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Adam Abshire Jr.

February 12, 1938 ~ October 11, 2017

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 16, 2017 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Adam Abshire Jr., 79, who died Wednesday, October 11, 2017.
He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Reverend Louis Richard officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Joshua Meaux, Kade Abshire, Kameron Abshire, Taylor Abshire, Coty Trahan and Chanley Maturin. Honorary pallbearers will be Miranda Vice, Megan Abshire, Maci Savoy, Brooke Boudreaux and Chelsea Trahan.
Adam is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jenny M. Mouton Abshire; as well as his children, Jerome Abshire (Shawn), Dean Abshire (Monica), Rachel Meaux (Arnold), Kent Abshire (Ann) and Randy Abshire (Twyla); brother, Truman Abshire; ten grandchildren; and twenty great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adam Abshire Sr. and the former Alicia Thibault; brothers, Alex Abshire, Alfred Abshire, Leo Abshire, and Otis Abshire; and sisters, Alice LeBlanc, Bernice Duhon, Jeanne Schexnider, Stella Duhon, Eve Richard and Rosa Roche.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, October 15, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 10:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Monday, October 16, 2017 from 8:00 AM until 9:45 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
The family would like to express a special thanks to Heart of Hospice, Home Health of Acadiana and Our Lady of Lourdes and his doctors for the love and care they gave to our husband and father.
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.

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The damaged brick wall at Magdalen Square.

Abbeville man runs in Magdalen Square brick wall

Abbeville's Magdalen Square wall was damaged early Thursday morning after a driver slammed into a brick wall.
The crash happened just after midnight at the corner of Pere Megret St. and N. Main St., Abbeville Police Lt. David Hardy said.
Joseph Magnon, 37, was charged with a third DUI offense. He was also charged with possession of synthetic marijuana, a drug Abbeville police say is on the rise.
Magnon is being held in the Vermilion Parish Jail on a $61,000 bond.

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Abbeville High Homecoming Court

The 2017 Abbeville High Homecoming Court; Back arch - L-R: Nautica Celestine, Kristal Guerrero, Chelsea Baudoin, Queen - Skyler Guerra, Taylor Wilson, Jacqueline Villasenor and Chyna Harrison; Mid arch - L-R: Brittany Campbell, Mallory Trahan, Annemarie Broussard and Oriel Henderson; Front - L-R: Phung Vi and Courtney Broussard.

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Ryan Romero, Kyle Boudreaux, Bryon Letchworth, Eric Savoy, D.J. Brasseaux, Seth Demette, Kody Bodian, Devan Mouton, Cody Venable and Spencer Poirier were part of the linemen crew who went to Florida to restore power after Hurrican Irma’s destruction.

Local lineman returns from Florida after helping restore power

A Kaplan man was one of the thousands of crews from throughout the country who was recently deployed to Florida to help restore power to a portion of the state without electricty after Hurricane Irma.
Irma’s storm surges and hurricane winds had a catastrophic impact on some parts of Florida. So much so, that linemen crews from all corners of the country were there helping to restore power to the millions without it.
Seth Demette, a lineman for 11 years who works with LUS, was among the 18 crew member team sent to Tallahassee, Florida to give a helping hand.
The nine truck convoy left Lafayette at 6 a.m. and drove the approximately 500 miles and arrived at Tallahassee at 6:30 p.m. the same day.
Demette said the logistics of the trip and all necessary acccomodations for them were coordinated by the American Power Public Association (APPA).
“The company calls them,” said Demette, “ and they handle everything for us, where to go, where we can sleep at and most of our meals.
“We were pretty lucky this time. We were able to sleep in a hotel with elctricity and water. That made things a whole lot easier for us.
Working round the clock, alongside many other linemen from different parts of the country, the power was restored to the entire city in four days.
The linemen were were then told their help was needed in Lakeland, Florida, approxinately 300 miles from Tallahassee.
Once again, the linemen loaded up their gear into their bucket trucks and drove five hours to help the people of Lakeland.
“We were there with about 500 other linemen,” said Demette. “In six days we had the entire 125,000 customers back on line.”
Demette said its tough being away from your family during a disaster mission, but it’s rewarding work. Being there for people in their greatest time of need, that makes him do storm work time whenever he is asked.
“It is hard work and most of the times in unpleasant conditions,” he said, “but when people come crying up to you to hug and thank you for your work in giving them back their electricity to return to their normal life, it makes your forget all the hardship you went through. We are helping people, and that’s always a good feeling to be able to go down and help others out.
“As we have the hurricanes that hit our area, added Demette, “they come up and help us and all. So, it’s always good to go and pay back those that have helped you before.”
These linemen, however, never forget the danger involved in storm work.
“It’s dangerous driving down there,” he said, “it’s dangerous being there, and it’s dangerous work we are doing. Believe me, your safety training kicks into gear. We work very hard getting their power back on as soon, but as safely possible.”
All men made it back to Louisiana safely, and and back to their regular jobs. But when the next storm work call comes in, they are all packing their gear and ready to head out to wherever the need is.
“I could not done it alone,” said Demette. “The brotherhood of linemen stay together. I couldn’t have done it without the guy next to me.

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Delcambre Homecoming Court

The Delcambre High School Homecoming court(left to right) - Top row: Natalie Duhon, Camille Duhon, Shelby Hebert and Meghan Burney; Middle row: Samantha Duhon, Karlie Crochet, Taylor Nguyen and Fatima Tello; Bottom row: Claire Olivier, Hannah Bassett and Bailey Viator. Several events are scheduled for Friday. The Open House at Delcambre High School from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Pep Rally at Delcambre High School stadium starting at 2 p.m. The Alumni Tea is in Delcambre High School’s gym starting at 5 p.m. The presentation of the homecoming court will be before the game at 6:20 p.m. The Homecoming Game against Ascension Christian will kick off at 7 p.m.

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Curnal James Cessac

January 6, 1940 ~ October 10, 2017

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 13, 2017 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Curnal James Cessac, 77, who died Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at his residence.
He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Reverend Louis Richard officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Randy Cessac, Dennis Cessac, Ashton Simon, Braxton Cessac, Shawn LeMaire and Ray LeMaire. Honorary pallbearers will be Parker Simon, Dakota Cessac and Brayton Boutte.
Curnal worked for Mobil Oil for 30 years. He served on the board of South East Water Works #2. He coached baseball and football for over 30 years. Curnal was once Cattle Festival King. He was caretaker for the Esther Community Cemetery and was dedicated to all sports at Vermilion Catholic High School.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lois Hebert Cessac; sons, Randy Cessac of Abbeville and Dennis Cessac of Abbeville; daughter, Donna Stelly and her husband Todd of Abbeville; brothers, Jeffery Cessac and Alfred Cessac; sister, Jane LeMaire and her husband Ray; sisters-in-law; Mary Hebert, Brenda Broussard and Lou LeBlanc; four grandchildren, Megan Boutte, Ashton Simon and his wife Danielle, Ahnie Simon and Braxton Cessac; three step grandchildren, Marcus Stelly and his wife Brook, Dustin Stelly and his wife Leah, and Barrett Stelly; twelve great grandchildren; and special family friend, Lilly Campbell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence P. Cessac and the former Elda Lemaire; and special aunt, Margaret Broussard.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Friday, October 13, 2017 from 8:00 AM until 10:45 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
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.

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Lt. Col. Desormeaux

Lt. Col. Desormeaux named Grand Marshal of Cattle Festival Parade

Lt. Col. Scott J. Desormeaux will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 69th Annual Louisiana Cattle Festival’s Grand Parade.
The Louisiana Cattle Festival will be held Oct. 13 through Oct. 15 in Abbeville. The Parade will begin at 1 p.m. in Abbeville.
Lt. Col. Desormeaux started his military career as an enlisted infantryman in the United States Marine Corps. He was commissioned as an officer into the Army through the Northeast Louisiana University (NLU) ROTC program in 1994.
His prior assignments include Engineer Platoon Leader, Engineer Company Executive Officer, BN Intelligence Officer, two Infantry Company Commands, 2-156 Infantry Operations Officer, 2-156 Infantry Executive Officer, and 61st Troop Command Deputy Commander. He is currently the commander of the 2-156 Infantry Battalion headquartered in Abbeville, LA.
Lieutenant Colonel Desormeaux’s decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Lieutenant Colonel Desormeaux has deployed to Kuwait in support of Desert Storm; to Iraq in 2004 and 2010; and to Japan, Belize, and Haiti in support of National Guard operations. Lieutenant Colonel Desormeaux earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy at NLU, a Master’s of Science Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Military University. His military education includes the School of Infantry (Marine Corps), Engineer Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Exercise, Intermediate Level Education, and Advanced Operations Course. He is graduate of the US Army War College with a Fellowship in International Relations at Texas A & M.
Lieutenant Colonel Desormeaux is married to Catherine Desormeaux from Abbeville, La. They have six children: Adam, 27; Amelie, 22; Cecile, 19; Lydia, 16; Marie-Elena, 14; and Ella, 11. Adam and his wife, Blaire, have one son, John-Paul, 4, and Micah, 2.
In addition to his National Guard duties, Lieutenant Colonel Desormeaux owns MedXcel which is a healthcare related business providing walk-in services, industrial medicine, and occupational therapy in the south Louisiana area.

