Karen Leslie Alexander

Michael Lynn Benoit

Shirley “Neal” Bailey

Sarah Cox Chapman

Maxine Eloise Chauffe

Joyce Cope

Wanita Marie Bourque Courmier

Calvin Walter Fontenot

James Kenneth “Kenny” Fuselier

Robert Edward Gardner Jr.

Patty Jo Alcede Grandy

Anna Lavergne Guidry

Thomas “Tommy” Edward Hampton

Helena Violet Marceaux

Ronald Glen Rider

Raymond Eugene Rollins

Bharti Mahesh Shah

Karen Leslie Alexander

Karen Leslie Alexander, 71, a resident of Lake Charles, passed from this life on April 25, 2019, at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, following a massive stroke.

Mrs. Alexander was a loving wife to her husband, Dale, until his death on March 30, 2019. She was also a devoted sister, aunt and friend to many. Karen held a bachelor’s degree in English Education and a master’s degree in Education from McNeese State University. During her career, she taught high school and worked in the banking industry before becoming the Newspaper in Education Coordinator for the Lake Charles American Press, a position she was proud to hold until her retirement. Karen and her husband, Dale, enjoyed many road trips throughout the country visiting landmarks and our country’s natural beauty. She was a lifelong and active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lake Charles. Karen was passionate about the written word and volunteered for many years with the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana and coordinated many local spelling bees. She also cared deeply for animals; her home was never without a canine companion for long.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Dale Alexander; and parents, Fred and Ruby Henke. Early in her life, she also lost mother Barbara Bloom Henke. She leaves to cherish her memory brother Jon Henke of Round Rock, Texas and sisters Janice Henke Airhart of Leander, Texas, Christine Marcantel of Lake Charles, Sue Smith of Channelview, Texas, and Yvonne Coleman of Friendswood, Texas. She was also loved by many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Karen’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1620 E. Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70601 at 11 a.m. May 23, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calcasieu Parish Animal and Adoption Center or St. Paul Lutheran Church.

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

Michael Lynn Benoit

Michael Lynn Benoit, 65 of Jennings, passed away Friday, May 3. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 6, in St. Anthony Cemetery in Lake Arthur. Burial is under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

Shirley “Neal” Bailey

SULPHUR — Shirley “Neal” Bailey, 89, went to be with the Lord Friday, May 3, 2019, in her residence surrounded by her family.

She was born June 8, 1929, in Cheneyville, La. After completing college at Northwestern in Natchitoches, she started teaching in Sulphur at Frasch Elementary, where she taught for 34 years. She had been a member of First Baptist Church since 1949, and was also a member of the Agin’ Cajun Choir and Esther Sunday School Class.

As a teenager, she was pianist at Beulah Baptist Church in Cheneyville for several years. She loved reading, playing the piano, doing calligraphy and especially enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ora Lee and T.C. Elfert; her husband, Sam Bailey; a sister, Lois Thompson; a brother, Thomas Clarence Elfert Jr.; a grandson, Sean Bailey; a granddaughter, Laura Elizabeth Young; and nephews, Christopher and Clay Coalson.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Qualls; brother, Dr. Donald Elfert; her daughter, Laura Lee Young and husband, Joe; her son, Sam Bailey and Cari O’Brien; grandsons, Ryan Bailey, Axel Bailey and Ben Young; granddaughter, Kathryn Young Amarit and husband, Ryan; great-grandchildren, Kilyn Bailey, Kit Amarit and Maria, Moises, and Marco Gonzeles; and many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, in First Baptist Church of Sulphur. The Rev. Tom Bruce will officiate. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines South Cemetery in Carlyss under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdayin the funeral home, and from 1 p.m. until the time of service in the church.

Special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lannan and Dr. Bergeron, Fran Freedland, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Home Health, especially Cynthia and Rob, and Heart of Hospice, especially Shannon, Jasmine, Amanda, Aleah, and Sterling. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

Sarah Cox Chapman

Sarah Cox Chapman, 95, a native of Lake Charles, La., and a current resident of Mobile, Ala., passed away April 19, 2019. A vibrant, energetic, woman with a wicked sense of humor, she is remembered as a dedicated nurse, mentor, community volunteer and loyal friend who was always willing to help out and have fun while doing it.

Sarah was born Sept. 1, 1923, in Lake Charles. She lived a unique and amazing life. When World War II started, she began working odd jobs, including becoming one of the first woman welders in her hometown. While working at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, Sarah met the love of her life, Lt. JG Robert R. Chapman, at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio. They were married April 8, 1950. They were tragically separated by death in January of 1955. She remained a single mother up until her passing. After returning to Lake Charles, she began her long standing carrier as a nurse at the Swift Plant. Her next adventure lead her to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital where she worked as the Head Nurse of Pediatrics, as well as Head Nurse of the Recovery Room. Her final move was to the Olin Corporation where she received many honors, including becoming the Medical Director.

