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Lester Lee “Lemon” Guidry

LAFAYETTE - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27, in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for Lester Lee “Lemon” Guidry, 75, who died Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at Lafayette General Hospital.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Lafayette.
Father Robert Seay, pastor, was celebrant of the Funeral Mass and conducted the funeral services.
On the evening of May 17, 2017, God came and said, “Come with Me and rest.”
Lester Lee “Lemon” Guidry departed this life for his heavenly home. He was born in Rayne on April 15, 1942, to the late Vitty and Lester Guidry, Sr.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Barbara Mouton Guidry of Lafayette; five children, Carol L. Wilson of Lake Charles, Wintrea Mouton and Dedra Guidry, both of Lafayette, Terry Willis of Rayne and Lester Guidry III of Lafayette; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four brothers, Earl (Gwen) Guidry of Branch, Dallas Guidry of Crowley, Rodney (Bertha) Guidry of Rayne and Harry (Audrey) Guidry of Rayne; and a host of nieces and nephews.
At the family’s request, visitation will be held from 8 a.m. until time of services Saturday, May 27, at the church, located at 326 S. Washington St., Lafayette.
Syrie Funeral Home of Lafayette is in charge of the arrangements.

Eric Ross Johnson

Lafayette - Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 21, at 2 p.m. at Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., in Rayne for Eric Ross Johnson, 34, who died Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Carpenter House in Baton Rouge.
Interment was in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2 in Rayne.
Deacon Tim Ledet of St. Joseph Catholic Church conducted the funeral services.
Survivors include his mother, Patricia Pesson Estave and husband Jimmy of Lafayette; sister, Summer Estave of Carencro; brother, Garrett Gilder and wife Amanda of Lafayette; and numerous aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Penny Diana Johnson; maternal grandmother, Jeanne Bonin; and maternal grandfather, Elie Gustave Pesson.
The family requested visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home on Sunday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements were entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne, (337) 334-3141.

Atrelle Boudreaux Champagne

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 27, at a 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne for Atrelle Boudreaux Champagne, 94, who died Friday May 19, 2017, at her residence in Rayne.
Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2, Mausoleum in Rayne.
Rev. Samuel Fontana, associate pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, will be the celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Survivors include three daughters, Barbara Champagne Shrader of Montgomery, Texas, Michelle Champagne Hensgens and husband Kenneth of Rayne, and Marie Champagne Bourque and husband Mike of Rayne; five grandchildren, Traci Myers, David Shrader, Jerod Link, Jeff Link and Scott Breaux; 12 great-grandchildren, Wyatt Breaux, Jennifier Link, Brandon Link, Taylor Myers, Jack Link, Mikaeli Myers, Jake Breaux, Marie Anita Thibodeaux, James Link, Liam Link, Duke Link and Zachary Shrader.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Champagne Jr.; father, Wallace Boudreaux; mother, Eunice Richard Boudreaux; brother, Wallace Boudreaux; and son-in-law, Charles Shrader.
Pallbearers will be David Shrader, Jerod Link, Jeff Link, Scott Breaux, Wyatt Breaux, Jake Breaux, Brandon Link, Taylor Myers and Jack Link.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Bourque, Mike Myers, Percy J. Broussard, Roy Babineaux, Michael Norman, Ken Hensgens, and Jeff Champagne.
A Rosary will be prayed Friday, May 26, at 7 p.m. in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne on Friday May 26, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday May 27, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Atrelle Boudreaux Champagne family would like to give a special thanks to Thelma Norman, Acadia Senior Care, and Lamm Hospice for all the care they gave to Mrs. Champagne.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne, (337) 334-3141.

Belveal, Thomas united in marriage

On Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 12 o’clock noon, approximately 200 friends and family members gathered at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lafayette to help celebrate the Nuptial Mass uniting Elizabeth Oge Thomas and Edgar Everett Belveal in holy matrimony.
The couple plans to honeymoon in Alaska this summer and to reside in Lafayette and Crowley.

