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The last time someone could say, “There is a new sheriff in Vermilion Parish,” was 20 years ago when Mike Couvillon took office — before Couvillon, another 20 years had passed since Ray Lemaire was sworn in.
For only the fourth time in 60 years, Vermilion Parish has a new sheriff: Eddie Langlinais from Delcambre.
On Monday, Langlinais was sworn in by Judge Jonathan Perry and Langlinais’s new department heads were sworn in by Judge Laurie Hulin.
At Black’s in Abbeville, Langlinais told the crowd that he had wanted to be the Sheriff of Vermilion Parish since high school. In 1979, he won the Sheriff position at Delcambre High School, but he lost the parish government day election.
In high school, Langlinais was brought by his mother, Verlie, to meet then-Vermilion Parish Sheriff Euda Delcambre, who was from Delcambre. Langlinais told the crowd that Sheriff Euda gave him words of encouragement, and at that moment, he knew he wanted to be sheriff. Langlinais began his journey to become the Sheriff in the parish at the age of 20, and started working in Iberia Parish.
Three years later, he was hired by Euda Delcambre in 1984.
He was also hired by the U.S. Marshal’s Office in 1991 and worked in New Orleans as a United States Marshal. 
In 1994, he worked for the U.S. Marshal’s Office in Lafayette until he retired in 2019. After retiring, he joined the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office to lead the investigation department, with the intention of running for the Sheriff’s office in the future.
In 2020, a close friend, Chuck Landry, called him and changed the course of his life in a quick moment. Landry suggested to Langlinais that since Couvillon was not seeking reelection, he should consider running for Sheriff.
“It seemed like my stars had finally aligned, and my opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream had arrived,” Sheriff Langlinais told the crowd at the swearing-in. “It took a lot of hard work and determination to get to where I am today.”
Langlinais thanked former Sheriff Mike Couvillon for helping with the transition, and he also thanked his campaign staff, who helped him with his election over the last three years, as well as the Vermilion Parish voters.
“Thank you to all of the hard-working, honest people of Vermilion Parish. Thank you for having faith, believing in me, and entrusting me as your Sheriff.”
He wanted to express his gratitude to his mother, Virlie, and his father, the late Noicy Langlinais.
  “I want to thank them for their guidance and support and for making me the man I am today.”
The final person he thanked was his wife, Lyndi, who was by his side, knocking on doors in 100-degree weather, and attending every function.
“She helped guide me through a three-year experience we will never forget. She was my campaign secretary, my campaign finance clerk, and organizer.
“Most of all, she was my partner, best friend, and wife.”

Sister Judith Hebert, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died June 26, 2024 at Eastridge Nursing Home, Abbeville, LA. She was 93 years old and in the 75th year of her religious profession.
Sister Judith Hebert, born Jeanette Mildred Hebert on May 7, 1931, was the eighth of nine children born to the late Isidore D. Hebert and Judith Landry of Abbeville. Sister Judith attended Perry Elementary, Perry, LA, Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville, LA, and Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA. Sister entered religious life in 1946 and professed first vows in 1949. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, New Orleans and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette.) Sister celebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2019.
Sister Judith has ministered as an educator at St. Joseph the Worker, Marrero, LA, Mount Carmel, Thibodaux, LA, Mount Carmel, Lafayette, LA (now Cathedral-Carmel Elementary), serving as principal there from 1968-1978. From 1978-2017 at Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville, sister was classroom teacher, religion coordinator, and prayer moderator, where she spread the Carmelite charism among the children through scripture and prayer. Sister served as Eucharistic Minister at Eastridge Assisted Living Center and was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Church Choir, Abbeville, LA.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters: Irene Broussard, Allison Hebert, Opal Ronsonet, Alice Motley, and her twin sister Joan Eubank, and three brothers: Wilfred Hebert, Edvar Hebert, and Donald Hebert. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville, LA at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. with Rosary at 10:15 a.m. Interment will follow in Demosthene Hebert Cemetery, Perry, LA. Reverend Daniel Picard will officiate the funeral Mass. Arrangements entrusted to Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sisters of Mount Carmel, 21388 Smith Road, Covington, LA 70435-6349.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille Funeral Home - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-234-2311.

