Annie Evelyn Benoit

Terry Lynn Coker

Harold L. Comeaux

Floyd M. Ellis

Clifford Ray Granger

Anna Mae Doncaster Doherty Mason

Jacqueline Batrum Knowles Oglesby

Linda Sue Bonamici 
Tamburrino

John Maurice Thom Jr.

Luann Lynn Wallace

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Annie “Kitty” 
Evelyn Benoit

VINTON — Annie “Kitty” Evelyn Benoit, 89, of Vinton, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. Kitty was born on April 23, 1931, to her parents, Reese and Wilma Perkins. She was an active member of First Baptist Church for many years. Kitty retired as a clerk after 43 years from Moreau’s Drug Store in Vinton. She was an avid gardener raising orchids, African violets, and irises. Kitty cherished her special collection of cups and saucers that she proudly displayed throughout her home. Her family was very important to her and she always looked forward to going to Galveston Beach twice a year to celebrate her and her husband’s birthdays.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Linda Jean Benoit Fontenot Akin and husband Mike of Hockley, Texas, Donna Kay Benoit Frederick and husband Rick of Lake Charles, Terry Wayne Benoit of Vinton, and David Lynn Benoit and wife Stephanie of Salado, Texas; grandchildren, Matt Fontenot and wife Christine, Josh Fontenot and wife Uun, Amber Frederick, Autumn Frederick Miller and husband Buck, Beau Benoit and wife Morgan, Cade Benoit and fiancé Lauren; great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Madison and Jackson Fontenot and Arthur Benoit; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ms. Kitty was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Preston “June” Benoit Jr.; grandson, Paul Fontenot; and her brothers, Herbert “Pete” Perkins and Delbert Perkins.

The family would like to say a special thank you for the excellent care given to Kitty provided by Dianna Perkins Bellamy.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Prien Memorial Park Cemetery in Lake Charles under the direction of Hixson Vinton Funeral Home with Ricky Watson officiating.

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

Terry Lynn Coker

Terry Lynn Coker, 71, of DeRidder, died Wednesday, Nov. 11. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Central Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.

Harold L. Comeaux

In Loving Memory

Harold L. Comeaux was born Nov. 29, 1943 and passed away Oct. 17, 2020. He was a longshoreman at the Port of Lake Charles.

Floyd M. “Buddy” Ellis

Floyd M. “Buddy” Ellis, 92, passed away at his home in Westlake, La., on Nov. 14, 2020, surrounded by his family.

Floyd was born in Rankin, Texas, on Dec. 5, 1927, to Marion and Floyd M. Ellis. He grew up in Wink, Texas, and played football for the Winkler Wildcats. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He later attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. After 40+ years with Continental Oil Company, he retired in Westlake with his wife, Velma, who preceded him in death in 2017.

He is survived by two brothers, Ed and Bill Ellis; his daughters, Lynne and Susan Ellis; sons, Scott and David Ellis, Michael, Daryl, and Jonathan Richard; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Floyd was a very kind soul who loved his family. He enjoyed reading and sharing books with neighbors, fishing with family and friends, and coaching little league football and baseball. His was a life well-lived, and he was a blessing to those who knew and loved him.

Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

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

Clifford Ray Granger

Clifford Ray Granger, 84, of Lake Charles, passed away on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, at 9:52 a.m. surrounded by his family and friends. He was born to his late parents, Aladin and Eva Granger on Sept. 8, 1936, in Grand Lake, La. He was one of the Pioneer members of the Cajun French Music Association. Clifford and his wife were members of the Dance Troupe-Les Bon Temps Danseurs where he was famous for his Cajun Waltz and Two Step where he won many dance contests and shared his knowledge with others. He was also a member of the Mardi Gras Krewe, where they were King and Queen of the Krewe de Les Cajuns. Clifford was a member of the Carpenter’s Local 953 and a member of the Lake Charles Bass Club in 1973.

Clifford graduated from Grand Lake High School in 1955, then furthered his education at Sowela, where he received his Associates Degree. He served in the Louisiana National Guard as Sergeant for 8 years. He began as a carpenter’s helper for several years before starting work as a Superintendent at Industrial Construction in 1964 until 1985. In 1985, it changed to IMTC, Inc, where he worked mainly at Conoco before retiring in 2000. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling all over the world. Some of his hobbies included gardening, cooking, fishing with his grandson, making wine and brandy, and being with his family and friends. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara “Sue” LaGrange Granger; daughter, Lori Granger Verzwyvelt and husband Jason of Grand Lake; two brothers, Joseph “Buddy” Granger and wife Joyce of Grand Lake, Jimmy Granger and wife Linda of Lake Charles; one sister, Juanita Ethridge and husband Lloyd of Lake Charles; one grandson who was his pride and joy, Jacob Verzwyvelt; along with numerous nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Monsignor Harry Greig officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 8 a.m. until the procession to the church.

Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

The family would like to thank his caregiver, Maria Vincent; along with Brighton Bridge Hospice for their exceptional care.

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

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Anna Mae Doncaster Doherty Mason

Anna Mae Doncaster Doherty Mason, age 91, of Sulphur, La., passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. Anna was born on Sept. 25, 1929, in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada, one of seven children.

She was an active member of Olivet Baptist Church in Sulphur. She was a volunteer at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital where she worked in the Gift Shop. She also served 2 terms as President of the Auxiliary and was editor of the newsletter.

Anna was preceded in death by her first husband, Leslie Doherty; second husband, Dean Mason; parents, Frederick and Pauline Doncaster; and four brothers, Donald “Don” Doncaster, Robert “Bud” Doncaster, and Frederick “Ted” Doncaster.