Byron Anthony Pierce

Funeral Services for Byron Anthony Pierce, 60, will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 29, at the Duhon Funeral Home-Crowley Chapel with Rev. Clint Trahan officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 29, beginning at 9 a.m., with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 11 a.m., and visitation will continue until just prior to the time of the service. Interment will follow the funeral service and will be in North Hanks Cemetery. Mr. Pierce passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at his home in Kenner.
Mr. Pierce was the Owner of Byron’s Sidewalk Raising and loved spending time with his family, friends and squirrels. He was an avid coin collector and a jokester with an infectious laugh. He also enjoyed watching the Saints and playing pool with his family and friends. He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone in need. After hurricane Katrina, Byron and his wife, Susan, could be seen handing out food and supplies to the “shut-ins” in the Kenner area. He will be greatly missed by many.
He is survived by his daughter, Alana Spencer and husband Luke of Houston, Texas; son, Brennan Pierce and girlfriend Jessica Hodson of Houston, Texas; son, Corey Pierce and fiancé Simone Stallings of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his sister, Carmen Capel and husband Mark of Galveston, Texas; his nieces, Candace Varela (Michael Varela) and Christina Cope (Travis Cope); nephew, Mark Capel Jr. (Jennifer Capel); great-nieces and nephews, Michael Varela III, Braden Cope, Arden Cope, Piper Varela, Payton Varela and Brody Cope; and aunts, Alberta Atcheson (Bob Atcheson) and Claudia Guidry.
Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Pierce; his mother, Patsy J. Pierce; his father, Wallace J. Pierce; brother, Audney Pierce; grandparents, Henry Magnon and Florence Magnon Blum and Gilbert and Doris Pierce; and his uncle, Carol Magnon.
Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Michael Varela III, Michael Varela Jr., Brent Roy, Mark Capel Sr., Frank Vanhamlin, James Maxwell, Philip Olivier and Wayne Talley.
You may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences online to Mr. Pierce’s family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com.
Duhon Funeral Home-Crowley, LLC, (337)783-1395, 1529 Crowley-Rayne Hwy, Crowley, LA 70526 is in charge of all of the arrangements.

Sheryl Melancon Deshotel

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for Sheryl Melancon Deshotel, 58, who died May 26, 2017, at her home in Church Point surrounded by her family.
Fr. Clint Trahan, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morse, will be officiating for the services and Fr. Kendell Faulk will be concelebrating. The family is requesting visiting hours to be held on Monday, May 29, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. The funeral home will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday until 9:30 am and internment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Upon retirement, Sheryl served as Chief Civil Officer for the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Department where she was employed for 27 years. During her employment she enrolled in college and earned a paralegal degree. She was an avid animal lover and treasured her two dogs, Zoey and Buffy. She enjoyed heirloom sewing, gardening, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was an active member of St. Edwards Catholic Church in Richard.
She is survived by her daughter, Megan Deshotel Barousse and her husband Koby of Church Point; one son, Christopher Deshotel and his wife Allison of Opelousas; her father, Norris Melancon of Church Point; one sister, Glenda Brasseaux and her husband Carl of Lafayette; one sister-in-law, Flo Faulk and her husband Mike of Crowley; and seven grandchildren, Aidan, Bella, Eli, Nash, Jacob, Layla and Luke.
Sheryl is preceded in death by her mother, Evon LeJeune Melancon, and her fiancée, J.W. Fulkerson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Sister Dulce Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center: 17560 George Oneal Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70817 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Pallbearers will be Chris Deshotel, Koby Barousse, David Brasseaux, Mike Faulk, J.W. Faulk and Sam Fulkerson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy Landry and Hal Pousson.
The family wishes to thank her caregivers, Gwen Lavergne, Kim LeJeune and Cynthia Bourque.
A special thanks to Dr. Rebecca Davis, Annette Dobson, RN, as well as the nurses and staff members of Heart of Hospice for their care.
Condolences may be sent to the family by www.geeseyferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley.

Wilma Trahan Miller

Funeral services for Mrs. Wilma Trahan Miller will be held Monday, May 29, in the Jennings First Church of Christ at 11 a.m. with Bro. Jack Harris officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, May 28, at 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will resume Monday morning at Jennings First Church of Christ at 8 a.m. until time of service.
Mrs. Miller was called to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 25, at her residence in Jennings surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Miller had lived in the Jennings community for 65 years having moved here from Crowley. She was retired from Sears after being employed for over 30 years. She was a faithful member of her church and her faith was very important to her. She will be remembered by many for her acts of generosity, kindness, humility and selfless love.
She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and baking. These excellent skills were enjoyed by her family and friends at many occasions. Her favorite activity was anything that involved spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mrs. Miller leaves behind to cherish her beloved husband of 64 years, Reive Miller; a daughter, Cynthia Gray and her husband Lonnie of Jennings; one son, Wendell Miller and his wife Megan of Jennings; two sisters, Lillie Notestine of Jennings and Lydia Kebodeaux of Crowley; one brother, Ernest Trahan Jr. of Crowley; five grandchildren, Heather Reed Hanks and her husband Dylan; Kelli Reed Stevens and her husband Cord; Erin Miller; Courtney Miller Leger and her husband Mark; and Margaux Miller; five great-grandchildren; Reece Miller, Hallie Leger, Samuel Cloud, Thomas Leger and Deacon Hanks; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Susie Ewing Trahan; a son, Todd Dwayne Miller; two sisters, Dorothy Simon and Lucille Murphy; six brothers, John Trahan, William Trahan, Steven Trahan, Leonard Trahan, Lenis Trahan and Ray Trahan.
Carrying Mrs. Miller to her final resting place will be Cleveland Simon Jr., Donavon Trahan, Keith Doucet, Dylan Hanks, Mark Leger and Cord Stevens.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.miguezfuneralhome.com.

