Edward Dale Chaddick

Hewitt Joseph Chaisson

Elizabeth Ann (Pitts) Cobb

Melba Dean Doty

Joseph Duplechin

Willis Joseph Goodwin, Jr.

Philip Nolan McCarty

Milton Henry Pharr

Verda Begnaud Prejean

Mervin Lee Sanders

Olivia Nunez Scalisi

William Stewart Sharp

Victor Theodore Stelly

Mark Robert Talbot, Sr.

Matthew Carlton Vallette

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Edward Dale Chaddick

Edward Dale Chaddick, 89, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2020 in Lafayette, La, due to Alzheimer’s disease. The disease may have taken his memories, but it did not take his loving, caring personality, his sense of humor, or his ability to make everyone feel special.

Ed (Dale, as he was called in his early years) was born in Port Arthur, Texas to Tillman and Jewel Hunt Chaddick. Shortly after his birth, the family settled in the community of Cottonwood, La where Ed grew up. He graduated from Evans High School in 1948 and actively served in the US Marine Corp from October 1951 to Oct. 1953 and received an honorable discharge in 1959. He moved to Maplewood in 1956 and worked as an operator at Cities Service Refinery for several years before becoming the Business Agent, and later Business Manager, for IUOE Local 407 and Lake Charles Metal Trades Council.

Ed lived a life of service – to his family, friends, neighbors, church, and community. He was a loving husband, father, “Big Papa”, and Uncle Dale. Ed served in many positions with his church including Deacon, Trustee, and member of numerous committees. He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 443 in Westlake where he served as Worshipful Master in 2004. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Southwest Louisiana for many years and served as Campaign Chairman in 1982. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for C.A.R.C. for many years.

Edward is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Midkiff Chaddick; three daughters, Janet Cline & Tim of Surprise, Az, Debbie Bowers & Ronnie of Sulphur, La, and Diane Buck & Jerry of Sulphur, La; one daughter-in-law, Debra Chaddick of Sulphur, La; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Darlyne Midkiff of Lake Charles, La, Sybil Newton of Tallahassee, Fl, Fern Miller & L.L. of Houston, Texas, and Glenda Stewart of DeRidder, La; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Michael Dale Chaddick; daughter, Jeanne Chaddick; and his brother, John Dae Chaddick.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the compassionate and caring staff of Stonebridge Place Assisted Living, A First Name Basis Home Care, Regional Hospice Care, and Heart of Hospice.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Houston River Church with Bro. Lonnie Gothrup and Bro. Jerry Chaddick officiating. Interment will follow at Prien Memorial Park Cemetery in Lake Charles under the direction of Chaddick Funeral Home. Visitation with family and friends will be Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Houston River Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Houston River Church (Building Fund), the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences can be made at chaddickfuneralhome.com

Hewitt Joseph Chaisson

Hewitt Joseph Chaisson, 77, passed away on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. He was born to his late parents, Polly and Elise LeDoux Chaisson in Pine Island, where he was a lifelong resident. He graduated Fenton High School, and then served in the United States Army. He married Linda Godfrey Chaisson on June 13, 1970. He retired from Insulators Local 112 and retired as a part time Custodian at Welsh High School.

Hewitt loved his family, especially his grandsons. He was a people person and loved to visit and talk to people in French. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed raising a variety of poultry and feathered friends.

His family includes son, Kevin Chaisson and wife Marsha; daughter, Kelly Chaisson; grandsons, Keagan Reon, Zachary Reon, Jackson Chaisson; brothers, Robert Chaisson, Claude Chaisson and wife Annette, Donald Chaisson and wife Barbara, Roger Chaisson and wife Donnalen; sister, Barbara C. Soileau, and along with his beloved fur baby, Molly the snake killer.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Polly and Elise L. Chaisson; brother-in-law, Randy Soileau; step mother, Gladys Chaisson and Little Becky.

Pallbearers will include: Claude Chaisson, Roger Chaisson, Jackson Chaisson, Casey Guidry, Darrell Chaisson, Tommy Soileau, Austin Trahan, and Davin Manuel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Raymond, La. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, at 11 a.m., with Father Bill Miller officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home in Welsh on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Monday, from 9 a.m. until the procession to the church. Burial will follow at Pine Island Cemetery in Pine Island, LA.

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

Elizabeth Ann (Pitts) Cobb

Elizabeth Ann (Pitts) Cobb died Dec. 19, 2020. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at Lescher Millsap Funeral Home with interment following at Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, Okla. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, Okla.

Melba Dean Doty

Melba Dean Foreman Doty fondly referred to as “Dean” or “Melba Dean” left our world and joined her husband on Dec. 23, 2020 in the comfort of her daughter’s home.

