2021_01_15_Obits

Published 6:00 am Friday, January 15, 2021

Edward Broussard

Jonathan Charles Burch

Beulah Areno Burnett

Patricia Green Carpenter

Reva Jones Chesson

Esther Mae Davis

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Earl Michael DeRuso

Wakain Dugas

Albert Foote Sr.

Winston Richard Hayes

Helen Young Johnson

K’Jerwain D. Lewis

Patricia Shea Louviere

Robert William Mellon Sr.

James Lee Prather

Albert Robinson

Cecilia Dorothy Savoy

Faye Sermon

Charles C. Shoemake

John Stevens

Hardy Len Wilson

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Edward “Ed” Broussard

Edward “Ed” Broussard, 87, of Lake Charles, died Monday, Jan. 11, in a local hospital. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. *Please note masks will be required for attendees.* Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery.

Jonathan Charles Burch

Jonathan Charles Burch, beloved son, brother, husband, and father passed away on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Houston, Texas, after a brave battle with cancer, at the age of 36.

Jonathan was born on July 9, 1984, in Metairie, La., to parents Richard and Deborah Burch. He graduated from Ponchatoula High School, played varsity football and achieved the rank of Sergeant Major for the ROTC Drill Team. He worked as a lab technician at PBF Chalmette Refinery. Jonathan also volunteered as a fire fighter with the Springfield Fire Department, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #4874 in Ponchatoula, La.

He was a passionate fan of Star Wars, but also loved Disney, Marvel Comics, and Elvis Presley.

Jonathan’s family describes him as devoted, loving, and kind; but most of all, Godly and strong in his faith. His fun loving and gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Jonathan is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Carmen “Carrie” Burch; two daughters, Shiloh Grace and Amaris Hope Burch; parents, Richard and Deborah Burch; siblings, Thomas Payn V, Jennifer Burch; godmother, Mary Catherine Burch; godchildren, Emily Payn and Rexton Burch; in-laws, Shawn and Roxanne Camara, Tom and Maddy Landry, Connie (John) Chapman; Michael (Corie) Camara, Dane (Eden) Camara, Grant Camara, Rachel (Wesley) Richards, Lara (Nick) Picou, Charlie (Heather) Lightsey, nieces, Autumn Payn, Molly Chapman; nephews, John Thomas Chapman, Tate Camara, Luca & Liam Picou, Ethan Lightsey.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Claude and Mary Vicknair; paternal grandparents, Reginald Burch, Patricia Babin; grandmother-in-law, Louise Fontenot and Aunt, Sharon Clouatre.

A Mass of Christian burial will be in St. Raphael Catholic Church, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Blake Dubroc and Deacon Chuck LeBlanc, Celebrants. Burial of cremains will be in Lacassine Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held in Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., with a rosary recited at 11:30 a.m. As per the request of family, attendees are asked to wear face coverings, and are encouraged to wear their favorite Star Wars, Marvel, Disney or Elvis shirt in honor of Jonathan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help defray medical expenses.

Words of comfort may be share with the family at www.johnsonandbrownfuneralhome.com or Facebook: Johnson & Brown Funeral Home.

Beulah Areno Burnett

Beulah Areno Burnett, 93, died Jan. 12. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at First United Pentecostal Church of DeQuincy. Interment to follow in Magnolia Cemetery, Ragley, under the direction of Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, DeQuincy.

Patricia Green Carpenter

Pat was called home on Jan. 9, 2021, at the age of 75. She was born on May 9, 1945, in Pasadena, Texas. She had been a member of First Baptist Church Westlake for over 40 years. After the death of her husband, Ed, she moved to Lecompte, La., to live near her daughter, Lisa, and her family. It was important for her to meet the needs of those she loved. She always put others first. She joined Emmanuel Baptist Church and became involved in the homeless, hospitality, and Christmas program ministries.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Carpenter Rozas and husband Robin; her grandsons, Colin and Jared; her brother, Harold “Bob” Green; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Franklin Carpenter; her parents, Eugene Paul Green Jr. and Rhoda Johnson Green; and her brothers, Marion “Gene” Green and Charles “Butch” Green.

A memorial celebration will be held in Westlake, La., at a later date.

To extend on-line condolences to the Carpenter family, please contact us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.

Reva Jones Chesson

Reva Jones Chesson, 93, died Jan. 9, at home. Graveside service for the family will be today, Jan. 15, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. We hope to have a Celebration of Life later this year after the Covid crisis has passed.

Esther Mae Davis

Esther Mae Davis, 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Memorial service will be 6 p.m. today, Jan. 15, in Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa. As per the request of the family, face coverings will be required.

Earl Michael DeRuso

Funeral service for Earl Michael DeRuso, 74, will be noon Saturday, Jan. 16, at Immaculate Heart Of Mary Catholic Church under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.

