Stephen Anthony Berniard Jr., age 82, of Lake Charles, passed away on Oct. 9 at Cornerstone Hospital in Lake Charles surrounded by his loved ones. He was born and raised in Morgan City, La. 

Stephen is survived by his devoted wife, Suzanne Creel Berniard; his children, Valerie Berniard Quary of Milton, La., Benjamin Berniard, Stephen A. Berniard III of Lake Charles, Jeffrey P. Berniard and daughter-in-law, Melissa Wilson Berniard, of New Orleans, La.; his mother-in-law, Mary Jane Creel of Lake Charles and brother-in-law, Mark Scott Creel, and wife, Daphne Creel of Grand Lake, La. He also is survived by his cherished grandchildren, Jimmy Quary, Julia Quary, Stephen “Banks” Berniard, Amelia “Birdie” Berniard and great-grandson, Christopher Eito Quary.

Stephen was an attorney for over 50 years, a career he truly loved. Shortly after graduating from LSU School of Law, he proudly served his country as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Army. During his service in the army he worked at Fitzsimmons Veteran Hospital in Denver, Colo. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Stephen moved to Panama where he worked as an attorney for the Panama Canal Zone. After moving back to the United States he made his home in Lake Charles where he began work as the director of Legal Services of Southwest Louisiana. He then joined the law firm of Raggio, Cappel, Chozen and Berniard in 1974 where he remained until his retirement in 2019. His passion for the law and helping others shone through in every case he worked on. He was known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and his endless storytelling, particularly about his time as a lawyer.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Stephen A. Berniard; mother, Nora Diez Berniard, both of Morgan City, La.; father-in-law, Paul L. Creel and brother-in-law, Stephen P. Creel both of Lake Charles.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoyed spending time in his yard, caring for his pets, and being with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Akbar Kahn, Dr. Thomas Mulhern, and the loving staff of both Christus St. Patrick and Cornerstone Hospitals.

The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 beginning at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at 9 a.m. with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local pet charities in his memory.

Please leave fond memories for the Berniard family at www.hixsonfuneral homes.com.