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Maurice Mayor Wayne Theriot presents the signed proclamation to Anne and Ben Blanchet. Present for the event are Daniel Duhon and Richard Landry with the Maurice Museum; Earlene Broussard and Warren Perrin with the Acadian Museum of Erath and Maurice Police Chief Guy Nerren.

Catherine Blanchet Day declared in Maurice

MAURICE — Mayor Wayne Theriot has declared Wednesday, March 23, 2022, as Catherine Brookshire Blanchet Day in Maurice. The Maurice Museum will host a public celebration of Catherine’s contributions to Vermilion Parish from 10:00 until noon. There will be singing and dancing in the round.
As music supervisor for Vermilion Parish schools in the 40’s and 50’s, Catherine saw the value of the folk music and customs she discovered as she traveled from school to school. She documented and preserved folksongs and the round dances in French by recording children and adults. In 1955, she published Les Danses Rondes, an instruction manual for singing and dancing. In 1970, she gathered all of her research in her master’s thesis, Louisiana Folksongs among Children in Vermilion Parish, 1942-1954. Catherine learned from her students and then passed on that knowledge to many more.
“Our goal is to encourage Mrs. Blanchet’s many students to once more sing the songs she taught them, especially for their grandchildren,” says Earlene Broussard, one of the facilitators. Broussard, a native of Kaplan, studied with Blanchet when she taught French at Abbeville High School in the 1990’s. “We are also wanting to connect with the descendants of Catherine’s informants, the children who sang for her, the ones she recorded,” adds Broussard. “More than sixty people from Vermilion Parish are documented in Catherine’s research. We want to connect with their families.”
The Acadian Museum of Erath is sponsoring this Passing It On program in Vermilion Parish. There will be more celebrations in Gueydan, Erath and Abbeville. These are funded by the Louisiana Folklore Society, the National Endowment of the Arts, the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
“We are very excited to recruit a new generation from Vermilion Parish,” says Warren Perrin, president of the Acadian Museum of Erath. “We need young Cajuns to learn the songs and dances Catherine saved for us. Vermilion Parish is the most Cajun place in the world and still has many people who speak French. Plus, there’s French immersion in school. We can pass on our traditions.”
Catherine Brookshire Blanchet documented over sixty Vermilion Parish children and adults in her two publications. A list of her informants follow.

Abbeville

Ernest Bellanger
Pries Bourque
Mrs. Asa Broussard
Lucia Broussard
James Broussard
Mrs. Antoine Frederick
Joe Harrington
Lelia LaBauve
Blanche Miller
Raywood Morvant
Mrs. Sylvan Romero
Roy Theriot
Robert Trahan

Erath

Isabelle Barras
Roland Desormeaux
Allen James Dronet
Francis Gaspard
Lilly Mae Gaspard
Jeuneus Richard
Betty Lou Robert
Annie Lee Romero
Liben Simon
Emery Toups

Forked Island

Nunia Abshire
Ophelia Bourque
John Duhon
Oscar Joseph Foster
Barbara Dean Frederick
Marlin Hargrave
Jennie Lee Hebert
Purvis Hebert
Burton Lemaire
Thomas Lemaire
Geneva Nunez
Agnes Saltzman
O’Neal Suire
Isidor Touchet
Roland Touchet

Gueydan
Evangeline Saltzman

Kaplan
Virgie Adams
Amy Broussard
Ann Katherine Broussard
Mrs. Isaac Foreman
(student) Foreman
Huey Hebert
Marie Lange
Laines Lapointe
Adam Meaux
Yvonne Meaux
Sydney Romero
Mildred Ann Simon
Mabel Touchet
Felix Trahan
Lillian

Leroy
Caesar Vincent
Meaux
Catherine Duhon
Velma Hebert
Clédus Touchet
Mrs. Clédus Touchet
Freda Touchet
Marie Hebert Touchet
Simeon Touchet
Marjorie Toups
Sidmay Touchet Trahan
Ernest Viator

