that’s left of me

Is love,

Give me away.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, with a rosary prayed at 7 p.m. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home of DeRidder, La. Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, Visitation will start at 10 a.m. and service will begin at 11 a.m. at St, Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1125 Blankenship Drive, DeRidder, La., with Father Jude Brunnert, M.S. officiating.

A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at Aderhold Funeral Home, 808 Reagan, West, TX 76691, with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at St Mary’s Church of the Assumption, 301 S. Harrison St, West, Texas, with the Rev. Paul Hudson as celebrant. Military graveside rights will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the Foitek Family at www.labbymemorial.com.

Barbara Ivey Huntington

Barbara Ivey Huntington began again on Oct. 18, 2019. Alzheimer’s may have won the battle, but God’s Grace and Mercy won the war.

Barbara was born in Dallas, Texas, to Nedra and Clifford Ivey on Nov. 1, 1940. She had a younger brother, Clifford.

Barbara married Bobby Neil Huntington on May 19, 1964, and had many adventures traveling the world with her Army husband and four kids in tow. Any difficulties we faced, she taught us to say, “It will make for a good story one day.” There were always good stories to tell.

Barbara worked as a dental hygienist for many years before going back to school to become a nurse. She loved working with and for people, especially the least in our society. She practiced both her faith and nursing while serving as a nurse for Beauregard Parish Jail. Her heart for those hurting always had her home full of people needing shelter from life. She was an official State of Louisiana Foster parent as well as a caregiver to many others who needed a temporary space to rest and feel loved. She also had a deep affection for dogs, always taking in a stray. Devoted to family life, she loved big family dinners and loud, messy houses that told a story of happy, active children. In her later years, she lived to take care of grandchildren. Barbara was dedicated to sharing the Love of God to whomever was in front of her. She had a strong faith in Christ and was always active in her church. She served on countless committees, sang in the church choir, served as a church pianist, taught hundreds of children Sunday school and even practiced her faith abroad on a Honduras mission trip.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Nedra and Clifford Ivey, her husband Bobby Neil Huntington, and her brother Clifford Ivey.

She is survived by her four children; Terri Price (Michael Price) of Lake Charles, La; Allen Huntington (Linda Huntington) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Roxanne Thurman (Jason Thurman) of Austin, Texas, and Elaina Koss (Roger Koss) of Lake Charles, La. She is survived by five grandchildren, Caleb Appling, Drew Thurman, Abigail Thurman, Major Thurman and Samuel Koss.

Funeral services for Barbara will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at at DeRidder Funeral Home, with internment for the family after. There will be time for visitation and fellowship with the family before the service starting at 9 a.m.

Words of comfort can be expressed to the family at http://deridderfuneralhome.com/

Madeline A. Leonard

Madeline A. Leonard, 80, died Thursday, Oct. 17, in her residence. A Mass of Christian burial is at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lacassine. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery under the direction of Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa.

Donald Ray 
”Poo Poo” LeDoux

Donald Ray LeDoux, 77, of Lake Charles died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, in the comfort of his home.

Mr. LeDoux was a native of LeBleu Settlement and lived most of his life in Lake Charles. He attended Marion High School and completed his education while serving in the United States Army. He retired from the Lake Charles Fire Department with 26 years, as Captain of Company 6 after working many years with the Chennault and Company 5 Departments. He enjoyed working in carpentry, painting and as a handyman during his time off. Mr. LeDoux was always busy, a “jack of all trades,” he enjoyed piddling and working on anything. Mr. LeDoux enjoyed playing the guitar, singing oldies and collecting die cast cars. His obsession was washing and waxing his vehicles, lawn mower and even his die cast cars. He will be most remembered as a good man with strong morals and ethics who was capable of anything he set his mind and time to. Mr. LeDoux also focused his time and attention on instilling these qualities in his children and grandchildren. He was a man of faith, having read the Bible cover to cover countless times, and living his life by way of the Lord.