After retirement, Sarah found an affinity for travel. She got to experience the Holy Land and Machu Pichu, among other places around the world. She became a competitive bridge player, attaining Life Master. She continued her travels around the U.S. playing bridge. She shared good times with her friends and family while holding a deck of cards. She loved to dance, and was always the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Cilton P. and Yolanda Resweber Cox; her brothers, Cilton P. and William N Cox; and sister, Noellie Marie Underwood.

The “dancing grannie” will be missed by her three children, Gayle C Hilburn (Jere), Cindy Lege (Larry) and Robert R. “Rocky” Chapman (Dixie); eight grandchildren Brent Hanks (Laurence), Scott Hanks (Beth), Jennifer Luquette (Brock), Kelly Rhodes, Emily Thibodeaux (David), Kate Ward (Charley), Bobby and Spencer Chapman; and her 11 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include, her sister Eva M. Stepan (John) and Louise M. Arens (Heinz), and brothers, Eugene R. Cox (Mary Gale) and James J. Cox (Marilyn).

A Mass of Christian burial is to be offered at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven. Internment is to follow at Highland Memory Garden. A Celebration of Life Reception will be from 3-5 p.m.; the venue is to be announced during the services.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your charity of choice or your local Alzheimer’s Association.

Maxine Eloise Chauffe

Maxine Eloise Chauffe, 84, formerly of Lake Charles, passed away Tuesday April 30, in Houston after an extended illness. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Prien Memorial Park.

Joyce Cope

Joyce Cope, 92, of Lake Charles, passed away peacefully Friday May 3, 2019, at a local care facility with her family at her side.

Cremation has been entrusted to Simple Traditions by Johnson Funeral Home. A Memorial service will be held at a later date in her hometown of Lecompte, La.

Wanita Marie Bourque Courmier

Wanita Marie Bourque Courmier, 70, of Lake Charles, La., passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019, at her home. Wanita was born Nov. 4, 1948.

Anyone who knew her, knew that she loved the outdoors and loved a well manicured yard. Her beautiful roses were something that she was proud of as well as her love for cooking.

She was preceded in death by her father of her children, John Paul Bourque; parents, Loudice and Eldine Trahan Breaux; a brother, Robert Lee Breaux; sister, Murilla Mae Daigle; and a sister, Linda Newman.

Those left behind to cherish her memories are her son, Michael “Wade” Bourque and wife, Nicole of Iowa, La.; daughter, Tina Marie Cornetto of Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Brittney Byrley and husband, Matthew, Pepper Bourque, John Paul Vincent and wife, Heather, and Alicia Zelaya and husband, Ever; six great-grandchildren, Eli, Brody, Beau, Alex, Raylan ,and one on the way; brother, Wallace Breaux of Gonzales, La; sister, Joyce Trout of Sulphur; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2019, at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in Gonzales, La. where she will be laid to rest by her late husband and father of her children.

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

Calvin W. Fontenot

Calvin W. Fontenot, born July 17, 1927, in Kinder, son of the late Mitchel and June (Cranford) Fontenot, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019, in a local hospital at the age of 91.

Calvin was raised in Edna and worked for King’s Farm in Kinder. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December of 1945 and served in the artillery division during WWII. He was a member of the Lake Charles Bible Church. Also, he was a member of the Habibi Temple, Blue Lodge #449 and Pine Shadow Golf Club. Calvin was employed by Chicago Bridge & Iron, Lone Star Cement Plant and Boiler Maker Union, Local #79.

Calvin is survived by his children, Belinda House (Ed) of Lake Charles; Walter D. Fontenot (Anna) of Longville; Trisha Theriot (Roger) of Iowa; grandchildren, Fred Wiley (Tricia), Richelle Wiley, Justin Fontenot (Jessica), Heather Fontenot, Shawna Theriot Chapman (Michael) and Roger Paul Theriot (Dana) Jr.; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elfriede “Oma” Fontenot.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2019, in Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa with Pastor Phil Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park with military honors. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m., and will resume from 8 a.m. until the time of service Monday.

The family would like to thank Brighton Bridge Hospice, Nurse Taylor, CNA, Veronica and the rest of the staff.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.johnsonandbrownfuneralhome.com or Facebook: Johnson & Brown Funeral Home.

James Kenneth “Kenny” Fuselier

James Kenneth “Kenny” Fuselier, 65, passed away May 2, 2019, in Houston, Texas.

