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ALTON A. “BROTHER” BARRILLEAUX JR.

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:44am

April 16, 1935 – October 31, 2017
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Baldwin during a 2 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Alton A. “Brother” Barrilleaux Jr., a native of Franklin, former longtime resident of Lafayette, and a resident of the Baldwin - Charenton area for the past six years, who passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. Following the Mass, Brother will be laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Father Cedric Sonnier will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Craig Barrilleaux, Kirk Barrilleaux, Ethan Barrilleaux, Alex Aucoin, Jody Aucoin, and Dwayne Hebert. Honorary pallbearers will be Luke Gibson, Brennan Clements, Jimmy Barrilleaux, and Gene St. Germain. A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin from 11 a.m. until time of dismissal at 1:30 p.m.
Brother is survived by his five children, Cyndi B. Hebert and her husband Dwayne, Craig Barrilleaux and his wife Becky, Kirk Barrilleaux and his wife Adella, Kathryn Barrilleaux, and Karen B. Aucoin and her husband Jody; three siblings, Mary Louise Boudreaux, Lucille “Pookie” St. Germain and her husband Gene, and Jimmy Barrilleaux; eight grandchildren, Keely Theriot, Kristen Wagnon, Jenny Clements, Michelle Barrilleaux, Ethan Barrilleaux, Luke Gibson, Ashlee LeBlanc, and Alex Aucoin; ten great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who knew him as “BaBa”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton A. “Buddy” Barrilleaux Sr. and Lucille Badeaux Barrilleaux; a brother-in-law, Aubrey Boudreaux; a sister-in-law, Charlene Barrilleaux; and a great grandson, Cohen LeBlanc.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

RAY RODRIGUEZ

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:43am

January 20, 1943 - October 28, 2017
Memorial services for Ray Joseph Rodriguez will be held Saturday, November 4, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville during an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum. Father Ruben Primor will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9 a.m., with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 10 a.m.
Ray was a native of Ashton and a 49 year resident of Centerville who passed away at the age of 74 at his home on Saturday, October 28, 2017. He attended Hanson Memorial School and went to work on the family farm at a very early age. He enlisted and served in the Louisiana National Guard. Because of Ray’s love for animals, he “custom fitted” and showed Brahma cattle throughout the country. After working in the oilfield for a few years, he started Ray Rodriguez Trucking Co. He ran the 18-wheeler business for over 30 years before retiring. Ray was an avid vegetable gardener and loved following his children and grandchildren for their various sporting events. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved telling jokes and making people laugh. The world will be a little less bright without Ray’s big smile and cheerful laugh. He will truly be missed.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife of 49 years, Sandra Boudreaux Rodriguez; two children, Roderick Beauregard Rodriguez and his companion April Michelle Adams and Ragan Eliska Rodriguez Alcina and her husband Allen; four grandsons, Hunter Cole Rodriguez, Braxton Joseph Alcina, Bently Wilson Alcina, and Bacadi Graceson Alcina; five siblings, Juliet Rodriguez Peterson and her husband Earl, Daniel Rodriguez and his wife Betty, Rhena Rodriguez LaGrange and her husband Terry, Rene Rodriguez Jr. and his wife Jody, and Darlene Dumesnil Concienne and her husband Lloyd; sisters-in-law, Elaine Rodriguez and Carolyn Gauthier; his nephew, Derek John Broussard and his wife Dacia; his niece, Tara Elizabeth McDonald and her husband Bobby; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, godchildren, family members, friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rene Rodriguez Sr.; his mother and step-father, Hazel Bodin Rodriguez Dumesnil and Louis “Copete” Dumesnil; and two brothers, Philip Rodriguez and Gerard Dumesnil.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

BRIAN ANTHONY ENNIS

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:43am

Brian Anthony Ennis, 57, a native and resident of Morgan City, La. passed away on Thursday October 19, 2017 at 12:07 p.m. at Teche Regional Medical Center.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday November 4, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Morgan City.
Memories of Brian will forever remain in the hearts of his son, Kebe A. Ennis; his daughter, Amari Garrett; his father, Walter Ennis of Morgan City, mother, Jacquelyn P. Brown of Morgan City, La.; two brother, Gavin Ennis of Los Angeles, CA; and Gerome K. Ennis of Morgan City; three sisters, Melanie Ennis Wood of Marietta, GA, Janell Stephens of Macon, GA and Jewell Ennis Jefferon of Suwannee, GA; one grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.
Brian was preceded in death by his brother, a step son, his grandparents, an aunt, and two uncles.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

