PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
8th Grade student council at North Vermilion Middle are President-Abigail Bourgeois; Vice President-Andrew Courville; Secretary-Shelby Buroker; Reporter-Ty Nerren; Sergeant at Arms-Cadence Foreman; Parliamentarian-Kristina Hawkins, Kinsey Waits, Avery Ned.
7th grade student council officers at North Vermilion Middle are President-Luke Pere; Vice President-Elijah Guree; Secretary-Camille Davidson; Reporter-Brylee Batiste.
6th Grade student council officers at North Vermilion Middle are President-Abigail Duhon; Vice President-Ryleigh Guidry; secretary-Kylie Istre; reporter-Claire Fontenot.
Broc Prejean, shown standing with a STM athlete, is now the new football coach at VC.
Most high school athletes and coaches only dream about what it is feels like to win a state title. Abbeville resident Broc Prejean can tell you first hand because he has been a part of five, either as a player or an assistant coach.
On Monday, VC announced to their alumni that they had selected Prejean as the school’s new head football coach.
Prejean is a 2006 VC graduate. In 2003 he was a member of the 2003 football team that won the Class 1A state title after beating Kentwood.
For the last 12 years, he has been a teacher and an assistant baseball and football coach at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette.
While at STM, he has been the special team’s coach and the running back coach under legendary head football coach Jim Hightower.
The STM Cougars have won two state football titles and finished second over the last 12 years.
As an assistant baseball coach, he has helped the Cougars win two state baseball titles.
“For those 12 years I have been at STM, I can state with absolute certainty, I was able to learn from some of the best football coaches in the country,” said Prejean. “Those lessons will be paramount to what I hope to bring with me --- lessons about football, character, leadership, passion commitment, fellowship and love.
“I am incredibly proud of what we achieved while I was working there, but I am even more proud of the person it molded me to become. I will be forever grateful to the STM community, much the same as I have forever blessed and am grateful for my time at VC.”
Also, for the last 12 years, he has commuted back and forth from Abbeville to Lafayette.
“I am going to miss that drive,” said Prejean. “It was my time to think.”
Prejean will remain at STM through baseball season, because he is the assistant coach.
This was the third time he applied for the VC head football coaching job. He applied two years ago when VC hired Kevin Fouquire.
VC Principal Mike Guilbeaux and athletic director Kim Guidry were part of a hiring committee that helped hire Prejean. Prejean was selected over 31 other applicants.
Guidry, who has been at VC for 30-plus years, taught Prejean. The fact that he is a VC graduate and only lives less than a mile from the football stadium were two of many reasons why she liked Prejean.
“He has vested interest in the school and the community,” said Guidry.
Guilbeaux said he had received a commitment from the assistant coaches that they will be back for another year and help make the transition easier for Prejean.
“I want to give recognition to our current staff of coaches,” said Guilbeaux. “They are a part of the big success that we have had It was important that we keep this coaching staff intact for anyone who would be coming in.”
Prejean’s parents are Terry and Brenda Prejean of Abbeville.
Rydge William Osburn
A son, Rydge William Osburn, was born Friday, February 14, 2020, at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. James William Osburn III of Kaplan.
The mother is the former Chasity Angelle Robinson.
Samere Korleon Eden
A son, Samere Korleon Eden, was born Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Abbeville General to Leanesha Mone’ Eden of New Iberia.
Jerzie I’re Roy
A daughter, Jerzie I’re Roy, was born Friday, February 21, 2020, at Abbeville General to Fallen Alexia Roy of Kaplan.
Daniel Ja’more Campbell
A son, Daniel Ja’more Campbell, was born Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Christopher Campbell.
The mother is the former Jenna Shrelle Greene.
Kamryn Skye Henderson
A daughter, Kamryn Skye Henderson, was born January 24, 2020, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Ebonie Baudoin and Jhordi Henderson, Sr. of Abbeville.
Jackson Henry Geoffroy
A son, Jackson Henry Geoffroy, was born February 6, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Lacey Hargrave and Dylan Geoffroy of Erath.
Collin Michael Simon
A son, Collin Michael Simon, was born February 5, 2020, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Amelia Mouton and Nathan Simon of Abbeville.
