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RAYNE - Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 3, at a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne for Gilbert “Gil” Evaristé Cormier, 77, who died Monday May 1, 2017, at his residence in Rayne.
Interment was in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2 Mausoleum in Rayne.
Rev. Samuel Fontana, associate pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, was the celebrant of the Funeral Mass and conducted the funeral services.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Jane Menard Cormier of Rayne; four daughters, Susanne Cormier Vasseur of Mamou, Wendy Cormier Stelly and husband Gerald of Duson, Angela Cormier Fontenot and husband Michael of Scott, and Dawn Cormier of Rayne; 11 grandchildren, Natalie Constantine and husband Josh, Summer Credeur and husband Jean, Michelle Stonecipher, Claire Thomas and husband Calvin, Jordan Cormier and wife Chelsie, Nickolas Morvant, Kelbi Stutes, Charisse Morvant, Dylan Morvant, Hunter Ahlers and Lexie Ahlers; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Anna Menard of Rayne, Marie Johnson of Kenner and Rita Cormier and husband Eric of Rayne; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Cormier of Crowley and Bertha Cormier of Rayne.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Cormier; mother, Elise Credeur Cormier; and seven brothers, Albert Cormier and wife Irene, Gertis Cormier Sr. and wife Yolande, Percy Cormier and wife Lillian, Louis Cormier and wife Gladys, August Cormier, Fernest “Johnny” Cormier, and Junius Comeaux and wife Judy.
Pallbearers were Jordan Cormier, Nickolas Morvant, Dylan Morvant, Hunter Ahlers, Koye Credeur and Gerald Stelly.
Mr. Gil worked for The Daily Advertiser as a operator, then went on to open Gil’s Upholstery for 40-plus years. After his retirement he enjoyed spending time drinking coffee with life-long and new friends.
He loved to go fishing and always said, “There’s no such thing as a stranger, just friends I have not met.” He always would tell his children to “use your common sense.”
A Rosary was prayed Tuesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne.
The family requested that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home on Tuesday May 2, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Wednesday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements were entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne, LA (337) 334-3141.

Hollie Elizabeth Blanchard and Christopher Michael Hargroder, both of Baton Rouge, were united in holy matrimony on the evening of Saturday, April 22, during a 5:30 p.m. nuptial service at Sunny Meade in Scott.
The bride is the daughter of Donald and Mary Blanchard of Midland. She is the granddaughter of Eugene and Florence Blanchard of Midland and the late Rhuel and Gladys Hoffpauir of Rayne.
Hollie is a graduate of Midland High School and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in management-human resources. She is presently employed with Blue Cross Blue Shield in Baton Rouge.
The groom is the son of Tony and Darlene Hargroder of Central. He is the grandson of the late Herbert and Nora Hargroder of Crowley and the late Alvin and Jerry Hanks of Baton Rouge. He graduated from Parkview Baptist High School before attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management. He is currently employed at Hamilton Relay.
Escorted by her father, the bride was beautiful in a handcrafted slim silhouette gown with a charmeuse satin liner and two layers of delicate lace overlay. Featuring a scalloped V-neckline and three quarter length lace sleeves, the dress was finished with a stunning keyhole back and cloth-covered buttons. A single tier fingertip veil of scalloped ivory lace complemented the dress perfectly,
Hollie carried a large bouquet designed with several shades of purple sola roses, sola shell flowers, purple hydrangeas and spring green caspia filler hand-tied with ivory lace.
In keeping with tradition, the bride wore diamond earrings from her paternal grandmother as
“something old” and her wedding dress as “something new.” A rosary lent to her by her mother was “something borrowed,” while she wore blue suede shoes as “something blue.”
Jennifer Johnson, a college friend of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Madison Tassin, Chelsea Bienvenu and Emily Dardis, all college friends of the bride. Lilly Blanchard, niece of the bride, and Rianna and Kayla Brassard, nieces of the groom, served as junior bridesmaids.
The bridal attendants were clad in long wisteria-colored dresses featuring lace bodices, illusion necklines, ribbon-defined waists and fluid, slitted mesh skirts.
Standing as groomsmen were Matt Barbay and Charlie Willis, friends of the groom; D.J. Sells, cousin of the groom; and Logan Williams, friend of the groom and brother-in-law of the bride.
The groom’s niece, Nora Carter, served as flower girl, and the bride’s nephew and godchild, William Blanchard, served as ring bearer.
Samuel Blanchard, the nephew of the bride, carrried a sign that read, “I’m just here for the cake.”
A special reading was given by Jared Blanchard, brother of the bride.
Following the wedding, family and friends of the newlywed couple joined them for an on-site reception at Sunny Meade.
Out-of-town guests at the event traveled from California, Florida, Indiana, Texas and various points throughout Louisiana.
On the Thursday evening prior to the wedding, the parents of the groom hosted a rehearsal dinner at Cafe Vermilionville in Lafayette. Guests at the 6:30 p.m. event enjoyed a four-course meal with a variety of choices.
Following a trip to St. Thomas, the couple is residing in Baton Rouge.