He was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church and made the ACTS Retreat in 2018. He worked three years for First National Bank, nine years for P&L Flooring, opened Kenny Fuselier & Company Flooring in 1988 and was a past member of the Kiwanis Club and Home Builders Assoc. He served two years in the Air Force and four years in the Army Reserves. He was a local business man that supported his community through giving and service. He loved music especially the Beatles and enjoyed reading, gardening, mowing the grass and being around friends, family and his animals. Kenny was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille “Lucy” Ray Fuselier, whom he adored and loved with all his heart, of Moss Bluff; daughters, Kara Fuselier and fiancé, Joey Miller, Kayley Fuselier and Jacey Fuselier, all of of Moss Bluff; stepmother, Annie Jenet Fuselier of Moss Bluff; brothers, Jimmy Granger (Lillian) of Shreveport; Johnny Granger (Tracy) of Iowa, Joey Granger (Angie) of Shreveport, Jaron “Bud” Granger (Cheryl) of Moss Bluff and Jarrett Granger (Meredith) of Oberlin; sisters, Patricia Benett (Fran) of Shreveport, Dale Davis of West Palm Beach, Fla., Debra Willard of Moss Bluff and Deanna Knighton (Stacy) of Moss Bluff; and grandchildren, Kensley Keenan and Kelson Fuselier.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Pete Fuselier and Helen Wofford Granger, and granddaughter, Katherine Jolene Miller.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2019, at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Moss Bluff. Father Aubrey Guilbeau and Msgr. Charles Dubois will officiate. Visitation will be from 2-10 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at Hixson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, with a rosary at 7 p.m. and a Life Celebration at 7:30 p.m. and will resume at 8 a.m. until time of procession at the funeral home in Lake Charles Thursday. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com

Robert Edward Gardner Jr.

Robert Edward Gardner Jr., 56, passed away at his residence Thursday, May 2. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, May 6, at First Pentecostal Church of Westlake. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.




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Patty Jo Alcede Grandy

Patty Jo Alcede Grandy entered eternal life on April 16, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. Patty was born on Nov. 13, 1937, in Lake Charles, La., to Mitch and Alma Henry Alcede. She graduated from Lake Charles High School and received her BA in Education from LSU in Baton Rouge. After graduation from LSU she taught 4th grade at Westwood Elementary in Westlake, and then married Walter Grandy who was stationed at Chenault Air Force Base. They started a family and lived on Air Force bases in Michigan, Ala., Newfoundland, La., and California. Of all Patty’s accomplishments, she was most proud of the successes of her three children Robert, Donna, and Gregory.

While Walt was stationed in Bossier City, Patty received a Master’s Degree from LSU in Education Administration and Supervision. Patty had a life-long thirst for knowledge, which she obtained as an avid reader and her experiences in worldwide travel. She loved relating to the people of different lands and cultures. After returning to Lake Charles and as co-owner of Partners in Travel, Patty led numerous trips to Europe, Russia, Asia, South America and Mexico.

Patty was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shephard in Lake Charles including serving on the Vestry and co-chairing the annual Used Book Sale. She volunteered at the Art Associates, the McNeese Banner Series, and the Faith & Friends Food Pantry in Lake Charles.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Mitch and Alma Alcede; and by her ex-husband, Walter Grandy.

Patty is survived by her son, Robert and wife Carla of San Rafael, Calif.; daughter, Donna and husband Alfie Cunningham of Hermosa Beach, Calif.; son, Gregory and wife Claire of Baton Rouge, La.; granddaughters, Natalie Grandy, Parker Cunningham and Isabel Grandy; and grandsons, Jeffrey Mitchell Grandy and Benjamin Grandy. She is also survived by her brother, Buddy Alcede and wife Janet of McQueeney, Texas; and niece, Courtney Alcede of Austin, Texas; as well as numerous cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shephard at 715 Kirkman St. in Lake Charles. Friends are invited to join the family from noon to 2 p.m. in the Parish Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Faith & Friends Food Pantry through the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net/obits.

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Anna Lavergne Guidry

Anna Lee Lavergne Guidry, 81, of Lake Charles, died Friday, May 3, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Guidry was born in Branch, La., and has lived 66 years in Lake Charles. She retired with 20 years as a School Bus driver for Calcasieu Parish School Board. She enjoyed each day with the children. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking and baking. Mrs. Guidry was a faithful member of St. Margaret Catholic Church. She will be most remembered for her love and devotion to her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three sons, Reggie Lavergne and wife Myra of Moss Bluff, Mark Lavergne and wife Debbie of Lake Charles and Roderick Lavergne and wife Belinda of Lake Charles; one daughter, Lorna Lanier and husband Kent of Lake Charles; 11 grandchildren, Sarah Beaty, Kelly Lavergne, Angelle Terry, Alicia Sonnier, Katherine Metzger, Patrick Swindle, Shane Lavergne, Tory Lavergne, Kelsey Lavergne, Michael Monk and Chase Lanier; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Leroy Lavergne and husband of 11 years, Howard “Blue” Guidry; two infant sons; grandson, Matthew Hank; parents, Gabriel and Adela (Cormier) Comeaux; and two sisters, Pearl Venable and Helen Daigle.

