Dec. 28, 1942 – Jan. 24, 2023
Diamondhead, MS — Funeral service will be held at St. Peter Church in Grand Prairie at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, for Mr. Kenneth W. P. Soileau, 80, with his burial following at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Grand Prairie. Visitation will be held at LaVille Funeral Home in Ville Platte on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, from 2pm to 8pm.
Mr. Soileau a resident of Diamondhead, Miss., died in his residence at 3:08 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2023, surrounded by his love ones.
Mr. Soileau grew up in Pine Prairie and enlisted in the Army on Oct. 19,1962. While in the Army, Mr. Soileau lived in Germany, completed one tour in Vietnam and received an honorable discharge, as an E6 on Oct. 10, 1968. Upon discharge, Mr. Soileau made Gillis, La., his home for more than 40 years. Mr. Soileau retired from PPG in 2007.
Luke 8:15. Mr. Soileau was a “good soil” recipient which was cultivated in his life with Christ. Upon retirement, Mr. Soileau began making rosaries to assist in spreading the “good soil” to others. In the last ten years, Mr. Soileau has made and donated over 50,000 rosaries to the various missions and churches throughout the world.
Mr. Soileau enjoyed nature; he enjoyed sitting outside on his patio watching the birds and squirrels eat from his bird feeders. Waiting for the wild turkeys to visit his backyard a few times each year. Mr. Soileau enjoyed being one with earth; his yard was full of flower beds, trees and bushes, among his favorites were amaryllis, roses, hydrangeas, and azaleas. He tilled and planted an acre garden each spring and fall across the creek which ran through his property in Gillis, LA until he relocated to Diamondhead, MS in 2018.
Mr. Soileau is survived by the love of his life and wife of almost 60 years, Raenell Manuel Soileau.
Mr. Soileau is survived by his brother, Nolan Soileau and his wife Nell of Pine Prairie, La.
Survives include his three children, Michael Soileau, wife Gwen, of Austin, Texas, Muriel Soileau Osburn, husband Dallas, of Diamondhead, Miss., and Mark Soileau, wife Bridgette, of New Braunfels, Texas. Mr. Soileau leaves behind six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Mr. Soileau was preceded in death by his parents, Clarance Soileau and Dinah Ortego Soileau; his brother, Gregory Soileau; his godparents, Hilton and Mary Annie (Ortego) Thibodeaux; and his aunt, Edna Ortego.
LaVille Funeral Home, in Ville Platte, La., is in charge of the arrangements.