2020_02_26_Obits

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Marshall Wayne Bertrand

Rex Lynn Clopton

Kenneth Ray Courville

Jody lived all his life in Lake Charles, where he worked as a carpenter. He built houses, but especially loved building cabinets. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father who adored his family. He always put family first. He loved being around people, and helping wherever and whenever he was able. He enjoyed country music, and cooking. He was a faithful member of The River Church, where he was an usher for the last seven years.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 29 years, Rebecca “Becky” Deshotel; and his sons, Luke and Blake Deshotel. He was preceded in death by his father; two brothers, Phillip and Gregory Deshotel.

His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 at The River Church, located at 5654 Gerstner Memorial Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70607. Pastors Elizabeth and Kevin Burns will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

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

Edward Bruce Dugas

Edward Bruce Dugas, 41, passed away Feb. 19, 2020.

A Celebration of Life will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel in Lake Charles. Visitation Friday will be from 3 p.m. until the time of service.

Pattie Derouen-Foster

Pattie Derouen-Foster, 85, of Moss Bluff entered into Heaven on “Pattie Gras”, Feb. 25, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Pattie was born on Feb. 20, 1935 to Adam Andrew and Eunia Derouen in Lacassine, La. She met Hugh Alexander Foster Jr. while he was working at Chennault Air Force Base. They were married and together they welcomed five children. Pattie’s house was always open, she always had a hot Cajun meal ready for the family visiting from all over the United States. In her personal time she could be found behind a canvas painting the beauty nature provided or in her yard pruning. She enjoyed attending functions at the Moss Bluff Senior Center, especially the Wednesday painting class.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents; her husband, Hugh; two children, Clint and Cindy; and her two sisters, Lois Ince and Trena Hatch-Comeaux.

She is survived by her children; Gregg David Foster, Don Scott Foster and Pam (Kevin) Mattingly; her grandchildren, Annie (Doug) Staton, Laura Beth Castle, Bonnie Castle (Austin Butler), Kaleb Hugh Foster, Cody Andrew Sturrock; one great-grandchild, Logan.

The family will welcome friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 beginning at 2 p.m. until time of service. A Celebration of her life will begin at 4 p.m., led by the Rev. Angela Bulhof and the family invites you for a reception after the services.

We welcome you to share a favorite memory or sentiment of condolences at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com

Betty “Jean” Guidry

Betty “Jean” Guidry, 78, passed away on Feb. 22, 2020, in a local hospital. Jean enjoyed vacations with her family, cooking and sewing. Her favorite place to eat and shop was Cracker Barrel.

Jean is survived by her children, Ramona Foreman and husband Robert, Wesley Guidry Sr. and Brian Guidry and wife Lesley; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Darrell Robinson and wife Doreen and Donald Robinson and wife Diane. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Homer “Tex” Guidry; her parents, David and Venna Robinson; her brother, Bill Robinson; and her sister, Mary Lou Langley.

A memorial service for Jean will he held on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at 7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church with Brother Steve Avera officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until the time of service. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson and Robison Funeral Home.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.com.

Alva Anthony “Tony”  Hidalgo Jr.

Alva Anthony “Tony” Hidalgo, Jr., 82, of Big Lake, LA died on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020.

Mr. Hidalgo was born September 25, 1937 in Lake Charles, La. and has been a residence of Big Lake since 1996. He worked as a port supervisor with the Lake Charles Stevedores at the Port of Lake Charles. He enjoyed spending time outdoors in his yard and taking care of his property. He had a great love for his wife and was always there for her.

Mr. Hidalgo is survived by his son, Mark “Anthony” Hidalgo and wife Ashley of Big Lake; step-sons, Jamey Rothkamm of Baton Rouge and David Scott Rothkamm and wife Lori of Humble, Texas; and grandchildren, Katie Bell, Audrey and Vivian Rothkamm.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Kathy Williams Hidalgo; step-son, Charles Patrick Rothkamm; and parents, Alva Athony Hidalgo, Sr. and Verda Marie Hidalgo.

His graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 at Consolata Cemetery. The Rev. Marcus Wade will officiate. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and continue on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.

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

Monica Lynn Huddle

Monica Lynn Huddle, 46, of Lake Charles passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 in her residence.