He leaves to honor his memory, his loving wife of 35 years, Mary Phillips LeDoux of Lake Charles; five children, Jennifer LeDoux of Lake Charles, Cynthia LeJeune (Jeaux) of Big Lake, Travis LeDoux (Michelle) of Sulphur, Amanda Breaux (Tonni) of Kirbyville, Texas, and Joshua Phillips (Kelly) of Diane, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Linda Covert (Terry) of Spring, Texas; two brothers, Herbert LeDoux (Judy) of Moss Bluff and Willis LeDoux (Evelyn) of Lake Charles; two brothers-in-law, Steven and Joseph Phillips; former wife and mother of his children, Shirley Duhon; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Annie Morgan LeDoux.

A gathering of friends and family for a celebration of his life will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, at the Lake Charles Fire Department Training Center, 4649 Common St, Lake Charles, LA 70607.

Mr. LeDoux’s family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the Christus Hospice Team for their kindness, excellence in care, and compassion.

Memorial donations may be made to an organization of your choice in honor of Mr. LeDoux.

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

Barbara Dumesnil Reggie

CROWLEY — A Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara Dumesnil Reggie, 91, Crowley native, is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Crowley with Msgr. Keith DeRouen celebrating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, with the rosary to be recited at 6 p.m., and from 8-9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.

Mrs. Reggie was born in Crowley on Feb. 7, 1928, to Lawrence and Dora John Dumesnil. She is survived by four daughters, Mary Elizabeth Istre and husband Dennis and Donna Marie Fruge and husband Michael, all of Crowley, Yvonne Marguerite Balentine and husband Garry of Shreveport, and Barbara Anne Hornsby and husband Aaron of Branch. She is also survived by two sons, Samuel J. Reggie and wife Keral and John F. Reggie and wife Susan of Crowley; two daughters-in-law, Tina Reggie of Lake Charles and Gwen Young and husband Gerald of Broussard; 33 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Reggie is also survived by her sister-in-law, Doris Boustany Reggie of Lafayette, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Reggie is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Samuel J. Reggie Sr., and two sons, Lawrence “Larry” Reggie and Paul Reggie.

She received her formal education at St. Michael School, St. Charles Academy in Lake Charles, and graduated from the Barbizon School of Modeling in New York City. She auditioned for, and was accepted by The Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall in New York City. She was later owner and artistic director of three school of dance in Crowley and the surrounding area. She continued her love of dance into her 80s.

Participation in her children’s activities was foremost in her life. She served as an associate and Co-Chairwoman of the Tulane University National Parents Council, a Cub Scout Den Mother, taught religion for St. Michael Catholic Church and was a Certified Master Catechist for the Diocese of Lafayette with a specialization in Special Religious Education. For her many years of service to the local and diocesan church, she was invested with the Bishop’s Medal for Devoted Service to the Diocese of Lafayette.

Mrs. Reggie was a member of the Pink Ladies for many years and a volunteer at Ms. Helen’s Soup Kitchen. She served her church parish as an Extraordinary Minister of Communion to the sick and shut-ins, was a Lay Carmelite in the Third Order of Mount Carmel, and was involved in fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She was a member of the Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of Lafayette and was awarded with the Scouting Scroll of Honor and the prestigious Bronze Pelican Award for Meritorious Service.

Her love and devotion to her Catholic faith was manifested in service and recognition. Mrs. Reggie was named a Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and promoted to the rank of Lady Commander with Pilgrim Shell by Pope John Paul II. She and her husband made annual one-week pilgrimages to Lourdes, France, to assist the handicapped pilgrims. She was a member of the National Apostolate of Maronites serving in the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon and participated in the activities of the Holy See’s Catholic Near East Welfare Association supporting Catholic Churches and orphanages in the Holy Land.

Mrs. Reggie felt especially honored to be a Charter Founder of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Foundation.

The family thanks her devoted caregivers, Joella Lease, Kim Simon, Melissa Guidry, Joanne Louvierre, Thelma Hebert and the entire Heart of Hospice Staff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Heart of Hospice.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Avenue F, Crowley, LA 70526, 337-783-3313.

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