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Mrs. Norman Richard

DELCAMBRE- A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mrs. Norman Richard, the former Mary Lynn LeMaire, age 90, at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.
Fr. Buddy Breaux will officiate. Interment will follow at the church mausoleum.
Visitation will take place at the church on Thursday from 9:00 am until the time of services. A rosary will prayed at 10:00 am.
A native and resident Delcambre, Mrs. Richard passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Maison Du Monde Nursing Home in Abbeville.
Born on July 27, 1927 to the late John Lee and Ozia LeBlanc LeMaire, Mary was one of seven children. She was a devoted Catholic and faithful parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Mary was very active in the church. She served as a member of St. Anne’s Alter Society, a Eucharistic Admiration Member and sang with in church choir for more than forty years. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who enjoyed visiting with those close to her. She enjoyed watching TV, doing crossword puzzles, and playing solitaire. Mary will be truly and deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathy R. Saunier of Delcambre, Joan R. Smith and husband Gary of Houston, and Evelyn R. Creekmore of Delcambre; son, George N. Richard, Jr. and wife Nancy of Youngsville; brothers, John L. LeMaire, II of Sulpher, Evans LeMaire of Delcambre, and Teddy LeMaire of Abbeville; sister, Loucinda L. DuBois of Avery Island; grandchildren, Kevin Henry, Mark Henry, Marilyn H. Rankin, Jerrod Henry, Michelle U. Smith, Todd Saunier, Tracy Saunier, Leslie Kuczynski, and Tara Baker; step-grandchildren, Holli Addison, Melissa Consoli, Janee’ Garber, Chris Johnson, and Kerry Johnson; great grandchildren, Joshua Henry, Marcus henry, Josie Henry, Tristen Rankin, Colt Saunier, Rogan Saunier, Kaylyn Hardy, and Trent Kuczynski; 9 step-great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Norman Richard; daughter, Bonita R. Underhill; sons-in-law, Ronald Saunier and Lewis Creekmore; parents, Lee and Ozia LeMaire; brother, Olan LeMaire; sister, Yolande L. Moss; and nephew, John L. LeMaire, III.
Pallbearers will be Timmy LeMaire, Barry LeMaire, Todd Saunier, Don Ponson, Kaylyn Hardy, and Tara Baker.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Kevin Henry, Mark Henry, Jerrod Henry, Stash Kuczynski, Lloyd Ponson, Bruce Ponson, Teddy LeMaire, Chris Johnson, Kerry Johnson, Jake Garber, Holli Addison, Melissa Consoli, and Scott Saunier.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Richard’s memory to St. Joseph Hospice, 17732 Highland Road. Suite G, Box 241, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.
To view the on-line obituary, video tribute, and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.

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Blue Bouillion is the Cattleman of the Year.

Boullion named Cattleman of the Year

Will be among honorees at Thursday’s Cattle Festival Banquet in Abbeville

Blue Boullion of Kaplan is the 2017 Cattle Festival Cattleman of the Year.
The 69th Louisiana Cattle Festival will take place Oct. 13-15 in downtown Abbeville.
Boullion will be among those recognized at this year’s Honoree Banquet at Magdalen Place in Abbeville, Thursday evening, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. Tickets are available, for $15 each, from any festival member or by calling (337) 652-0646.
Blue’s lifelong involvement with the cattle industry began with helping on his grandfather’s beef and dairy farm. By the time he was 16 he was hiring out as a cowboy for several cattle ranchers in the parish. Blue graduated from Kaplan High in 1965 and in 1969 bought a one ton pickup truck and 32-foot trailer and began Blue’s Cattle Hauling. It would be the start of a life of service to the cattle industry.
Blue began hauling cattle for Dominique’s Stockyard in 1972 and credits Jack Heflin, who was a manager at Dominique’s at the time, with helping him gain contacts in and knowledge of the cattle business. In 1977 he became part owner of the Vermilion Livestock Sale Barn. He was a ranch manager for Randall Greene and owned a small cattle herd from the mid 70’s to 1985 on rented pasture. In 1981 he worked for the Louisiana Brand Commission as an investigator. In 1985 and for 27 years thereafter he worked for USDA as a Veterinary Technician. Blue worked at the height of the Brucellosis epidemic and during his tenure Louisiana went from a Class C to a Class Free State. He assisted in and encouraged the vaccination of 1000’s and 1000’s of heifers. It was common for Blue to call ranchers in his area and remind them to vaccinate their heifers.
Because of Blue’s work with Brucellosis in our area, he was well respected by USDA and he was put in charge of planning and logistics for epidemics around the country. He worked on Brucellosis in Florida, pseudorabies in swine in Iowa, cattle tuberculosis in California and New Castle’s disease in poultry in California.
For 42 years, Blue served on the Board of Directors for the Vermilion Parish Cattlemen’s Association. He was a valued member serving on many committees and offering valuable input into decisions made. His mentoring of younger board members and young ranchers in the parish was a hallmark of his time on the board. His vast contacts and experiences helped many young ranchers with proper management and marketing. It was his desire to help the industry in Vermilion Parish and young ranchers in particular that motivated Blue’s long term on the board.
Blue is married to Joan Broussard Boullion. He has two children, Todd Boullion and Kristi Hebert, two step-children Gerrett and Seth Gastal, and six grandchildren Mia, Slade, Whitney, Kailie, Jake and Elie.
Because of Blue Boullion’s service and dedication to the cattle industry, his knowledge and mentorship of numerous ranchers it is without reservation that the Louisiana Cattle Festival name him the 2017 Cattleman of the Year.

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548