This pistol, badge and baton belonged to Felicien Domingues, Jr., the former Chief of Police in Abbeville.
Claude Ledet
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Glenn and Sharon Romero were married July 22, 1967.
They celebrated their 50th anniversary with a small gathering of family and friends.
The event was hosted by their three children, Glenda and her husband Lonnie, Shannon and her husband Joshua, Jerrod and his wife, Kasha. They have seven grandchildren, Jamie, Amanda and her husband Jacob, Dawson, Wyatt, Taylor, Julie and Avery, and three great-grandchildren, Adelie, Ella, and Evelyn.
Sherry Viator Barras and William A. Barras Ill recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
Sherry and Billy were married on July 15, 1967, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church by Father Donald Theriot.
On July 16, 2017, they renewed their marriage vows after 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church with Father Louis Richard officiating.
They are the parents of three sons, Kerry, Randy, and Brady Barras. They have six grandchildren
Brittnie Davis and Jason Landry
Miss Brittnie Lea Davis and Mr. Jason Everett Landry, both of Abbeville, are pleased to announce their engagement and plans to marry.
The wedding will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2017, during a 5 p.m. ceremony at Black’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant in Abbeville.
The future bride is the daughter of Johnette Landry David of Abbeville. Her grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. James Dale Landry of Abbeville.
Brittnie attended Erath High School and graduated with a GED from Louisiana Technical College in 2016 and a November 2016 graduate of Acadiana Area Career College with an Medical Office Assistant degree. She is currently a stay at home mother of her two children, Olivia and Zayne Hebert.
Parents of the groom are Nara Mayard Landry and James Ralph Landry, both of Abbeville. Grandparents nclude Mr. and Mrs. Minos Mayard of Abbeville and the late Mr. and Mrs. Loreal Landry.
Jason graduated fro Abbeville High School ub 1988 and is employed at Stric-Lan Companies in Lafayette as a well-test supervisor.
Katelyn Hargrave and Blake Landry
Kenneth and Belinda Hagrave of Kaplan are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Katelyn Richelle Hargrave, to Blake James Landry, son of Darryl and Carolyn Landry of Maurice.
The wedding will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kaplan.
Grandparents of the future bride are Leona Breaux of Kaplan and the late Houise “Bud” Hargrave, Carmen C. Guilbeaux of Lafayette and the late Murphy Guilbeaux, Sr. of Kaplan.
Katelyn is a 2008 graduate of Kaplan High School, a 2013 graduate of UL Lafayette with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a 2016 Master’s Degree in Counselor Education. She is employed at Compass Behavioral Center of Crowley as a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor.
Grandparents of the prospective groom are Mr. and Mrs. Lurby Broussard of Maurice and Mr. and Mrs. Aston Ray “Naunchie” Landry of Erath.
Blake is a 2009 graduate of North Vermilion High School. He is employed with Bodin Oil Recovery.
Tommy Byler holds his award.
BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Education on Friday announced the 2018 Louisiana State Principal of the Year at the 11th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala. Tommy Byler, of North Vermilion High School in Vermilion Parish, was named the 2018 State Principal of the Year.
Byler has held various leadership positions during his 26-year career in education. He is currently the principal of North Vermilion High School. Under his leadership, the school has remained an A-rated school, and the school’s performance score has increased from a 92.9 to 119.0 over three years. Prior to taking the helm as principal, Byler served as the school’s assistant principal, athletic director and head football coach. Before joining the staff at North Vermilion, he was an athletic director and the head coach of basketball and softball at Erath High School. Byler also taught Biology II - Anatomy and Physiology, Physical Science and Algebra I. In addition to his classroom and leadership experience, he has held active roles in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and the Louisiana Association of Student Councils.
“The educators honored tonight are a fine representation of the high-caliber professionals we are fortunate to have in Louisiana schools,” said State Superintendent John White. “This is a chance to celebrate the profession of teaching, a chance to recommit to the effort of ensuring our teachers have what they need to do their job well. It’s a chance to recognize our state’s educators not only for their dedication to their students and their profession, but also for their demonstrated ability to educate and inspire their students through meaningful and effective learning experiences.”
In addition to announcing the overall state winners, the Department named the 2018 Elementary, Middle and High School Teacher and Principal of the Year winners. The 2018 Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Rosemary Grimm of Princeton Elementary School in Bossier Parish; the 2018 Middle School Teacher of the Year is Marcy Mahler, of Sixth Ward Middle School in Lafourche Parish; and the 2018 High School Teacher of the Year is Angelina Drago, of Hammond High Magnet School in Tangipahoa Parish.
Doris “DL”
Leon Menard
Funeral Services for Doris “DL” Leon Menard will begin on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Family Life Church, 2223 Dulles Drive Lafayette, LA at 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Visitation will resume on
Monday, July 31, 2017 at Family Life Church at 8 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 3 p.m. The honor of officiating the Funeral Service has been bestowed upon Mr. Menard’s son, Todd Menard, Pastor of Family Life Church. Mr. Menard will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Erath, LA.
“DL” Menard was born Doris Leon Menard on April 14, 1932 to the late Ophie and Helena Primeaux Menard in Erath, LA. Until his passing on the morning of Thursday, July 27, 2017, he always considered Erath home. In 1951, DL married the late Lou Ella Menard and to that union was born seven children. Though he married young, his love and devotion to Lou Ella would last 49 wonderful years.
DL was a legend to many, but we knew him first as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family was everything to him and gave him the drive to always strive for better. Having lived through the Great Depression, he wanted to be sure that his family was well provided for. As a young man, DL worked at a gas station in his hometown of Erath.
This is where he wrote his renowned hit, “La Porte d’en Arriere” (The Back Door). Later on, as the owner of DL Menard’s Chair factory, he proudly crafted rocking chairs, furniture and many artistic wood workings. His passion for music, which began at the age of 16 when he first picked up a guitar, never left. He continued to play music on weekends, which propelled DL down a path with endless opportunities, rewards and blessings. This eventually led to a fanbase of millions of people all over the world.
In 1994, DL Menard received the “National Endowment for the Arts Heritage” award and in 2009, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. His music would have him travel to 38 countries, 42 States and lead him to be nominated for two Grammy Awards. What many would consider DL’s most well-known hit, “The Back Door”, has sold over 1 million copies. This song is still enjoyed and played by so many to this day, and is often referred to as the “Cajun National Anthem”. His music had great influence, not only with many young developing musicians but well-established musicians as well.
DL was a humble man, and if you knew him, you’d realize how much he believed in giving back to those that supported his music career. Often times, he would play for benefits to help those impacted by disasters or medical issues. He would also lend his talent to promote the French Immersion programs in the public schools in Acadiana. His favorite was Cajun Day at the local schools. He had so much to offer others and never missed an opportunity to help his fellow man.
DL will be remembered not only for his music, but also for his “one liners”. His sense of humor was definitely a crowd pleaser and anyone who knows DL, knows he didn’t mind the attention.
He leaves our world a better place not only for the gifts he gave us through his music, but also for the love he gave his family and his fans. We thank him for sharing his life with us in so many ways.
Doris “DL” Leon Menard leaves a lasting legacy with his seven children Larry ( Lenora) Menard, Rebecca (David) Moreland, Doris “Boze” Menard, Curt ( Arlene) Menard, Dick ( Carla) Menard, Todd ( Tonya) Menard and Darrel Menard; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren
Serving in the honor as pallbearers are grandsons Jeremy Menard, Josiah Menard, Joshua Menard, Trey Menard, Brandon Menard and Nathan Menard. Honorary pallbearers will be Dillion Menard and Gavin Menard.
The family of D.L. Menard would like to say a special thank you to those who have extended prayer and support throughout this time. No matter how small the act of kindness, it is greatly appreciated.
You can share your condolences, words of comfort or send memorial gifts for the family of DL Menard at www.lafuneralservices.com.
“DL” Menard and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Louisiana Funeral Services of Broussard (337) 330-8006.
ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Della Mae LeBlanc Lopez, 85, will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Andre Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Erath on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 8:30AM until the time of the services with a recitation of the rosary at 11:00AM.
A native of Delcambre and a lifelong resident of Erath, Mrs. Lopez died at 7:55AM on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Maison de Monde Nursing Center. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was known for her willingness to cook for anyone that came into her home. She also cooked for those that were sick or in need.
She is survived by two sons, Brady Lopez and his wife Tina of Erath and Keith Lopez of Erath; a daughter, Lisa Lopez of Erath; two sisters, LeAnna Richard of Abbeville and Eldred Landry of Coteau; seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Lopez; her parents, Simonette and Edith Bouillion LeBlanc; and four brothers, Hadwing LeBlanc, Dallas LeBlanc, Hodges LeBlanc, and Stafford LeBlanc.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jarret Lopez, Jake Lopez, Brandon Lopez, Jarrod Delsatte, Seth Decoux, and Craig Richard.
The family would like to greatly thank Bridgeway Hospice, Maison de Monde Nursing Home, and her sitters, Kathy Fredrick, Darlene LeBlanc, Alanda Arceneaux, Janice Blanchard, and Shirley Reaux for their extraordinary love and care for their mother.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam St. (337)937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.
February 6, 1946 ~ July 16, 2017
ABBEVILLE — A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Wilbert Lee Abshire, 71, who died Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Abbeville General Hospital. Pastor Ronald Roy will officiate the service.