Wakain Dugas

Visitation for Wakain Dugas will be Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. with his funeral following at 11 a.m. at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Welsh.

Albert Foote Sr.

Albert Foote Sr. was called home to our Lord on Jan. 8, 2021. He passed peacefully from natural causes at his daughter’s home in Houston, Texas. He was 93 years old and lived a healthy, happy life with his family in Lake Charles, La.

Mr. Foote was born on March 17, 1927, to Alphonse and Mary Foote. He had three siblings and grew up in Duson, La. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his patriotic service, he married his beautiful bride Lucille. This union of 63 years was blessed with five children: Albert Jr., Barbara “Boo”, Pat, Jeannie and Sue. He continued his education and earned a Certification in “Radio and Television Repair” opening his own home business while working at Firestone Industrial Plant, where he retired after 30 years.

Mr. Foote was a quiet man of service. He served God by serving his family and his community. He was always willing to give a helping hand to his neighbor. He was a long-time respected member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Most people who know him, knows that he loved to “fix” things. However, if you asked him his favorite thing to do and his secret to long life, he would say “dancing”. You could always find Mr. Foote at a Zydeco Dance, sitting in the front, waiting for the band to play.

Mr. Foote was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille (Broussard) Foote; parents, Alphonse and Mary (Arceneaux) Foote; brothers, Peter and Gilbert Foote; one sister, Edolia “Rena” (Foote) Olivier; one grandchild, Christopher Bilbo; and one son-in-law, Anthony Eslami. His memory will be cherished by his children, Albert Foote Jr. and his wife Lou Ann (Charles) of Lake Charles, La., Barbara (Foote) Tollette and her husband Shelby of Denver, Colo., Patricia Foote of Lake Charles, La., Jeannie Foote of Lake Charles, La., Sue (Foote) Eslami of Houston, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of loving family and friends.

Rest in peace, Mr. Foote. Dance that Glorious Dance with our Lord!

Visitation will be 9 -11:30 a.m. at Combre Funeral Home, 1200 Mill St., Lake Charles, LA 70601, with Funeral Mass at noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1102 Mill St., Lake Charles, LA 70601.

In lieu of flowers, please see the Memorial Go Fund Me page for a Memorial to Sacred Heart Church, Lake Charles, La in his honor.

Winston Richard Hayes

Winston Richard Hayes (Dick) was born in Crowley, La., Sept. 25, 1943. Dick passed away Jan. 11, 2021, in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Lagrange Senior High School and attended McNeese University.

Dick is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathleen Hayes; four sons, Mike Hayes, Mark Hayes, Bradley Dennison and RJ Hayes; daughters-in-law, Kimberly Dennison, Pam Hayes and Allyson Hayes. Also three grandchildren he adored, Alexander J Dennison, Victoria R Dennison and August Winston Hayes. Dick’s family includes one sister, Margie Fontenot (Curtis); his brother, Ronald (Ron) Hayes (Lynette) and a sister-in-law, Sylvia Hayes.

Preceding him in death were his parents, RJ (Bob) and Gladys Hayes; and his brother, Dr Robert (Bob) Hayes.

Dick and Kathleen moved to Houston, Texas, in 2003. Before moving to Houston, he was a long-term member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. He and his wife belonged to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. They have been benefactors of many ministries, including St. Louis Catholic High School, Focus on the Family, The Houston Food Bank and Samaritan’s Purse.

Dick was always congenial and upbeat, earning him the nickname of “Hap Hayes!”

His positive attitude came from his strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the very end.

He was loved by his family including many nieces and nephews whose lives were touched by this Gentle Giant.

Dick survived prostate cancer for 21 years due to early detection and superior medical care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ministry of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Consolata Mausoleum, Lake Charles at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, with his nephews, Pastors Rusty and Steve Hayes officiating.

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Helen Young Johnson

Helen Young Johnson, age 79, of Lake Charles, La., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Helen was born May 29, 1941, to Henry Young and Mattie Gary.

Helen was a native of Hathaway, and resident of Lake Charles for most of her life.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Christopher Allen Johnson and wife Mindy of Lake Charles, and Billy Keith Johnson and wife Cheri of Topsy; three daughters, Benetta Faye Johnson of Lake Charles, Rebecca Ann Harmon and husband James of Lake Charles, and Elizabeth J. Wagster and husband Billy of Lake Charles; two brothers, Byron Jesse Young of Lake Charles, and Ronnie Pierre Young and wife Mary of Cravens; a sister Mary Jane Skinner of Lavergne, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren, Joshua, Brandon, Kaitlin, Christina, Britney, Kashia, Jared, Wade, Koty, Krista, Courtney, Alicia, Kevin, Kenny and Adam; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rodney Lee Johnson; two brothers, Ernest “E.J.” James Young and Duplice “Joe” Young; and two sisters, Joyce Istre and Shirley Stafford.