Scarlett Darlene Delcambre
A daughter, Scarlett Darlene Delcambre, was born February 5, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Delcambre.
The mother is the former Sheena Gary.
Oakley Pierre Jensen
A son, Oakley Pierre Jensen, was born February 3, 2020, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Blade Jensen of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Kristin Snead.
Bryleigh Trevae Berotte
A daughter, Bryleigh Trevae Berotte, was born January 30, 2020, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Ariyan Berotte of Abbeville.
July 4, 1932 ~ February 25, 2020
“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race – I have kept the faith”.
ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Ethel Langlinais Gaspard, 87, who died Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Fr. François Sainte-Marie officiating the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Grant Broussard, Brock Luquette, Baron Rogers, Matthew Rogers, Dr. Josh Gaspard and Tyler Carruth. Honorary pallbearers will be Pres Summers, Chad Phares, Mark Mayard, Brad Duhon and Eric Robles.
Ethel is survived by her son, Randall Paul Gaspard and his wife Theresa of Abbeville; three daughters, Lana G. Rogers and her husband David of Abbeville, Sandra G. Luquette and her husband Sonny of Abbeville, and Joyce G. Broussard and her husband Rueben of Abbeville; brother, John A. Langlinais and his companion Mary Ann Thibodeaux of Youngsville; sister, Helen L. Carruth and her husband Jim of Lafayette; eleven grandchildren, Krystal Summers and her husband Pres, Brock Luquette and his wife Jennifer, Ashley Speer, Maria Phares and her husband Chad, Baron Rogers and his wife Kelly, Matthew Rogers and his wife Kathryn, Grant Broussard and his wife Kayla, Brandi Mayard and her husband Mark, Dr. Josh Gaspard and his wife Dr. Toye, Tricia Duhon and her husband Brad, and Kayla Robles and her husband Eric; and thirty-three great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Preston Paul Gaspard; parents, Nicholas Langlinais and the former Anna Hollier; brother, Allen Dale Langlinais; and grandsons, Frank David Broussard and Benjamin Jude Rogers.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 9:00 AM until 12:45 PM when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary being prayed at 10:00 AM.
Thank you to the staff of Eastridge Nursing Center, Emergency Department at Abbeville General Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and Acadian Ambulance exemplary nursing care with kindness and compassion. We also wish to express to those of you who offered prayers, that we have been strengthened. To those who visited, we have been helped. To those who called, we have been consoled. To everyone for your kind acts and deeds we are grateful.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.
Dec. 29, 1945- Jan. 24, 2020
Starlynn “Star” Burleigh DeBlanc, 74, passed away on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at 12:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital after a brief illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father, Albert H. Burleigh and mother, Gladys Voorhies Burleigh.
Star always considered herself an Air Force brat, having traveled the world with her parents. She graduated high school at Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Lybia, attending USL in Lafayette, La.
Star was a retired business owner, having owned Star True Value Hardware in Abbeville, La.
Star was a dedicated, caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
She is survived by her husband and best friend, Louis J. DeBlanc; son, Jerrell Horaist; daughter-in-law, Jackie Horaist; grandson, Andrew Horaist; and brother, Brent Burleigh.
Star was an avid swimmer and reader of books.
She was always willing to learn about outer space, medicine and willing to help others, therefore she donated her
February 10, 1943 – February 13, 2020
Charles W. Duhon, age 77, passed away on February 13, 2020 at his home in Lafayette, La. after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family. As per his wishes cremation has taken place. A private viewing was held at Martin & Castille on February 14. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday March 7, 2020 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Leroy, La. His family will greet guests at 10:00 am until the Mass commences.
Father Andrew Kirschman, a friend of the family, will officiate the Mass.
Mr. Duhon is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Barbara Domingue Duhon, his son Jason K. Duhon and his wife Celanie; his grandchildren Alaina C. Duhon and Aydin M. Duhon, his step-grandaughter Skyla Guidry, all of Maurice, La. His brothers, Donald J. Duhon and his wife Molena, Michael Duhon and his wife Carol and Steve Duhon and his wife Cheryl, all of Leroy, La. Also his brother-in-law, Brian J. Domingue of Lafayette, La., his God Children Sue Sonnier, Allison B. Leblanc and Jake Domingue. Also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Robert Duhon and Anite Sonnier Duhon of Leroy.