EDWARD ELLIOT LEWIS

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:42am

Edward Elliot Lewis, Jr., 85, a native of Terrebonne Parish and a resident of Houma, passed away peacefully at 10:33 a.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2017.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until funeral time at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Howard 3rd Zion Travelers Baptist Church located at 363 Bayou Dularge Road in Houma. He will be interred in the La. National Cemetery, 363 Mt. Pleasant Road in Zachary, La. 70791.
He is survived by his wife Betty Porche Lewis of Houma; children, Mrs. Gilbert (Avis) Henry, Mrs. Gordon (Connie) Austin, Edwin Lewis Sr., and Eddie Lewis all of Houma, Gina Maize of Franklin, Trina Maize and Amanda Maize both of Morgan City; fifteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; brother, Elliot Lewis of Houma; two sisters, Yancey Lewis and Mrs. Byron (Margaret) Cage of Houma; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and former wife.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones Funeral Home of Houma-Franklin-Jeanerette-Morgan City.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

IDELL “SHUG” DAVIS HALL

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:42am

Idell “Shug” Davis Hall, 90, a resident of Franklin, La. and native of Baldwin, La., passed away on Monday, October 23, 2017 at Franklin Healthcare at 8 a.m.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Triumph Baptist Church 1005 Iberia Franklin, La. from 8 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m. with Reverend Carl F. Lewis Sr. officiating the services. Burial will follow funeral services in Perpetual Park Cemetery in Franklin, La.
Memories of “Shug,” as she was known to many, will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Larry Dean (Jill) Silas and Delores (Calvin) Cross both of Franklin, La.; three brothers, Amos (Susan) Davis of New Orleans, La., Andy Davis and Jimmy Davis both of Baton Rouge, La.; a sister, Sandra (Junuis) Davis-Smith of Baton Rouge, La.; a sister-in-law, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Idell was precede in death by her husband, a son, her parents, a brother, three sisters, and a great-grandchild.
Jones Funeral Home of Franklin-Morgan City-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

RUSSELL KEITH MANDUBOURG

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:41am

Russell Keith Mandubourg, 52, a native and resident of Verdunville, La. died Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 7:42 am At Franklin Foundation Hospital.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Jones Funeral Home 1101 Main Street Franklin, La., from 8 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m. The Reverend Justin Kennedy will officiate the services. Burial with Military Honor will follow funeral services to the Nazarene Cemetery in Verdunville, La.
Russell enlisted in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge.
Memories of “Big Tymer,” as he was known to many, will forever be cherished and remain in the hearts of his companion, Chamere Clark, two son, Russell K. Mandubourg, Jr. and Tronyonte Clark all of Patterson, La.; two daughter, Rushaylynn Mandubourg and Jermiashaylia “Maya” Clark both of Patterson, La.; his beloved mother, Betty Scott-Mandubourg of Verdunville, La.; three brothers, George Mandubourg of Lake Charles, La., Kieron Mandubourg and Joseph Mandubourg all of Verdunville, La.; two sisters, Mrs. Kerry (Thelma) Bourgeois and Louella Roberson both of Verdunville, La.; a nephew he helped to raise, two sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Russell was preceded in death by his father, a brother, his maternal grandparents, and paternal grandparents.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

HILDA MAE ABSHIRE LEBLANC

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:40am

October 8, 1930 - October 26, 2017
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville during a 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Hilda Mae Abshire LeBlanc. Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum. Father Cedric Sonnier will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 9 a.m. until time of Mass. Serving as pallbearers will be Ernest “Ernie” Verret Jr., Rod Hebert, Steve LeBlanc Jr., Jimmy Vincent, Sean Querrard, and Raymond “R.J.” Verret Jr.
Hilda was a native of Kaplan, former longtime resident of Bayou Vista and Patterson, and a resident of Ricohoc for the past ten years. She passed away at the age of 87 unexpectedly on Thursday, October 26, 2017, while visiting her sister in Jennings.
Those she leaves to cherish her memory include her daughter, Linda LeBlanc Verret and her husband Ernest; her son, Steve Joseph LeBlanc Sr. and his wife Lois; five grandchildren, Ernest “Ernie” Verret Jr. and his wife Tina, Kitty Verret Hebert and her husband Rod, Tina LeBlanc Thibodeaux, Steve Joseph LeBlanc Jr., and Corey Alphonse LeBlanc; 14 great grandchildren; numerous great great grandchildren; one brother, Louis Abshire; and three sisters, Olive Hines, Lula Gaudet, and Lola Verret.
She was preceded in death by her husband Alphonse Joseph LeBlanc; her parents, Wiley Abshire and Amelie Lejeune Abshire; one brother, Joseph Abshire; and two sisters, Laura Simon and Inez Guidry.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