Survivors include her three children, Sharon A. Doherty, Martin R. Doherty, and Sandy E. Doherty; six grandchildren, T.J. Hayes, Desiree Johnson, Christopher Doherty, Nicholas Doherty, Krisinda Doherty, and Leslie Milam; two sisters, Amy Weaver and Joyce Wakefield; brother, Bliss Doherty; eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Anna was proud to be the Matriarch of two 5 generation families.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11 a.m. Celebrant, Jody Barrilleaux will lead services. Anna will be laid to rest in the family cemetery at a later date in Marshall, Ill.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com for Anna’s family.

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Jacqueline (Jackie) Batrum Knowles Oglesby

Jacqueline (Jackie) Batrum Knowles Oglesby died Nov. 12, 2020, at the age of 86.

A private memorial will be held in advance of her burial at Westview Cemetery in Kinston, N.C.

Born Oct. 13, 1934, in Lake Charles, La., Jackie was a true Louisiana Lady. Jackie moved to Kinston, N.C., in 1957 after marrying her lifelong love, Harold Franklin Oglesby, a North Carolina native.

Jackie was a true one of a kind, with many god given talents. She was an artist, extraordinary cook, a hole in one golfer and perfect scoring bowler. Jackie and Frank owned and operated, New Bern Loan and Jewelers in downtown New Bern from 1976 until 1993.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Marie Knowles Batrum and Ralph Loren Batrum; grandparents, Artie Harrington Knowles and Jesse Monroe Knowles Sr., who raised her; and her loving brother, Sen. Jesse Monroe Knowles Jr.

She is survived by her three girls, Sandra Oglesby Cannon, Katherine Knowles Oglesby and Winifred Oglesby Johnson, their husbands and four grandsons.

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.

Linda Sue Bonamici Tamburrino

Linda Sue Bonamici Tamburrino, 69, died Nov. 10, at home. Memorial service will be 4 p.m. today, Nov. 15, in Johnson and Brown Funeral Home. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson and Brown Funeral Home of Iowa.

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John Maurice Thom Jr.

Oct. 21, 1935 – Nov. 12, 2020

John Maurice Thom, Jr. (J.M.), 85, of Lake Charles, La., passed into eternal life on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, surrounded by his family.

J.M. was born to John Thom Sr. and wife, Jeanette, on Oct. 21, 1935. He was a 1953 graduate of LaGrange High School. He attended McNeese State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1959. J.M. enlisted in the U.S. Army after college and achieved the rank of Sergeant E5. He was a proud member of the Bayonet Chorale until his discharge in 1961. J.M. spent 20 years of service as the band director for Grand Lake High School. He also held the role of music director at Oak Park Methodist Church for 16 years. J.M. retired from his position in maintenance at Idora Incorporated in 2007 after 18 years of service. J.M. had an affinity for music and working with his hands. He was extremely proud of his close-knit family and their treasured traditions.

J.M. will be best remembered as a beloved and devoted husband, father, and “paw paw.” He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Margie Thom (Leone), daughters Lisa Robertson (Tom) and Debbie Simpson (Greg), son John Thom III (Tammy), grandchildren Dawn Dugas (Jason), Mallory Robertson Slagle (Billy), Megan Robertson Koetter (Dustin), Brennan Thom (Meagan), Casey Simpson, and Brandi Simpson, great-granddaughters Stormie and Safara Robertson, great-grandsons Jaxon Koetter and Billy Reese Slagle, with two more great-grandsons expected to arrive next spring. He is also survived by his nephew Jimmy LeBoeuf (Carol) and niece Jennie Lynn Blevins

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Claudia Mohr, and great grandchild Romero.

The family would like to express their gratitude to a host of extended family members and close friends for their love showered upon J.M through the trajectory of his earthly life. Thanks are also extended to the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice for their compassionate care in his final days.

Visitation will be at University Baptist Church on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A private graveside will be held in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home with Monsignor Daniel Torres officiating.

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

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Luann Lynn Wallace

Luann Lynn Wallace, 60, of Lake Charles, passed away, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, in a local hospital.

Ms. Wallace was a lifelong resident of Lake Charles. She attended Barbe High School where she ran track. She began her career as a Casino dealer with Harrah’s Casino in the mid 90s and has worked many tables dealing various games. Luann was very creative, a talented decorator and enjoyed baking and designing cakes for family and friends’ special occasions. She also enjoyed fishing, thrift shopping and estate sales. She had a kind heart with a gift of acceptance in that she saw only the best in others and had a soft spot for animals. Luann had a joyful spirit, was a social butterfly, enjoyed entertaining and loved people, crowds and parties. She will forever be remembered for her grace and beauty at her son’s wedding in August.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Samantha Bonvillian DuRousseau and husband Keith of Lake Charles; one son, Gerald Ray Wallace and wife Carlee of Lake Charles; four grandchildren, Elle Grace, Isla Camille, Veda Adaire and Andi Samantha DuRousseau; two brothers, Donnie Ray Wallace and wife Tammie of Lake Charles, and Byarn Douglas Chaumont and wife Natasha of Seattle, Wash.; one sister, Reneé McCombs Monlezun and husband Lee of Lake Charles; one nephew, Ronald Wallace Jr. and wife Melissa; three nieces, Natalia and Cassandra Chaumont and Morgan Monlezun; great-nieces, Hope and Faith Wallace; and great-nephew, Ronald Wallace III; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Wallace and Lawana Stevens Cloud; and brother, Ronnie Dale Wallace.

Funeral service will be private for family and closest friends. Interment will follow in Consolata. The Rev. Marcus Wade will officiate.

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

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