Mrs. Huddle was born on Nov. 2, 1973 in Crowley and moved to Lake Charles shortly after where she resided all of her life and was a graduate of Barbe High School. She dedicated her life to raising her children and being highly involved in all of their activities and school functions.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Stephen Huddle of Lake Charles; children, Kenny Huddle and fiancé, Kelly Bistok, and her son, Jackson of Moss Bluff; and daughter Kaitlyn Steele and husband Tyler of Alaska and grandson, Rhett Steele; her parents, Johnnie and James Richard King Sr. of Sulphur; brother, James Richard King Jr. and wife Ashly of Ragley; sister, Monica Chantell King and fiancé Wesley Fontenot of Welsh, La.; and nieces, Amber Hamilton and Chelsea Hamilton and her children, Gracelynn and Chantem Hamilton.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Malia and John Baronet; and her paternal grandparents, Domicile and Kenneth King.

A celebration of her life will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Johnson Funeral Home. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 5 p.m.

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

Cora S. Johnson

Cora S. Johnson, 78, of Oakdale, died Monday, Feb. 24. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale. Interment will be in Beaver Creek Cemetery.

Franklin D. Johnson

Funeral services for Franklin D. Johnson will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in the White Oaks Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Arlen Smith and the Rev. Joe Wellman officiating. Committal service will follow in the Gravel Hill Cemetery under the direction of White Oaks Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Franklin, 86, of Cravens, passed away on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020 in Alexandria. He was born Feb. 6, 1934 in Cravens, the youngest child of George Washie and Nettie P. Johnson. Franklin spent his childhood with his parents and siblings in New Caney, Texas. He developed a life-long love for hunting, fishing and athletics, especially baseball.

After his return to Louisiana, Franklin married the love of his life, Betty Thompson and the couple resided in Cravens. Franklin served his community in many ways, working for 22 years as an Insurance Agent by profession, volunteering as a coach for summer league baseball and serving as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for his Lord. He had a great love for his Lord, family, friends and community.

Franklin is preceded in death by his parents, George Washie and Nettie P. Johnson; and six brothers, Earl Johnson, Archie Johnson, Ernest Johnson, Arthur Johnson, Kelly Johnson and Roy Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Thompson Johnson of Cravens; his daughter, Rebecca Johnson of Sugarland, Texas; and his sister, Zelle Nichols of Hineston. He is also survived by his special daughters and son, Karol Garrett Edwards of Hineston, Randie Spears Strother of Cravens and Neal Thompson of Elizabeth, along with many other beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held in the White Oaks Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., then on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 from 9 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. in the chapel.

Chasity VanWinkle Miles

Chasity VanWinkle Miles, 41, of Philipsburg, Pa., passed away Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 at her residence.

A Graveside Celebration of Chasity’s life will be held on Friday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m., at Riley Smith Memorial Park Cemetery. Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home.

Larry Wayne Nolen Sr.

Funeral services for Larry Wayne Nolen Sr. will at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Six Mile Pentecostal Church. Committal service will follow in the Arkadelphia Cemetery under the direction of White Oaks Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Larry, 70, of Pitkin, passed away Monday, Feb. 24, 2020 in the Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital.

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Frances Desselle Plauché

Frances Desselle Plauché, 77, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, surrounded by her loved ones, in the comfort of her home.

Frances was born Aug. 1, 1942, in Lake Charles, La. to Mack Desselle and Lillie Mae Hantz Desselle. She was the first of four children. She graduated from LaGrange High School in 1960 as a leader of the Gatorettes. She attended McNeese State University and was voted most outstanding member of Phi Mu Sorority, where she made many lifelong friends. Frances and her first husband, Monty Hinton, moved to Houston, Texas where they lived and worked for 15 years raising their two children, Lori and Steven. Frances and her children returned to Lake Charles and she began working at Olin Chemical in Human Resources. She married Daniel R. Plauché in 1984. She retired from Lyondell (Olin) after 35 years of dedicated service.

Frances was a lady whose many talents reached far and wide and touched many souls. In her spare time, she achieved her floral license, was the Chairman of the Louisiana State Convention for china painting and was a host to the many Mormons along her way. A Christian, she had a green thumb and her flower gardens were always a thing of beauty often lending her yards to pictures for whatever the occasion. She had an artistic flair, matching her personality, and created many beautiful pieces from her china painting class. Frances was a fantastic cook hosting many large gatherings for family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, square dancing, sewing and especially being with family, friends and grandchildren.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents Mack Desselle and Lillie Mae Hantz Desselle; and by her brother, Johnny Mack Desselle.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel R. Plauché; her daughter, Lori Moss Daabes and husband Ahmad; her son, Steven C. Hinton; her grandchildren, Joshua, Abby and Hunter Hinton; Ryan and Brandon Moss, Marcus Moseley and wife Tashanna; her great-grandchildren, Liam, Noah, Owen, Kario, Addie and Dominic; her brother, W.C. “Bill” Desselle; her sister, Beth Desselle Michel and husband Terry; four nieces, one nephew; and many cousins and dear friends.

Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Consolata Cemetery. The Rev. Dave Lang will officiate.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Heart of Hospice, and to her caregiver Christine Guidry.

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

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Annette Pronia

Annette Marie Hebert Pronia, 80, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at her residence with the joy of her family at her bedside.

Mrs. Pronia was a native and life resident of Lake Charles and a 1958 graduate of Marion High School and attended McNeese State University.

Annette and her husband, Leroy would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on May 28th. Leroy and Annette owned and operated Pronia’s Landscaping and Horticulture Service and Pronia’s Flower Shop for many years.

After their retirement she and her husband opened Pronia’s Deli and Bakery.

Annette was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Cathedral and she and her husband were active participants in the St. Joseph’s Table.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Audrey Trouard Hebert; and a sister, Carolyn Ann Sylvester.

Survivors are her husband, Leroy Pronia Sr.; one son, Leroy (Lee) Pronia Jr.; and one daughter, Jill Marie Bergeron and her husband Bryan.

She is also survived by two grandchildren, Jessica Annette Steech (Wesley) and Jileen Marie Heath (Brett); as well as four great-grandchildren, Emily Kate Leach, Jace Matthew Leach, Sawyer Joseph Steech, and Beckham Lee Steech.

Mrs. Pronia also has an honorary son, Alan Heisser and his children, Lexie, Josh, and Travis Heisser.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Rev. Trey Ange will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel.

Visitation on Thursday will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brighton Bridge Hospice as well as their loving niece, Connie Driskell and their dear friend, Chris Reon.

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

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Thomas Walter Sanders

Thomas Walter Sanders was born on May 27, 1935, to C.V. and Clyde Lydia Allen Sanders in Anacoco, La. He passed away on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, in his home and on his terms surrounded by his loving family.

After high school, Tom attended Louisiana College graduating with a BA in History on May 27, 1958. This accomplishment was particularly meaningful as he was the first member of his family to earn a college degree. Following his college graduation, Tom and his wife, Wilma, returned to Leesville where he taught elementary school and served as an assistant principal. In the fall of 1960, they found their way to Baton Rouge where he earned his law degree from Louisiana State University in 1963. During law school, he was a member of the Moot Court Board. In 1963, Tom was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association where he later served as President. He held admission to the Texas Bar Association; the United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals; the United States District Court, Western, Central, and Eastern Districts of Louisiana as well as the Eastern District of Texas. He clerked under Honorable Albert A. Tate Jr. at the Louisiana Court of Appeal, 3rd Circuit. Tom enjoyed the private practice of law and was a highly respected member of the legal community in excess of fifty years. While Tom was passionate about the practice of law, perhaps he received the most professional pleasure from investing in and mentoring young attorneys who have now gone on to distinguish themselves in the legal profession.

Some of Tom’s proudest professional accomplishments were his appointments by the Supreme Court of Louisiana to the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board where he served as chairman in 1995 and his later appointment to the Committee to Study Permanent Disbarment. Tom received the distinguished award of Professionalism in Practice from the Judge Albert Tate Inn of Court in 2008. He was a member of the American Bar Association; Association of Trial Lawyers of America; Louisiana and Southwest Louisiana Association of Defense Council; and Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation.

Not only was Tom committed to his profession, he also enjoyed a fulfilling civic life in the Lake Charles community by volunteering and supporting the Little League, Abraham’s Tent, Salvation Army, St. Louis Catholic High School, and the McNeese Banners Series. Tom enjoyed ministering to the needs of others through Habitat for Humanity where he donated land for homes and then participated in the construction of these homes knowing he was making a significant difference in the lives of others. Tom was a Master Mason in excess of fifty years achieving his 32nd degree, Scottish Rite and a Habibi Temple Shriner and Jester. He humbly served as a member of the Board of Governors at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas. Additionally, he was a member of the Board of Directors of First National Bank, Bank One, and also served on the Louisiana State Mineral Board.