Melba was born Oct. 7 of 1931 on a rice farm in Indian Bayou Louisiana. She was married to the love of her life Foster Doty for 66 years. She attended Indian Bayou elementary, middle, and high school. She was sent off by her family to Lafayette to finish her education where she attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Liberal and Technical Learning. She later completed her education earning a degree in banking services at SOWELA Technical Community College. Melba Dean started her brief, yet successful, banking career at Gulf National Bank before becoming a homemaker. She went from training bookkeepers to managing her home, a job she took very seriously earning her the designation as “Family Estate Manager.” You won’t find her accomplishments written in a newspaper or exhibited through trophies mounted on the walls, but rather manifested through those she loved and supported. She was her husband’s biggest fan, hardest critique, and best friend. Foster would tell anyone who would listen that Dean made him the best version of himself, always acknowledging her role in whatever success he had at the time. Her vibrant personality could light up any room she walked in. She had an innate ability to make anyone she spoke to feel special. Her laugh was infectious. She loved to host parties, large family gatherings, or afternoon coffee. She made sure no one ever went hungry or without a cup of coffee. She will forever be known for her fashion. Foster always indulged her, even if he thought she didn’t need the third pair of red kitten heels. She was known to walk through The Mall of Acadiana as he’d carry her shopping bags, shopping was by far her favorite hobby. She was a member of The Lake Charles Pioneer Club, The St. Patrick’s Pink Ladies, and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Turner R. and Queen Grace Foreman; in-laws, Oscar Albert Sr. and Eula Doty; her brothers, Ralph and Paul Foreman; and her husband, Foster Doty.

She leaves behind her only daughter, Kristi Doty Guillory; and her grandchildren Donovan, Kaelyn and Kristin Guillory; and great grand-children, Decker and Hannah Guillory.

Her funeral service will be 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Father Levi Thompson will officiate. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at University Baptist Church on Tuesday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the start of the service at Our Lady Queen of Heaven.

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

Joseph Duplechin

Joseph “Ernie” Duplechin passed away on Dec. 24, 2020, in the presence of his wife and partner in Christ, Dolores. They celebrated their 68th anniversary four days prior.

Ernie was born in Soileau, Louisiana, on July 19, 1932. His plan to exit high school early to work in the fields was intercepted when Coach Louis Hanson came knocking on his door. Hanson would go on to convince Ernie to follow an entirely different path – one that led him to a new kind of field.

The support from Hanson and his wife, Myrtis, reached far beyond the goal post as they took Ernie in as their own son. Their relationship led to Ernie’s graduation in 1951 as a four-sport letterman from Basile High School. Following high school, Ernie followed his high school sweetheart, Dolores McClelland, to Louisiana College where he became a multi-letterman athlete once again. After marrying in 1952 and graduating in 1955, Ernie began his coaching career.

As a high school coach, he was mostly known for his district championship titles at his Alma Mater, Basile High School. His winning record helped land a position at McNeese State University, where he earned his master’s degree.

His knowledge and love for the game led to a 30-year career as a successful coach and athletic director. After retiring in 1985, he earned Hall of Fame recognition as both a player and a coach at Louisiana College and McNeese State University.

One of Ernie’s greatest achievements was the positive impact he had on the hundreds of players he had the opportunity to coach and mentor. He was known by his fellow coaches and peers for his unwavering determination and integrity.

Following retirement, Ernie joined his brother Don at Four-Star Painting, and later he worked as a consultant for his good friend Bill Dore at Global Industries. More importantly, he had the chance to devote his time to those that mattered most, his family and friends. He and Dolores traveled extensively across the United States and Canada.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Dolores McClelland Duplechin; children – Jackie (Dickie) Holmes, Steve (Debbie) Duplechin, Donna (David) Daughenbaugh, Sheila (Kurt) Rothermel, Scott (Nicole) Duplechin; grandchildren – Jeremy (Stacy) Duplechin, Kyle (Tiffany) Holmes, Allyson (Joshua) Schexnyder, Laura Holmes, Meagan (Andre’) Villejoin, Blair (Jon) Ringo, Kelly (Jason) Thompson, Jordan (Taylor) Daughenbaugh, Kate (Damian) Hubbard, Lauren (Bradley) Reiners, Courtney (Korey) King, Cade (Jen) Daughenbaugh, John (Caroline) Rothermel, Alex Duplechin, and Elizabeth Rothermel and 27 great-grandchildren; sisters – Sheryl (Gary) Doga, Fay (Johnny) Bishoff; brother Chuck Bellon; and Louis Hanson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Widman and Cavel Duplechin, and Alice (Fruge) and Clement Sittig; grandparents Lee and Aleda Young Fruge; sister Mary Ann (Huey) Courville, brother Donald Duplechin, sister-in-law Jennifer Bellon; and Myrtis Aguillard Hanson.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church North Venue in Lake Charles. Reverend Steve James will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Interment service will follow at Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. The family is requesting visitors follow COVID regulations and please wear masks.

Pallbearers will be Steve Duplechin, Scott Duplechin, Jeremy Duplechin, Kyle Holmes, Jordan Daughenbaugh, and John Rothermel.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Encore, Southwind, and Grace Hospice for their compassion while caring for Ernie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home at PO Box 4196, Monroe, Louisiana 71211.

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