Willis Gabriel Granger

Willis Gabriel Granger, age 98, passed away surrounded by family in the comfort of his home in Erath on April 12, 2021.  
Willis, the last survivor of 14 children, was born on February 4th, 1923 in Lafayette Parish to Alpheus “Mim” and Avela Granger.   In 1933 the Granger family moved to Vermilion Parish where they worked as sharecroppers.  He met his wife of 75 years Edith Hebert in 1942. They were married in St. John’s Catholic Church in Henry.  Willis entered military service in the U.S. Navy and was first stationed in Camp Perry, Virginia.  He served proudly on the USS Catoctin, a flagship of the U.S. Navy.  Willis was so proud of his service, recounting stories to his children about his travels around the world on his assigned ship. Following the war, the family moved to Prairie Gregg where Willis worked as a field hand for farmers.  As a sharecropper he began raising his family which ultimately ended up being a wonderful family of 11 children, 7 boys and 4 girls.  From the fields of Prairie Gregg he took his family to Erath to begin a long career of 27 years with Diamond Crystal Salt Company at the Jefferson Island salt mine. After the demise of the mine, he partnered up with his son Weldon to start W. Granger Stables where he enjoyed working with horses with his trusted hand and adopted son Rusty Theriot.  
He and Edith made their final move to Erath where they purchased their residence at 305 North Broadway. There they lived out their lives watching kids come to and from school and having a front row seat to the Fourth of July activities. 
Willis and Edith’s life was one of hard work and difficult times. However, through it all, they experienced the best reward of all, family. From the fields of Prairie Gregg to the salt mines of Jefferson Island, the Granger Family fought against nearly impossible odds to forge a strong family unit. The responsibility of having 11 children, all of whom succeeded in their academic and employment fields, serves as a lasting legacy of the Grangers. Willis and Edith have traveled the world over with their children but continued to maintain their home in Erath. Willis is survived by his children, Weldon Granger, Leona Garmendia, Janice Granger, Neil Granger and wife Cindy, Tommy Granger and wife Arlene, Lottie De La Garza and husband Michael, Joey Granger and wife Linda, Patrick Granger and wife Vanessa, Billy Granger and wife Natalie, and Tammy Conner and husband Jason, daughter-in-law Ramona Granger, 27 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.  Willis was preceded in death by his wife Edith, son Harris, daughter-in-law Fran Granger, sons-in-law Enrique Garmendia and Charley Byford, and grandson Jeremy Granger. 
Willis was a proud but humble man, a man of very few words.  He worked tirelessly as a young man with his hands and his back, he led by example to his children, and they are the better for it.  All of the degrees and accomplishments of his kids cannot match his life as a man of principal and character. 
The family wishes to acknowledge the love and care given to him by his sitters, Monica Harrington, Melinda Theriot, Tammy Comeaux, and Natalie Leblanc, Concept of Care and Hospice of Acadiana.  We are forever grateful to our sister Tammy Granger Conner who spent the last years of her parents’ life caring for them 24/7.
Pallbearers are John Granger, Jonathan Granger, Ryan Granger, Benjamin Granger, Enrique Garmendia, Chris Keller, Gabe Conner, Brant Granger, and Ashley Granger. 
Visitation will be at David Funeral Home in Erath, from 5pm-9pm on Friday, April 16th  and Saturday from 8:30 to the time of the service to be held in a Catholic Mass at our Lady of Lourdes in Erath at 11:30am with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. 
In lieu of flowers if you so choose, donations may be made to the American Legion of Erath and/or the Erath 4th of July Association.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
“In order to help keep the community safe we will honor the July 13, 2020 Louisiana Mandates.  All families and their guests are required to wear a face covering while at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.” 
David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.