Kerney Saltzman

Kerney Saltzman, retired rice farmer & co-founder of Lena’s Cajun Seafood Dishes, the “Mayor of Ellis Bridge Road” Dies at 93

GUEYDAN — Kerney Paul Saltzman, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dear friend to many, died peacefully of heart failure at home surrounded by loved ones at 2 AM on Thursday, February 10, 2022. He was 93.
Kerney is survived by his two children, Russell Saltzman (Tam) of Gueydan, LA, and Charlene Saltzman Jannise (Michael, Sr.) of Youngsville, LA; seven grandchildren, Ryan Jannise of Great Falls, VA, Shanna Jannise Miller of Lafayette, LA, Michael Jannise, Jr. of Lafayette, LA, Adrienne Jannise Mejias of Youngsville, LA, Katherine Saltzman of New Orleans, LA, Russell Saltzman of New Orleans, LA, and James Saltzman of Houston, TX; and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Lena Mae Duhon Saltzman, his mother and father, Helen and Ernest Saltzman, Jr., two great-grandchildren, Emma Mejias and Anna Mejias, three brothers (Minus Saltzman, Doles Saltzman, and Innes Saltzman), four sisters (Neola Schexnider, Helena Adams, Helen Melancon, and Eza Touchet), and many nieces and nephews.
On August 7, 1928, Kerney was born in Gueydan, LA, to Helen and Ernest Saltzman, Jr. He was the youngest of 8 children. On March 2, 1950, he married Lena Mae Duhon Saltzman of Gueydan, LA. Lena and Kerney were rice farmers until they retired from farming in 1990. Kerney began his second career when he co-founded Lena’s Cajun Seafood Dishes, Inc. on March 15, 1990. The business they founded continues to grow. Patrons have enjoyed their cuisine at southern Louisiana festivals. For many years, the CODOFIL tours included lunch at Lena and Kerney’s home.
In addition to their business success, Kerney and Lena were active members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International. They traveled across the United States with their close friends and celebrated their 40th year of membership together in January 2021 on a trip to Biloxi. His Airstream friends were a major source of comfort and support after Lena’s death. The many visits by Curt Fontenot, and Yvette and John Landry were highlights of last months with us and a reminder of his many travels.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home at 514 Second Street in Gueydan, LA, are managing services. Visitation will be on Friday from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Saturday from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM. A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 11:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 602 Church Ave, Kaplan, LA. Interment will follow Mass at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Kaplan.
Pallbearers are Ryan Jannise, Michael Jannise, Jr., James Saltzman, Russell Wayne Saltzman, Gerald Duhon, Curt Fontenot, and Peter Pollak. Honorary pallbearers are Matthew Mejias, Ace Parson, Brennan Miller, Dallas Vincent, Kenneth Touchet, J.C. Petry, Clayton Petry, Roy Faulk, and John Landry.
Special thanks to Whitney Credeur, Sheena Domingue, and Hospice of Acadiana for their warm care with dedicated support. And most importantly, our most profound appreciation to Candace Istre and Judy Badon, both of Gueydan, for their tremendous love and care for Lena, Kerney, and our family in our time of sadness and need. You have been a blessing to us.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.