The family of Mrs. Guidry wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Doctors Peter Karam, Jason Langhofer, James Maze and Mohammed Khan, as well as the nurses and staff of Hospice of Louisiana for their kindness and compassion while caring for their mother.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Margaret Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Father Mitchell Guidry will officiate. Interment will follow in Consolata cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Monday, with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 8-10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

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Thomas “Tommy” Edward Hampton

Thomas” Tommy” Edward Hampton, 75, passed away May 4, 2019, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. Tommy was a 1966 graduate of Auburn University and later received his master’s from McNeese State University. He retired from PPG in 2003 after 37 years of service. Tommy enjoyed watching Auburn University sports, camping, participating in the Senior Olympics, bean bag baseball, visiting with friends at the Iowa Senior Center and coaching various sports. His greatest enjoyment was supporting and watching his grandchildren.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Martha Hampton; his three children, Jeffery Wade Hampton and wife Deborah of League City, Texas, Tammy Lynn Hampton Demary and husband Daniel of Iowa, La., and Jason Christopher Hampton and wife Chrissy of Sulphur; six grandchildren, Justin Daniel Demary, Meghan Danielle Hampton, Kevin Andrew Hampton, Kelsey Lynn Hampton, Dylan Jacob Hampton and Emily Grace Hampton; two brothers; and three sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Ara Hampton, and one grandson, Connor Wade Hampton.

A memorial service for Tommy will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Sheri Zehner officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until the time of service.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.com.

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Helena Violet Marceaux

Helena Violet Marceaux, 97, of Lake Charles, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at her residence. She was born to her late parents, Charles and Ethel Starsmeare Oct. 21, 1921, in Ipswich, England. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, boat riding, traveling and taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at St. Patrick’s Hospital for many years. She was proud of her military service in the British Army (WRAC). Helena loved spending time with her dogs, Kneesaa, Moll, and Ky.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dallas Marceaux Sr.; one son, David Marceaux of Lake Charles; one daughter, Janice Weeks of Denver, Colo.; nine grandchildren, Michelle Howell, Mike Weeks, Joshua Marceaux, Jerimy Marceaux, Haley Marceaux, Christina Guidry, Kayla Arcement, Cody Marceaux and Kevin Marceaux; 14 great-grandchildren, Cooper, Colton, Dayton, Samantha, Joshua Jr., Thylor, Christopher, Dylan, Alex, Emily, Brenden, Taylor, Makenzie and Rylee; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Helena is preceded in death by her son, Dallas Marceaux Jr.; granddaughter, Crysti Sachs; along with three sisters and one brother.

Services will be at at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles, with Father Marcus Johnson officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2019, at Hixson Funeral Home, with a Rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

Ronald Glen Rider

Ronald Glen Rider, 73, died May 3. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, May 6, at Johnson Funeral Home. Burial, with military honors, will be at Platin Cemetery, Vidrine.

Raymond Eugene Rollins

A memorial service for Raymond Eugene Rollins will be at 1 p.m. today, May 5, in the Allen Oaks Chapel, Oakdale. Mr. Rollins, 69, of Oakdale, died Thursday, May 2, in Oakdale Community Hospital.

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Bharti Mahesh Shah

Bharti Mahesh Shah, 70, of Lake Charles died Friday, May 03, 2019, in a local hospital.

Mrs. Shah was a native of Patan, India, and in 1979, along with her husband, made Lake Charles her home. She attained her Cosmetology License and began her 20-year career with Out of Necessities. Her clientele, also known as friends, followed her when she started her home salon and spa. She always worked hard and especially loved her little ladies in nursing homes; shopping for them or taking them shopping. She also loved watching NFL football; her favorite team was the Saints. Her good times were spent playing cards with her card club, seven couples of family and friends, and traveling around the world, especially back home to India. She will be remembered as a great cook. Her specialty dishes were Bhakhari and Samosa that usually included an invitation to her closest friends. Mrs. Shah will be most remembered for her kindness, patience and guidance and love and devotion to her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 44 years, Mahesh C. Shah of Lake Charles; one son, Jatin M. Shah and wife Ayesha Jain of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Jigi Shah and husband Ajay Lad of Toronto, Canada; two grandchildren, Avina Lad and Shyan Lad; and two brothers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Subrhadaben Shah and Chimanlal Shah; one brother; and one sister.

A ritual of cremation ceremony will be from 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 5, 2019, in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation will follow.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.