Chitimacha among tribes featured for LDMA observance

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:39am

During November, the Louisiana Digital Media Archive (LDMA) is celebrating National Native American Heritage Month.
Louisiana is home to four federally recognized tribes: the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe of Louisiana, as well as the state-recognized United Houma Nation.
The state is also home to the Poverty Point World Heritage Site, a set of complex earthworks built by the Poverty Point culture more than 3,000 years ago. Explore stories that highlight the unique history and culture of Louisiana’s native peoples.
Programs include:
—A Taste of Louisiana with Chef John Folse. Chef Folse highlights Native American contributions to Louisiana’s cuisine.
Folks:
—Indian Youth Conference (1981)
—Houmas Indians (1982)
—American Indian Celebration in Shreveport (1983)
Louisiana: The State We’re In:
—Poverty Point (1978)
—Preserving the Coushatta & Chitimacha Languages (2011)
—Poverty Point Becomes UNESCO World Heritage Site (2014)
Art Rocks!:
—Coushatta Long-Leaf Pine Needle Baskets
—Chitimacha Basketry
During the month of November, you can also view “Native Waters: A Chitimacha Recollection” in its entirety. This 2011 documentary features Chitimacha member Roger Emile Stouff,
Directed and produced by award-winning LPB Senior Producer Tika Laudun, this documentary was written and narrated by Chitimacha Tribal Member Roger Stouff and co-produced and written with C.E. Richard. LPB’s Rex Fortenberry was the photographer and editor for the program. Special assistance was provided by Chitimacha Cultural Director Kimberly Walden.
To see the entire Native American Heritage topic, go to ladigitalmedia.org.

Welding school to be built at port industrial park site

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:38am

State Representative Sam Jones and Senator R. L. Bret Allain II have recently repurposed funds to build a welding school on Charenton Navigation and Drainage Canal across from Metal Shark and Gulf Craft’s facility sites.
In the early 80s, when Jones was mayor of Franklin, he organized a group of elected officials, including the parish president, the mayor of Baldwin and others, to buy 100 acres on the canal to develop into an industrial park.
The land was eventually placed under control and operation of the Port of West St. Mary and they placed there the bulk-heading and access points. Jones reports that this year, $500,000 has been acquired to add on to the public dock in that area, with an eye toward broadening its utility.
Jones said that representatives from Metal Shark came to him and Allain in reference to being in need of skilled aluminum welders who knew how to do precisely the kind and caliber of work necessary to build boats at their facility.
“The idea of a training center came up,” Jones said. “So, Senator Allain and I talked, and we got this money repurposed at the interim emergency board meeting, last week.”
The money is still in the process of being approved, but Jones assures that the approval of the funds is merely a formality. Add those funds to a grant and a contribution from the Port of West St. Mary, and the goal of the million dollars required to build the school, will have been achieved.
Jones says that the welding school is going to be across the canal from Metal Shark and Gulf Craft, on the port property, and if all goes according to plan, will be finished and operational in a year, or so.
Senator Allain said, “We’ve got $420,000 in capital outlay that Representative Jones and I are steering towards this project, and we hope to get it built within the year. The need is obvious."
“We’ve already got a commitment from South Louisiana Community College, in Lafayette, to run the school and put the instructors there. So, everything has fallen into place.”
Allain went on to say, “The one thing that is still employing people in this area is aluminum fabrication. That seems to be the shining star, even with the downturn in the oil and gas industry. A lot of these boats that are being built and aluminum fabrication being done has gone elsewhere in the country, where the economy seems to be doing better than we are here."
“We are just trying to find ways to continue to employ people in St. Mary Parish.”
Allain said to prospective students of the welding school, “Give us two years, and we’ll find you a job that’ll make you $60,000 to $70,000 per year. You have the potential to make more money here than with a college degree.”

Sheriff: Man dies after Amelia shooting

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:28am

Tuesday night shooting under investigation

Staff Report

A 23-year-old Amelia man has died after being shot Tuesday night in Amelia, according to a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office news release. The investigation into his death continues.

Just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, St. Mary Parish sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a possible shooting on Friendship Alley in Amelia, the release said.

Deputies located an unresponsive man who sustained a gunshot wound. The man, identified as Christopher Singleton, 23, of Amelia, was transported to Teche Regional Medical Center by Acadian Ambulance, the release stated. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital, the release said. This is an ongoing, active investigation.

Anyone with information on the crime can contact the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-384-1622 or by email at crimewatch@stmaryso.com. You can remain anonymous.