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Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, at 11:30 a.m. at Parkerson Avenue Baptist Church, Crowley, for Charles Kelly “Buck” Evans Jr., 89, who died Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 1:15 a.m. at Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Mr. Evans was a native of Coushatta and longtime resident of Crowley. He was field gauger for CITGO and retired with 40 years of service. He was a veteran of the World War II having served his country in the U.S. Army at the rank of T/5. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Crowley and former member of Parkerson Avenue Baptist Church. He served as a deacon at both churches. He belonged to the Domino Club.
Rev. Larry Dwayne Evans will officiate for the services. The family requests visiting hours Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to service time at Parkerson Avenue Baptist Church. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
“Buck” is survived by one daughter, Carla E. Hoffpauir and husband Stephen of Crowley; two sons, Arnold Dean Evans and wife Marie N. of Crowley and Rev. Larry Dwayne Evans and wife Sherry of Crowley; two sisters, Wilma Fuselier of Waskom, Texas, Sue Carolyn Templin of DeBerry, Texas; one brother, Donald Gene Evans of Bossier City; seven grandchildren, Michael Dean Evans, Lisa Christine Evans, Karyn Heather Morgan, Bethany Butterfield, Christiann Bayne, Erin McManus and Zachary Hoffpauir; 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Flora Boyd Evans; his parents, Charles Kelly Evans Sr. and Mary Hudson Evans; four sisters, Marie Richardson, Mittie Gibbs, Janell Norman and Gussie Baxter; and three brothers, Floyd, Ivan and George Evans.
Pallbearers will be Will Butterfield, Zack Hoffpauir, West Bayne, Michael Dean Evans, Hunter Evans and Eric McManus.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association-Louisiana, 3445 N. Causeway Blvd, Suite 902, Metairie, LA 70002.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc., 301 North Avenue F, Crowley, LA 70526, 337-783-3313.
Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Paul Henderson are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Dr. Lara Brooke Henderson of Iota, to Dr. John Raymond Leonards of Crowley.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Dorlis Pippin and Mr. Russell LeBlanc of Crowley and the late Mr. Harvey Douglas Pippin of Crowley and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ronald Henderson, Sr. of Iota.
Lara graduated from Iota High School in 2007 before attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and minors in psychology and chemistry in 2011, and the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, where she earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 2015. She went on to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She is currently employed as a general dentist at Acadiana Smiles in Crowley.
The groom-elect is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald “Jerry” John Lawrence Leonards Jr. of Roberts Cove. He is the grandson of Shelton Raymond Pousson and the late Betty Pousson of Egan and the late Mr. and Mrs. Gerald John Lawrence Leonards Sr. of Roberts Cove.
John graduated from Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish in 2007 before attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science, and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, where he earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2014. He is currently employed as a veterinarian at Northside Veterinary Hospital in Eunice.
The couple will be wed on Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Crowley. Rev. Mikel Polson will officiate the 6:30 p.m. nuptial ceremony.
Following their wedding, the couple will reside in Crowley.
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Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington for Mr. Larry “Tyrone” Drawsand, 47, who entered eternal rest, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, in Jackson.
Interment will be in St. James Baptist Church Cemetery in Waxia. Reverend Johnny Offord will officiate the services.
Larry “Tyrone” Drawsand was born on May 27, 1969, to Lawrence Drawsand Jr. and Elizabeth Sims Drawsand in Lafayette. Larry graduated from Crowley High School in 1988 and, shortly after, joined the United States Army where he served in the Persian Gulf War (Desert Storm). Larry was baptized at an early age at St. James Baptist Church in Waxia. On Oct. 26, our chain was broken when Larry suddenly went home to glory.
Larry was a very kind, funny, compassionate and caring person that never met a stranger that he didn’t befriend. He always offered a helping hand to anyone he came into contact with and he loved his family.
Larry was a Private First Class in the United States Army where he traveled the world and earned the following honors while serving until his honorable discharge: National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge Grenade, Marksman Badge Rifle, Army Lapel Button, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.