Visitation service will be held at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, beginning at 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6 p.m. and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday until the time of service. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at 11 a.m. Interment will be immediately following at Highland Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be her nine grandsons.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the JOHNSON family.

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K’Jerwain D. 
”Kage” Lewis

Visitation for K’Jerwain D. “Kage” Lewis, 29, will be from 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, with his funeral following at 1 p.m. at Redemption Tabernacle Church, Pastor Kenneth Goins. Pastor Freddie Brown will officiate. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park.

JAMES LOGO

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Patricia Shea Louviere

Patricia Shea Louviere, 85, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, in a local hospital. Pat was born in Houston, Texas, on Dec. 20, 1935, to Charles Hennessey Shea and Mabel Parr Shea and grew up in Baldwin, La.

In 1953 she married the love of her life, Elton J. Louviere. She and Elton operated Louviere Sign Company and Outdoor Advertising until 1976. Together they followed a lifelong passion of creating beautiful art that graces many homes in Southwest Louisiana and around the globe. She was the managing partner behind the success of Louviere Fine Arts. Pat was a past president of the Ad and Press Club of Southwest Louisiana and involved in Gridiron, past president of the Moss Bluff Civic Club, and a past member of Mardi Gras Krewe de la Famille. Pat was creative and artistic and had a flair for decorating, landscaping and design.

=Left to cherish her memory are her children, Scott (Kathy) Louviere of Moss Bluff, La., Rennie (Angela) Louviere of Lafayette, La., Dody (Phil) Schneider of Lafayette, La., Kelly (Lou) Barry of Hockley, Texas, and Mandy (John) Holmes of Conway, Ark.; one brother, Mickey Shea (Lynn) of Jeanerette, La.; nine grandchildren, Sara Larocca, Amanda Barry, Louis Barry (fiancé Savannah), Aaron Louviere, Grace Louviere Butts (Caleb), Logan Holmes, Spencer Holmes, Christopher Holmes, and Ashley Louviere; four great-grandchildren, Wynter, Rowen, Hudson, and Olive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 60 years, Elton Louviere; her brothers, Tommy Shea and Marion Shea; and one son, Neil Louviere.

Her funeral will be held Saturday at Hixson’s Funeral Home in Lake Charles, La. Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Prien Memorial Park.

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Robert William Mellon Sr.

Robert William Mellon Sr., 65, of DeRidder, died Tuesday, Jan. 12. Gathering will be 4 p.m. today, Jan. 15, at Chaddick Funeral Home.

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James Lee Prather

James Lee Prather, 88, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, in Arcadia, La., from complications due to the COVID-19 virus.

Born in Elizabeth, La., on May 3, 1932, James lived most of his life in Lake Charles. He enlisted in the Army in August 1952. Following basic training and infantry training at Fort Rucker, Ala., he was shipped to Korea in February 1953, where he served as a driver in the motor pool of the 64th Tank Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. After his one-year tour in Korea, James returned to the United States where he was honorably discharged from active duty in August 1954. After his return from military service, he settled in Lake Charles, where he worked as a diesel mechanic. He met and married Mickey Benoit on July 7, 1956. He made a career change to pest control in August 1956 when he began working for Orkin. James later purchased, owned, and operated Rex Exterminating Co., for the next 38 1/2 years until his retirement in March 1995.

James was called to the ministry early in life. He pastored several churches in remote locations throughout Southwest Louisiana, including his last pastorship at Faith Tabernacle in Jennings, La. His many ministries included a 15-minute radio broadcast on AM Radio KAOK for 16 ½ years; and weekly publications of his Christian poetry in the Lake Charles American Press. James had a lifelong passion for music. Completely self-taught, he played the piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin and violin. A prolific songwriter, his music was an integral part of his life and ministries.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Bertha Prather; brothers, Edwin and Donald Prather; and sisters, Imogene Benoit, Wanda Cinquemano and Lennie Mae Daley.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mickey Benoit Prather; daughters, Terri Robinson and husband David, Sherri Bohannon and husband Shawn; and one grandson, Grady Savant. He is also survived by four sisters, Betty Fuselier, Loretta Leger, Marlene Richard and Kay Jaramillo; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held with military honors rendered by the Army Honor Guard.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Willow Ridge Retirement Center and Premier Hospice for the love and compassion shown to James in his final days.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.lakesidefh.com

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Albert Robinson

Al was born on picturesque Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor, Maine, to Oliver and Alice Dolliver Robinson.

