Lash Joseph Chretien Sr. was born in Lake Charles, La., on July 29, 1953, to the late Hollin and Leona Chretien Sr.
His lifetime of work with the Port of Lake Charles began in 1973 and continuing over 50 years until his passing. He began as a Longshoreman with International Longshoremen’s Association LOCAL 1180. In 1977 he was elected Secretary-Treasurer of LOCAL 1998 Clerks & Checkers. Upon the merger of ILA Local 1180 and ILA Local 1214 into Local 2047, he was elected to serve as the first President following their desegregation. As acting President, it was his honor to negotiate contracts and advocate for the working conditions of all longshoreman members in his local, a position he proudly held many years.
Throughout his fifty years of service at the Port of Lake Charles, he held many positions. He served as Vice President of the South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District of the ILA, Assistant Organizer of the ILA, Vice President of the Louisiana AFL-C10, and in 2017 the President of the ILA 1998 Clerks & Checkers.
Although his career with the Port of Lake Charles was profound, it remained in the shadow of his family. He was a lifelong member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, a dedicated family man, and Christian. His work ethic was exemplary and something he instilled in each of his children. Lash devoted his life as a servant of God. His selfless, charitable, and humanitarian traits magnified his human form. His biggest accomplishment was his family and spending quality time with them was his greatest joy. Weekends were for friends & family, music & cookouts with his “favorite Pit Master” Jonathan. His love of sports was inherited from his father and one he passed to his own sons. He was involved in several travel and local softball teams and the founder and owner of the Gamblers.
He was welcomed into Heaven on March 19, 2023, by his beloved son, Jonathan Dwayne Chretien; parents, Hollin Sr. and Leona Chretien; brother, Daniel Chretien; sister, Monique Chretien; in-laws, Ollie and Jennie Cobb.
Those left to cherish his memory; his wife of 47 years, Artie Faye Chretien; three children, Lash J. Chretien Jr., Julius (TaShawna) Chretien, and Gertinna (Jason) Simmons; four grandsons, Lash III, Madden, and Maddox Chretien, and Jason Simmons Jr.; five granddaughters, Katelyn (Cooper), Madison, Carrington, and Caydence Chretien, Kirstyn and Hayleigh Simmons; two brothers, Jeffrey (Linda) Chretien, Hollin (Alice) Chretien Jr.; and two sisters, Alvisia (Donald) Williams and Vicky Chretien.
Family to welcome friends Thursday, March 23, 2023, in chapel of Johnson Funeral Home beginning 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume Friday, March 24, 2023, at 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Shaj Jose will begin at 11:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Garden
We invite you to share a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.