Larry leaves to cherish his memories his son, Desmond Minix of Los Angeles, California; two brothers, Lawrence “Lloyd” Drawsand III and Dwuan Drawsand of Crowley; one sister, Keisha Drawsand Thomas (Jerome) of Crowley; paternal grandmother, Gustiner Drawsand of Washington; maternal grandmother, Odelia Johnson of Crowley; four nephews, Derrick Drawsand, De’ Vorrious Drawsand, DonVelyco Arceneaux and VonTre Phillips; five nieces, Megan, LaPaige and Kentra Arceneaux and D’Juana and Kayshlyn Arvie; six great-nephews; six great-nieces; five aunts, Ora Dell (Charles) Smith of Washington, Lue Dell Bates of Opelousas, Rosettia Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Betty Johnson and Delgetha Guidry of Crowley; three uncles, Fred (Gwen) Drawsand of New Orleans, Nelson Johnson Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona, and Vincent Johnson of Crowley; two special cousins, Dana Drawsand of Dallas, Texas, and Michelle Drawsand Rideau of Opelousas; and a multitude of other relatives and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Drawsand Jr. and Elizabeth Sims Drawsand; a niece, Ja’Tara O’Sha Drawsand; godparents (uncle and aunt), Learance “Tommy” Drawsand and Katie Mae Drawsand Carlin; five aunts, Gustina Stoner Reed, Augustine Drawsand Williams, Berbilee Stoner, Gustavia Stoner and Patricia Guidry; three uncles, Leroy “Sonny” Drawsand, Lennox Drawsand and Preston Guidry; and grandfathers, Lawrence Drawsand Sr. and Lester Guidry.
Visiting hours will be observed from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 419 Buhot Street, Washington, LA 70589.
Share words of comfort with the Drawsand family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl presented by American Family Insurance Selection Tour visited Rayne High School on Tuesday (Oct. 25) to announce that band member Nick Arnaud had been selected to the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.
Arnaud is the son of Ricci Arnaud, a long-time educator in the Acadia Parish School Board system, and the grandson of Jo-Ann Arnaud and the late Richard Arnaud of Crowley.
The special program was held in the RHS band room, witnessed by Arnaud’s fellow band members, classmates, friends and family.
The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band performs each year at halftime of the nationally-broadcasted U.S. Army All-American Bowl, set this season for Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at noon at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Arnaud was one of 125 band members selected for the honor among the thousands of applicants from across the United States to represent their school at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game in January.
By becoming a U.S. Army All-American, Arnaud joins an elite group. Only 125 high school marching band members among the millions in the United States are selected each year.
Band members are chosen not only because they excel musically, but because they are mentally and physically agile, they know the importance of teamwork, and they are able to adapt to challenging situations, similar to U.S. Army Soldiers.
The process began last year during Arnaud’s junior session when he was nominated. The year-long wait culminated Tuesday when he was officially presented his jacket and invitation.
Arnaud also was selected as a member of the Lafayette Concert Band, and for the past two summers and was a member of the Louisiana Stars Drum and Bugle Corps of the Drum Corps International.
He also was selected as a participant of the First Baptist Church of Lafayette Orchestra, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Orchestra, LMEA All-State Symphonic Band and served as field captain of the Rayne High School Band among many honors on the local, parish and state levels.
A sousaphone player for the Rayne High School Band, Arnaud received an honorary jacket during the program.
In addition, his mother, Ricci Arnaud, received a special crystal “Dream Champion” award, while his band director, Adrian Alba, was presented a “student leader” award for his assistance and leadership to Arnaud during his band career.
Soldiers presenting Arnaud with his special band jacket were Lt. Col. Lawrence House, Staff Sgt. Blake Sistrunk, Sgt. Steven Mercier and Staff Sgt. Rod Rodriguez.
Emcee for the afternoon program was Garret Becker, noting only two Louisiana students were selected for this year’s honor.
For 17 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars.
For information on the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, visit usarmyallamericanbowl.com.
A citywide Christmas promotion will be hosted by Rayne businesses on Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 1-3.
The event is sponsored by the Rayne Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Economic Development Committee and the City of Rayne.
Representatives of businesses from across Rayne met recently at the Chamber of Commerce offices to plan the event.
Theme for the three-day event will be “Noel on the Trail,” a spinoff of the the recent designation of Rayne as an Official Old Spanish Trail City.
The magic of Christmas will abound with the traditional Christmas decorations and lights aglow on businesses throughout the city in preparation for a “shop local” experience.