Mar 7, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024

KAPLAN — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Dani-Ryan, who brought immense joy and love during her short but impactful time with us. Born prematurely on March 7, 2024, at 33 weeks and 2 days, Dani-Ryan defied the odds from the very beginning. Her mother courageously battled preeclampsia, spending 20 challenging days in the hospital to ensure her safe arrival.
Dani-Ryan spent her first 6 weeks in the NICU, where she exhibited a strength and resilience that inspired everyone around her. Her family is so grateful for the love and care provided to them by the Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center Labor and Delivery and NICU staff throughout their time in the hospital. Emerging healthy and vibrant after her time there, Dani-Ryan’s radiant smiles and joyful spirit touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Throughout her short time on earth, she knew the deepest, purest love from her parents, grandparents, and extended family. She was doted on and cared for, and she returned that love so preciously.
Tragically, Dani-Ryan was taken from us far too soon on June 24, 2024. Her unexpected departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, but her memory will forever be cherished.
Dani-Ryan’s family will eternally remember her strength, her smiles, and the profound love she brought into their lives. While her time with us was brief, her impact was immeasurable, and she will always be remembered as our little warrior.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 28, 2024 at St. Anne Catholic Church honoring her life. She will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Father "Su" Suresh Mathangi officiating the services.
Visiting hours will be observed at Vincent Funeral Home in Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the procession departs for the church at 2:30 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 11 a.m.
She is survived by her loving parents, Jacob Ryan Andrus and Markie Suire Andrus; her grandparents, John and Becky Andrus, Charles H. and Nickie P. Toups, Randy and Toni Bouillion, and Mark and Lori Suire; Godparents, Joshua Andrus (Pamela), and Donnie Broussard (Randy); uncles and aunts, Jarrod Andrus (Christine), Charles Rene' Toups (Mary Hannah), Lane Toups, Cecily Suire Hebert (Johnny), Zach Suire, and Christopher Suire; cousins, Ridge Andrus, Jett Andrus, Mason Andrus, Emma Andrus, Luke Andrus, Keelan Duncan, Jayce Hebert, and Caroline Hebert; her great-grandparents, Delores Andrus, Danny and Margaret Prejean, and Nancy Toups; and many other beloved family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Peterman and Netta Bourque, Paul Andrus, Wiltz Toups, Jr., and Hubert and Belle Suire; her cousin, Jaicee Hebert; and her great-parrain Kevin Suire.
Rest in peace, sweet Dani-Ryan. You will forever be in our hearts.

December 8, 1960 ~ June 23, 2024

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Ronald James Meaux, 63, who died Sunday, June 23, 2024. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Deacon William Vincent officiating the services. Roddy Meaux, Blade Thomas, Roy Beaudeaux, Philippe Bourque, Ronnie Burnworth, and Kane Meaux all served as pallbearers.
Ronald was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman. He  was a true friend without hesitation, always willing to lend a helping hand or give the shirt off his back.  He was “always the life of the party” and loved to have a good time. He recently retired from Preferred Electric, Inc.
He is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Meaux of Abbeville, and Sandra Bourque and her husband, Charles of Kaplan; brother, Maurice Meaux, Jr. of Abbeville; daughter, Edith Sharmaine Trahan and husband Clayton; two grandchildren, Ella and Emmett Trahan; Godchildren, Jennifer Oliver, Blade Thomas, Kelby Meaux, and Tara Beaudeaux; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Meaux, Sr. and the former Dorothy Beaudeaux; and sisters, Louana Meaux and Debra Meaux.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 8 a.m. until time of services.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.