He attended Pemetic High School, graduating in 1954. Al managed the Indians basketball team. His interest in the sports history was apparent when he submitted detailed history to the school’s newspaper, the articles were published in 2018 to much acclaim and appreciation.

Upon graduation, Al was awarded a scholarship to the University of Maine. He decided to forgo that opportunity to serve his country. The Air Force was Al’s choice. Serving 13 years. Germany was always one of his most beloved stations. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2130 in Lake Charles, La., and also a lifetime member of American Legion Post 208 of Vinton, La.

While in the Air Force, Al married Loretta Guidry. He then embarked on a journey on a space odyssey. He was a part of NASA’s team that ran the data of the landing on the moon in July 1969. After leaving NASA, Al went to work for U.S. Steel in Baytown, Texas. Which brought him to his employment at PPG in Westlake, Louisiana. Where he worked for 26 years until his retirement in October 1998.

Charter memberships were a source of pride for Al. He was a lifetime member of the World War II Historical Museum. The Serra Club of West Calcasieu is where he held the office of Treasurer for many years. Al spent countless hours with Animal Angels to organize and promote fundraisers for the wellbeing and fostering of West Calcasieu Parish animals.

The Knights of Columbus of Council 3015’s membership was a great honor. Al served on the BINGO committee, Crawfish boils and countless Bar B Que’s. The first office he held with the Knights of Columbus was Deputy Grand Knight, then Grand Knight for 2 terms, followed by District Deputy. Council 3015 received the Star Council Award during the time Al held the position of Grand Knight in 1995. For achieving the Star Council Award, Al was presented a cross made from the platform St. John Paul II celebrated Mass at Aqueduct, N.Y The Robinson’s were chosen for Family of the Year in 2008-2009. Al held the office of Treasurer for the council 3015 until his health began to fail.

Devoted family members left to honor his memory, is his wife Brenda; children Tracy Duhon (Michael) of Hemphill, Texas, Kevin Robinson (Diane) of Hamilton, Canada, Renee Williams (Glenn) of Sulphur, La.; stepdaughter Valarie Burkholder, San Antonio, Texas; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Lawrence Robinson, Surrey, Maine, James Robinson (Dee) Augusta, Maine. He is also survived by cat persons, Olivia and Davis, as well as a host of grateful wildlife.

Mr. Robinson was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Silvia Jones and Alice Marie Day, granddaughters, Wendy Burleigh and Christine Wienhold.

The family request COVID protocol be practiced social distancing and face mask be worn. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Our Lady’s School, 1111 Cypress Street Sulphur, Louisiana 70663, HOBO HOTEL 650 E. School Street Lake Charles, La. 70607, or D.E.L.T.A. (Dedicated Everlasting Love to Animals) P.O. Box 9 Glendale, CA 91209.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. Visitation will begin from 10 a.m. until time of services on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. Burial will be at Cormier Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Father Edward Richard, M.S., V.F. will officiate services.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.miguezfuneralhome.com.

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Cecilia Dorothy Savoy

Cecilia Dorothy Savoy, 75, departed this life on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at her residence in Lake Charles, La. She was born Feb. 9, 1945, to John Trail and Annie V. Trail in Church Point, La. She worked at Moss Regional Hospital and attended St. Henry’s Catholic Church. She loved doing hair, nails, cooking, eating and visiting with family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memories one daughter, Artinna S. Brooks, (Donald); Mary Balque Mitchell (Rev. Harry), Mathilda Chavis (Leon) and Lucy Leora Chavis (John); two granddaughters, Faith Savoy and Hope Savoy; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Annie Trail; husband, Melvin L. Savoy Sr.; one son, Melvin Savoy Jr.; one sister, Catherine Rogers and five brothers, John Trail Jr., Anthony Trail, Patrick Trail, David Trail and Daniel Trail.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at 8 a.m. at King’s Funeral Home and funeral service at 10 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of King’s Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomelakecharles.com.

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Faye Sermon

Faye Sermon, 73, of Glenmora, died Tuesday, Jan. 12. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today, Jan. 15, at Union Hill Cemetery, Glenmora, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Charles C. Shoemake

Charles C. Shoemake, 68, of Paris, Texas, died Thursday, Jan. 7. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, in Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Oakdale.

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John Stevens

Funeral service for Pastor John Stevens, 61, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, New Covenant Faith Baptist Church. Visitation Saturday 8 a.m.

In lieu of flowers monetary contributions can be given to Sonship Tabernacle Church (Building Fund), P.O. Box 1772, Iowa, LA 70647, Attn: Janice Stevens.

Funeral Service will be Livestreamed Saturday; Youtube; https://www.youtube.com/user/NCFMediaProductions/videos and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newcovenantfaith

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Hardy Len “Boss” Wilson

Hardy Len “Boss” Wilson died Monday, Jan. 11, at home. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, in Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery.