We are sad to announce the passing of our father John Eddie Cormier, a proud World War II veteran who was also very proud of his Cajun heritage.  He was born in Rayne, La. on Nov. 26, 1923, and passed away at the age of 100 in Lake Charles, La. on June 3, 2024.  His parents were the late Verly and Belzire Cormier.  He was married for 73 years to the love of his life Mary Pauline Cormier.

John Eddie was born during the Great Depression in a poor Cajun family and was raised in the Lacassine area.  He developed a strong work ethic at a young age and like many children of the depression era worked to help his family.

He proudly served in World War II receiving a Purple Heart Medal, American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal.  When he returned home from the service he worked as a roughneck in the oilfield for Mobil Oil Company.  He met his future wife, Pauline, at a Cajun dance.  They were married on Feb. 28, 1948.  They had four beautiful children.  He later went to work as a longshoreman at the Port of Lake Charles for many years. After he retired his projects never ended.  He was a very gifted man. How do you describe a great man?  Brilliant, hardworking, strong yet full of a deep faith, a devout Catholic. He had a great love for his wife and family.  He also loved shrimping, gardening and Cajun dancing.  He loved speaking French with his family and friends.  There was nothing he couldn’t build or fix.  He lived his life the Cajun way.

He is now in heaven reunited not only with his parents and beloved wife, but also with his oldest son, Carlton Ray Cormier and his step-grandson, Benjamin Bergstedt. He is also there with his brother and sisters, Bella Landry, Ella Begnaud, Clyde Cormier, Clara Daigle, Beulah Benoit and Joyce Bourque.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Dr. Michael Cormier (Susan), Barbara Barrett (Don), and Richard Cormier (Dr. Jennette Bergstedt Cormier); grandchildren, Christopher Cormier (Christy) and Ashley Cormier (Angela Carrington); step-grandchildren, Dr. Matthew Bergstedt (Michelle) and Andrew Bergstedt (Kate); his cherished great-grandchildren, Jordyn “Ravyn” Lasher (Braeden), Jonathan Cormier, Carly Cormier; step-great-grandchildren, Jude Curtis, John Beau Bergstedt and Mason Carrington.  He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, as well as, cherished friends, Donald and Vickie Cormier, and Sylvia Ardoin.

Visitation will be Monday, June 10, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 12 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St. Lake Charles, LA 70605.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 1 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 3939 Lake St. Lake Charles, LA 70605.  Lifelong friend of the family, Monsignor Danny Torres will officiate. Burial will follow the Mass at Consolata Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the kind helpers at Grand Cove Nursing Home.  He called it home.  They would also like to thank Dr. R. Craig Broussard and Dr. Gerry Hebert for their excellent care over the years.