Wilburn John “Sonny” Duplantis Jr., 80, of Lake Charles went to meet his Lord on May 28, 2022, at 12:45 p.m. in his residence.
Sonny was born to Virginia and Wilburn John Duplantis Sr. on Oct. 7, 1941, in New Orleans, La., where he spent much of his life. He was a graduate of Acadia Baptist in Eunice, La., and furthered his education at Tulane University. He then served in the Army where he went to Officer Candidate School becoming a Captain. He retired from All State Insurance and worked in the seafood industry for several years. Sonny also refereed basketball for many years. He was a member of Sale Street Baptist where he met and married his wife, Sandra. He loved teasing people and would greet everyone young and old before the church services. After Sandra’s retirement they joined Trinity Baptist Church in 2014.
Survivors include his loving wife, Sandra, of more than 18 years; son, Richard Duplantis and wife, Vicki of Mandeville, La.; daughter, Mrs. Susanne Andrews and husband, The Rev. Chris Andrews of Ventress, La.; sister, Ms. Debbie Maloof and life partner, Ben Gill of Hernando, Miss.; step-daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Terry) Phillips, and Dr. James “Richard” (Amy) Churchman; four step-grandchildren, Connor Phillips, Mrs. Ryan (Jordan) Smith, Mrs. Logan (Shelby) Torrance, and Corbin Churchman; step-great-grandchildren, Bowen and Walker Churchman, Redick and Rosemary Smith, Juniper and Wilder Torrance and another girl on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Wilburn Duplantis Sr.; brother, Michael Duplantis; and sister-in-law, Karen.
The family wish to thank Brighton Bridge Hospice for the care of Sonny’s last days.
Cremation is under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. His Celebration of Life service will be at Trinity Baptist Church’s Student Venue on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 11 a.m. Son-in-law The Rev. Chris Andrews will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10 a.m.
Donations may be made to Myasthenia Treatment, myasthenia.org, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, stjude.org, or a charity of your choice.
Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at holidaytravel.sandy@yahoo.com or susanne@makeovermyleftover.com