When time permitted, Tom enjoyed the outdoors, his home at Big Lake, and the Sloan Hunting Club in the hill country of Texas. Additionally, great memories were made and fond times were spent traveling abroad with his brother, Bo.

For 45 years, Tom enjoyed fellowship and worship at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry and spearheaded the remodeling and construction of the church as it is today. Tom spent countless professional hours assisting in the establishment of the columbarium where he will be laid to rest.

He is survived by his loving and committed wife of 63 years, Wilma Conerly Sanders; children, Dana Sanders Queenan (Kevin), Thomas Walter Sanders Jr. (Anita), and Maret Sanders Watson (Steve); grandchildren, Anndi Queenan Risinger (Cole), Kevin Queenan Jr., Corinne Queenan Alley (Travis), Madelynn Sloan Sanders, Zack Watson, Conner Watson, and Jon-Sanders Watson; great-grandchildren, Holt and Hayes Risinger; siblings, Cora Bechtel, Dr. Charles Van Sanders “Bo,” and Judy Boycher; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Virginia Ann Sanders.

Tom’s visitation and funeral will be at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, at 2 p.m. under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home and officiated by the Rev. D. Seth Donald. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m. A private inurnment will take place immediately after the funeral. A reception will be held in Tom’s honor in the Parish Hall following the service.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks for Tom’s loving and compassionate care ministered by the nurses and aids of Heart of Hospice as well as Barbara, Jo, and Kim of Home Instead. We also would like to extend special love and sincere appreciation to our dear friend, Phyllis Loftin, who has been a constant and abiding presence in our family for many years but especially these last few days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

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Paul Anthony “Tony” Smith

Paul Anthony “Tony” Smith, 63, of Lake Charles, La., died at 10:20 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 in a local hospital.

Born Oct. 26, 1956 in Wichita, Kan., Mr. Smith moved to Lake Charles in 1966. He attended Dolby Elementary, F.K. White Junior High, and was a 1975 graduate of Barbe High School, which was the first class to attend Barbe all four years. He was a proud member of the Barbe Band of Blue, where he was a drummer. Mr. Smith was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #103 and received his Eagle Scout in 1971. At the age of 14, he worked hard to pay his own way to Japan for a Boy Scout International Jamboree. Mr. Smith served his country in the U.S. Navy for over eleven years and was honorably discharged in 1988 as a Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class. He traveled around the country working as a surgical technician from 1991 until he met the love of his life in 2003, when he settled back in Lake Charles. He then worked as a surgical technician / inventory coordinator at several local hospitals. Mr. Smith was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed woodworking, science-fiction, coaching his son’s t-ball team, and was an avid sports fan; he especially loved the Dallas Cowboys and McNeese Cowboys / Cowgirls. His true passion was for his family, especially his son, Andrew.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 16 years, Dr. Dena Matzenbacher-Smith; son, Andrew Paul Smith; mother, Janice Smith, all of Lake Charles; siblings, Dr. Tari Dilks and husband Dr. Larry Dilks of Lake Charles, Tim Smith and wife Susan of Bella Vista, Ark., Tracy Smith of Moss Bluff, and Tommy Smith of Counsel Bluffs, Iowa; brother-in-law, Steven Matzenbacher of Lake Charles; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members; and his beloved pets, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, and Sally Brown.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Jude Smith.

His memorial service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Weldon Bares will officiate. A gathering of family members and friends will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and continue on Monday from 10 a.m. until the start of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the McNeese Athletic Foundation Scholarship Fund, Box 92735, Lake Charles, LA 70609 in Tony’s memory.

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

NAVY SEAL.EPS

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Versie Cooley Huddleston Watkins

Versie Cooley Huddleston Watkins, 92, of Glasgow, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born June 8, 1927, in Longville, La., a daughter of the late Burl Jefferson Cooley and Lavinia Young Cooley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Lee V. Huddleston; and her second husband, John Harvey Watkins Jr.; son, Verne Huddleston; and a host of brothers and sisters.

Versie loved her family, friends, the Senior Center in Buena Vista, and her church Faith Baptist Church in Arnolds Valley.

She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Patricia H. Moore, Malvin Huddleston and Kathy Huddleston Rondeau (Mike); daughter-in-law, Prudy G. Huddleston; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; devoted friends and neighbors, Doris and John Lipscomb.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, at Glasgow Cemetery with the Rev. Terry Bostic officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Faith Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 500, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 or charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.

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