Mr. Duhon was an Oil & Gas Landman from the mid 1970’s until his retirement at age 69. He was a people person who never met a stranger. His personality was larger than life. If he spoke with you for more than 10 minutes more than likely he made you laugh! He loved traveling, music, dancing, going out to eat and get togethers with his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Special thanks to the staff at Medsource Home Health, St. Joseph Hospice, The Carpenter House, Dr. Thomas Voitier II, and all the other Drs. and nurses that tended to him at Lafayette General and the Cancer Center of Acadiana. He was so selfless when making decisions about his treatment, considering not only himself but also his wife. Also a special thanks to Deby Richard for keeping their fur baby Pepper and thanks to family, friends and neighbors that helped out by staying with them, bringing food to Barbara and for their prayers.
Donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Joseph Hospice.
September 14 1925 - February 26, 2020
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 29,2020 at a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in Carencro for Mr. Richard Dale Nunez, age 94, who departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, February 26,2020 at his home in Lafayette.
Interment will be in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Carencro. The Very Reverend Father Chester Arceneaux, VF, Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, will officiate at the services.
Mr. Nunez was born in Lake Arthur, Louisiana and resided in Lafayette for most of his life. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater, including Japan and the Philippine Islands. He was aboard the amphibious attack ship, OTTOWA, during Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll and earned three distinguished service awards: Plank Owner, Shell Back and Order of the Golden Dragon.
After the war, he returned to Lafayette and attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute, earning a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1948. In 1951, he decided to return to college and to pursue a degree in education in order to embark upon a lifelong career as a teacher. While at Carencro High School, he was promoted to an administrative position as Assistant Principal. From 1972-1976, Mr. Nunez was Principal at Myrtle Place Elementary in Lafayette and from 1976-1980, he was Principal at J. Wallace James.
During his teaching career, he continued his military service in the Naval Reserve and retired after 31 years with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. As a native French speaker and educator, Mr. Nunez was a staunch supporter of CODOFIL. He befriended many teachers from France, Canada and Belgium who had come to Louisiana to work in the schools. He loved the classroom so much that he continued to serve as a substitute teacher in Lafayette Parish well into his 80s, touching the lives of many, even 25 years past his retirement.
Mr. Nunez was active in the community serving on the Lafayette Municipal Service Board and the Lafayette Parish Board of Health. He remained closely connected to his military brothers and sisters in arms in associations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux ("The Forty and Eight") and was awarded the Arthur J. Webb, Jr. Memorial Award from the American Legion Post 69 in 2010. Most recently, he and seven other local veterans were honored at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
Survivors include his son, Danny Nunez of Lafayette; his sister, Rosa Belle Clostio of Kaplan; his niece, Charlotte Detraz (Johnny) of Abbeville; and his nephew, Regan Clostio of Kaplan, as well as their children.
Mr. Nunez was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Lena Grace Kilchrist Nunez; his parents, Rodolph Cody Nunez and Irene Seaux Nunez; his brothers, Saul Sonnier, Reule Sonnier, Harry Sonnier and Minos Sonnier; his sister, Yvonne Sonnier Broussard (Leo); and his niece, Tina Clostio Broussard and her husband, Johnny.
On his behalf, the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his personal caregivers, especially Felecia Sellers, Ms. Liz, Ms. Rose, Ms. Lena and Stacie as well as the staff and volunteers of Hospice of Acadiana.
A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday and will continue from 8:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday. Memorial contributions in the name of Richard D. Nunez may be made to Hospice of Acadiana online at Hospice of Acadiana Donation Page or by mail to 2600 Johnston St. Suite 200, Lafayette, Louisiana 70503. Melancon Funeral Home, Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4117 N. University Ave., Carencro, Louisiana (337) 896-3232 is in charge of arrangements.
North Vermilion High School Choir lining up on a Disney stage. It could have been an anxious day, but, these performers looked tot laid back.
Photo by Steve Bandy/LSN
Dr. Tina Stefanski, Regional Medical Director for the Office of Public Health in Acadiana
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548