F.L. “Rick” Rampmaier

April 24, 1944 - May 23, 2017

It is with the heaviest hearts and great sadness that the family of Rick Rampmaier announces his passing on May 23, 2017, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Rick was 73 years old.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the Brentwood United Methodist Church in Brentwood.
Rick graduated from Iota High School in 1962 and served in the Air Force Reserve. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Deborah Dodson Rampmaier; his son Blake Rampmaier and wife Emily; two sisters, Wendy Rampmaier Larive and husband John and Janelle Rampmeier LeJeune and husband Dean; nephew Mike Potia and wife Jackie; niece Kerri Breaux; niece Ashley Larive and great-niece Macie Breaux; niece Babette Warner and husband Fred; niece Margo Vidrine; nephew Arthur Vidrine III and wife Laura; and nephew Stephen Vidrine and wife Deborah.
Rick now rests in heaven with his parents Ted ad Ethel Rampmeier, father-in-law Joe Dodson, mother-in-law Marguerite Dodson, sister-in-law Beverly Vidrine, brother-in-law Dr. Arthur Vidrine Jr., brother-in-law Billy Dodson and sister-in-law Dot Dodson.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Air Force Aid Society, the American Heart Association, Fisher House Foundation or a veteran’s charity of your choice.

Broadhurst rites set

CROWLEY – Funeral services for longtime Louisiana attorney, lobbyist and political adviser William C. Broadhurst will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 2, at First United Methodist Church of Crowley.
Mr. Broadhurst died unexpectedly in his sleep at his family home in Crowley. He was 77.
Born in Crowley to Marian Lewis Broadhurst and Robert C. Broadhurst Sr. on December 31, 1939, William “Bill” Broadhurst was highly respected as a gifted attorney, skilled negotiator, trusted political advisor and effective lobbyist. His knowledge and integrity are legendary, and for nearly 60 years he worked alongside Louisiana’s top political leaders, including Governor Edwin W. Edwards.
“Billy had a natural ability for understanding and relating to people and effectively addressing some of the most complicated political issues,” Edwards said in an interview with USA Today Network. “He was instrumental in helping with the (1973-74) Constitutional Convention.”
Broadhurst served as President of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System (1980), as well as the first chairman of the board of the Louisiana CAJUNDOME Commission (1985), and on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Lafayette. He was a member of the Louisiana Bar Association and the board of trustees of the First United Methodist Church of Crowley.
Broadhurst attended the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, followed by Louisiana State University and LSU Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1961. Thereafter, he began a distinguished legal career as an attorney with the law firm of Edwards and Edwards (Edwin W. Edwards and Nolan J. Edwards). In 1965 the firm became known as Edwards, Edwards and Broadhurst.
In 1975 Broadhurst was appointed chief counsel to the State of Louisiana Division of Natural Resources and Energy, Department of Conservation. Two years later, he became founding partner of Broadhurst, Brook, Mangham and Hardy law firm in Lafayette, Louisiana. The firm expanded to Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., representing corporate clients in complex commercial cases and concentrating in matters of banking, oil and gas exploration, environmental litigation, newspapers, food industry, intrastate and interstate gas pipelines, regulatory law, real estate law and lobbying.
Broadhurst served as general counsel for First National Bank (FNB) of Lafayette, Trans Louisiana Gas Distribution Company, and as Louisiana general counsel for The Williams Companies in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He pioneered the Lignite Mining Law in Louisiana as the chief redactor and lobbyist for successful passage of the Louisiana Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, representing Phillips Coal Company. He also played a pivotal role in successfully opening the door for statewide banking in Louisiana as a lobbyist for the Louisiana Intrastate Banking Law, representing clients such as FNB of Lafayette, FNBC New Orleans, BNO New Orleans and Hibernia Bank of New Orleans.