Wilbert is survived by his daughter, Hope Clements and her husband, Jonathan of Abbeville; grandchild, Justin Clements of Abbeville; and sister, Phyllis Roy and her husband, Ronald of Mexico.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Joseph Abshire and the former Adley Baudoin; child, Charity Abshire; and brothers, Dale Abshire and Warren Hardy.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 12:00 PM until time of service.
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.
D. L. Menard performs one of his songs.
ERATH - The news slowly began to spread by 9 Thursday morning in Erath. The news spread that the most famous person in Erath and one of the most famous musicians in Acadiana, had died.
D.L. (Doris Leon) Menard passed away Thursday morning surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.
As of Thursday afternoon, funeral arrangements were pending for “The Cajun Hank Williams.”
His 1962 hit record, “La Porte d’en Arrière” (The Back Door) sold more than 500,000 copies and made Menard a celebrity worldwide. He has played in 38 countries and in most states thanks to that song. In 2014, the song landed at No. 72 on Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time. Writer Richard Gehr called it “Cajun music’s most frequently covered song not titled ‘Jolie Blonde’.”
He also sang for the Queen of England.
“Anywhere you went, especially in a French country, and you said, “D.L. Menard’, they knew who he was,” said Erath attorney Robert Vincent, who purchased a D.L. Menard chair in 1992, a day before Menard’s wood working shop burned.
Erath Mayor John Earl LeBlanc, said, “It is a sad loss for Erath. “He was the perfect person to represent Erath all over the World.”
Kaplan musician Richard LeBouef posted this on the Internet about his good friend, Menard.
“As the sun rises, it must also set. With that said, we bid a gracious and loving farewell to one of the masters and true ambassadors of Cajun Music. His personality was addicting, you could not erase the smile off of anyone’s face that ever met him, even for the first time. He was a natural born charmer and wordsmith. Never did a person, or a song dislike him. His lyrics tell of happiness and heartache, he was an instrument of his craft, a leader, never a follower. Thank you D.L. for letting me share a small space in your world, it will never be the same. Merci Mon Amis.”
Louisiana songwriter and singer Jo-El Sonnier wrote, “D.L. Menard was a wonderful Cajun musician and a really unique guy who was loved by every musician he ever met. He will always be remembered for his great songs and his lively personality.”
The Erath Fourth of July honored Menard July 3 of this year. He and his family got on stage and played at least eight songs together. It may have been one of the only and the last time the Menard family played with D.L.
It was fitting that his final time playing in front of a crowd was in front of an Erath crowd.
“It turned out to be a special evening,” said Vincent of Menard’s final performance. “I wanted to do a special tribute to him. I wanted him to know how much he was loved and respected here in Erath.”
Lee Bernard, who is 95 years old, was someone caught off guard when he heard Menard passed away that
morning.
“He died? I am sad to hear that,” said Bernard about hearing his good friend died for the first time. “I have been knowing him for a long time.”
Bernard, who played drums in a band, said he spoke to him briefly for the Fourth of July Celebration. Bernard said he remembers Menard writing the song, “The Back Door” as Menard worked at a service station in the middle of Erath. He would service a car, then write in a small note pad a few lines It took him less than 30 minutes to write, “The Back Door.” It was also the second song he wrote.
The song, sung in French, is about a Cajun man who came home from a night of partying. Menard, who was married, was 30 in 1962 when he wrote “The Back Door.”
Menard is in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and the Cajun Music Hall of Fame, and in 1994 was named a national heritage fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Among Menard’s more recent recordings are “Cajun Memories” (1995), “Le Trio Cadien” (1992, with Eddie LeJeune and Ken Smith), “Under a Green Oak Tree” (recorded in 1976 with Marc Savoy and Dewey Balfa and released in 1989), “No Matter Where You At, There You Are” (1988), “Cajun Saturday Night” (1985), and “D.L. Menard and the Louisiana Aces” (recorded in 1974 and released in 1988).
He grew up on a farm, speaking Cajun French but learning the country music he heard on the radio — there weren’t any Cajun music shows — and loving Hank Williams.
When he was 16 years old, he bought his first guitar after his family moved into Erath.
Thanks to his uncle, who had a band, Menard attended a rehearsal. The teenager fell for the guitar and got the band’s guitarist to teach him.
Before his death, in an interview with a newspaper from New York on July 1, Menard was not sure what to think of his big song: “I told my wife I was sorry I wrote that song, because I had to sing it five, six times. My wife sat me down and made it straight to me that I had a hit. I didn’t know. I had no idea,” Menard said.
He said it ended up as his favorite song: “That song brought me to 38 countries.”
It also made him the Cajun Music Ambassador and Erath’s biggest celebrity.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548