Each participating business will promote their business during these days with special bargains for customers. Watch for their Christmas specials in the Dec. 1 edition of the Rayne Acadian-Tribune.
In addition, a decorating contest using the theme is being spearheaded by the chamber, with awards to be presented for first, second and third place.
Judging will be based on both exterior and interior decorations and how the overall theme is used by the business for customer appeal.
The Rayne Chamber will also set up a Facebook page for this promotion, especially for businesses and shoppers to take photos and share the fun on this page.
Other marketing ideas are also being planned.
“We are excited about our Rayne businesses coming together with this Christmas promotion to encourage everyone to do business in Rayne first, then Acadia Parish,” said Fran Bihm, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
“It is not just about the tax dollars, it’s also keeping businesses alive for family income and supporting each other. Our businesses are the economic backbone of our community, and it is important that we support them.”
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. at Gossen Funeral Home Chapel for Susie Borne Roberts, 69, who died Saturday, Oct. 29, at Acadia General Hospital in Crowley.
Deacon Tommy Adams with St. Joseph Catholic Church conducted the funeral services.
Survivors include son, Terry Roberts Jr. and wife Tiffany Roberts of Rayne; daughter, Shelly Roberts and wife Amanda Roberts of Lake Arthur; four grandchildren, Hunter Hanks, Cort Roberts, Lily Roberts and Kylen Aguillard; three sisters, Jeanette Borne Leblanc and husband Verly of Rayne, Dorothy Borne Choate and husband Jeff of Huntsville, Albama, and Helen Borne Maraist of Crowley; and brother, Robert Borne and wife Agnes of Morgan City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonce “Tenom” Borne and Lillian Fontenot Borne; and a brother, James “Jimmy” Borne.
A Rosary was prayed Monday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. in Gossen Funeral Home.
The family requested visitation observed in Gossen Funeral Home on Monday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 8 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.
AMARILLO, Texas - Sarah Renee Hoffpauir was born Feb. 29, 1996, in Enid, Oklahoma, and left us on Oct. 25, 2016. As special as her birthday, she was born on Leap Year day to Brian and Deborah Hoffpauir, starting her life in the same way that she lived it: uniquely, and on her own terms.
She moved to Amarillo in 2004 where she graduated from Bushland High School in 2014 and from Amarillo College in 2016.
Sarah was beautiful and vibrant. She had never met a stranger, and no room she was in was ever quiet. Whether she was telling jokes or breaking into song and dance, she couldn’t help but to make everybody around her smile- and her infectious laugh gave you no other choice.
Music, theater, and her friends made her the happiest. She loved to read, write, and take pictures and get coffee with her friends.
Sarah noticed the things in life that most people overlooked, and made you appreciate the beauty in them. She could spend hours talking with the people she loved as easily as she could get lost for hours reading by herself at the 806.
She cared endlessly about the people in her life and had her own special way of showing that love. She had a fiery passion in all that she did, and her life reflected that.
Sarah, our world is less bright without you in it. Thank you for showing us that “there is a light that never goes out.” We all miss you and love you so incredibly much.
She is survived by her mother and fiancé, Deborah Hoffpauir and Bradley Nelson of Renton, Washington; father and stepmother, Brian and Keeley Hoffpauir of Amarillo; her sister and husband, Rachel and Stephen Bledsoe of Amarillo; her aunt and cousin, Dorette and Alex Joffe; aunt Susan and uncle Mark Simpson of Tulsa,Oklahoma; and aunt Jamie Hoffpauir of Amarillo. She leaves behind countless friends and extended family.
A balloon release followed the service for our sweet Sarah.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Glynn and Kathleen Hoffpauir and grandmother Patricia Davis. Her great-grandparents were Peter and Veronica Thevis of Roberts Cove and Jesse Sr. and Tessie Hoffpauir of Rayne.
Cox Funeral Home of Amarillo was in charge of the arrangements.
Crowley Post-Signal
602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: 337-783-3450
Fax: 337-788-0949
Rayne-Acadian Tribune
108 North Adams, Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 337-334-3186
Fax: 337-334-8474
Church Point News
c/o The Eunice News, 465 Aymond St., Eunice, LA 70535
Phone: 337-457-3061