In 1984, Governor Edwin W. Edwards and Attorney General William J. Guste Jr. appointed Broadhurst chairman of the advisory team and as chief negotiator for the State of Louisiana in connection with the then-pending 8(g) litigation against the federal government. Working pro bono with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, Attorney General’s Office, the Attorney for Federal Affairs and the Louisiana congressional delegation, Broadhurst was instrumental in securing a $583 million settlement. Administered by the Louisiana Board of Regents, the considerable interest earnings funded 8(g) projects in Louisiana, designed to foster excellence in education, research and service.
Other notable clients included Columbia Gulf Transmission Co., Intrastate and Interstate Gas Pipelines, Michigan Wisconsin Pipeline Co., Tennessee Gas Transmission Co., Transco Louisiana, Intrastate Gas Co., Williams Gas Pipeline, Louisiana State Newspapers, CLECO and CSX Railroads.
In recent years, Broadhurst worked tirelessly as an attorney, advisor and strategist for Entergy New Orleans.
In January 2017, Broadhurst was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, receiving the “2017 Friend of Edwin Edwards Award,” acknowledging his longtime friendship and support of the former governor.
Broadhurst was widely known as a charismatic yet tough negotiator in settlement talks and for skillfully navigating complicated oil and gas transactions. A steadfast friend and confidant, he earned a reputation as a brilliant political strategist as well as a fun-loving Louisiana historian and raconteur. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and LSU football.
“Billy was one of the brightest people I ever met in government,” said Louisiana Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego. “He was the type of guy who could solve almost any problem. He also had a great sense of humor and kept everyone on their toes.”
Bill Broadhurst was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of twenty-four years, Nancy de la Houssaye Broadhurst of Crowley; daughter Allison Broadhurst Mouton (Joey) and their children William and Mason; daughter Michelle Broadhurst Andrus (David) and their children Whitney, Tyler, Layne and Avery; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert C. Broadhurst, and his children Trey and Jamie Broadhurst.
A two-part eulogy will include remarks by Clancy DuBos, political analyst for WWL-TV New Orleans and columnist for Gambit newspaper; and former Louisiana Governor Edwin W. Edwards. Pallbearers are William Mouton, Joseph Mouton, Alan de la Houssaye, John Williford, Rod West, William Kearney and Gregory Reggie. Honorary Pallbearers are Broadhust’s close friends from “The Summit Group” — Braxton (B.I.) Moody III, Billy Trotter, Rocky Robin, Milo Nickel, Kenneth Privat, and Fred Reggie.
In lieu of flowers, the Broadhurst Family is grateful for donations to Lafayette General Foundation for the Acadia General Hospital Emergency Room, 1214 Coolidge Street, Lafayette, LA 70503 or on-line at www.LafayetteGeneral.com/Foundation.

Oliver Bernard

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 26, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Crowley for Mr. Oliver Bernard, 49, who passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2017, in Lafayette. Interment will be in South Crowley Cemetery in Crowley.
Father Imoru Godwin of St. Theresa Catholic Church will be officiating the funeral mass.
Cherishing Mr. Bernard’s memories are: his wife, LaKrecia Bernard of Zachery; his daughter, Chelsea Bernard of Zachery; four brothers, Donald Bernard (Jackie) of Crowley, Lennis Bernard (Orlean) of Opelousas, Paul Bernard of Lafayette and Jeremy Garrett (Fanchon) of Crowley; three sisters, Goldie Bernard of Lake Charles, Gertie Bernard of Redwood, California, and Judy Bernard of Texas City, Texas; four brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by: his mother, Regina “Rose” Bellard; and father, Charlie Bernard Jr.; one brother, Charles “Bert” Bernard; and two sisters, Thelma Allen and Regina Bernard.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church. A rosary will be recited at 11 a.m.
The family would like to express a sincere thanks to: Dr. Brian Lewis and VA Oncology Staff; Dr. Sofa and the 6th Floor Staff at Tulane Medical Center; Dr. Chaban and Dr. Essa with Ochsner Medical Center; and the staff and doctors with St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com.
Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 577 North Avenue C, Crowley, LA, (337) 514-5217, is in charge of arrangements.

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Acadia Parish Today

Crowley Post-Signal
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