Milton
Josie Mae Hidalgo

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Paul D. LeBlanc

ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Paul D. LeBlanc, 70, will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Delcambre officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.
Visitation will be at David Funeral Home of Erath on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 10 a.m. till 9 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 8 a.m. until the time of the services.
A native and resident of Erath, Mr. LeBlanc died at 6:58 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Ochsner of Lafayette. After proudly serving his country in the Louisiana Army National Guard as a medic, he began his career in the oilfield. He retired from Texaco/Chevron after over 40 years of service. He was a very loving and caring husband and gave his heart and his time to his kids and even more his grandkids. Mr. Paul was an avid hunter. He loved spending time at his Camp Modela in Deer Bayou and his lease at Briar Patch Hunting Camp in Many, LA. where he and his family spent much time and made numerous memories.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sharon LeMaire LeBlanc of Erath; three sons, Tige LeBlanc and his wife Stacy of Erath, Trey LeBlanc and his wife Skyla of Erath, and Monty Manuel of Erath; three daughters, Trisha Bourque and her husband Aaron of Erath, Chyna Gaspard and her husband Joshua of Maurice, and Nikki Robichaux and her husband Dustin of Houma; a brother, Kenneth LeBlanc and his wife Mary; three sisters, Therese Bourque, Mary Ann Dubois, and Brenda Broussard; ten grandchildren, Drake LeBlanc and his wife Lilian, Coy LeBlanc, Mary Kathryn LeBlanc, Tucker LeBlanc, Tyler Bourque, Parker Bourque, Aiden Bourque, Cole LeBlanc, Kain LeBlanc, and Cali Duhon; two great grandchildren, Jaxson LeBlanc and Dalton LeBlanc; and the mother of his children, Lena Primeaux.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dalton Joseph and Hilda Langlinais LeBlanc; and a brother, Eddie LeBlanc; father-in-law Alvin LeMaire; and two brother-in-laws Glenn Dubois and Ray Bourque.
Serving as pallbearers will be Drake LeBlanc, Coy LeBlanc, Tyler Bourque, Parker Bourque, Aiden Bourque, and Cole LeBlanc
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Tucker LeBlanc, Kain LeBlanc, Michael Culotta, Brady Bourque, Joshua Gaspard, Dustin Robichaux, Monty Manuel, and Aaron Bourque.
The family would like to offer sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing nurses at Ochsner of Lafayette and Dr Prouet for the loving care they provided the last several days.
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.

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Patrick Schexnailder

August 27, 1937 ~ March 20, 2022

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Patrick Schexnailder, 84, who died Sunday, March 20, 2022 at his residence. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Reverend Mark Miley officiating the services and Homilist Deacon Kenneth Soignier. Serving as active pallbearers will be Chad Schexnailder, John Schexnailder, Grant Schexnailder, Keith Guidry, Tyler Vincent, and Trae Case. The readings will be provided by his granddaughter, Abby Schexnailder and his godchild, Dawn Vincent. The gift bearers will be his daughters-in-law, Amanda and Jennifer Schexnailder.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beverly LaBry Schexnailder of Kaplan, two sons, Chad Schexnailder and his wife, Jennifer of Abbeville and John Schexnailder and his wife, Amanda of Duson; five grandchildren, Lindsey, Abby, Grant, Kate, and Sadie; his brothers, Jessie "Jay" Schexnailder and his companion, Deanna and Maurice Schexnailder Jr. and his wife, Norma; his sister, Cynthia "Cindy" and her husband, Deacon Kenneth Soignier; two brothers-in-law, Curtis Knott and Conley Frederick; three sisters-in-law, Bonnie Schexnailder, Myrna Frederick, and Darlene LaBry; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Schexnailder Sr. and the former Bunice Berard; brothers, Frank Schexnailder and John L. Schexnailder; and sisters, Verna Yentzen, Judy Angelle, and Rose Knott.
Pat along with his wife, Beverly and one employee began Schexnailder Sheet Metal Works, Inc. in 1972 and grew the company to a forty plus employee sheet metal fabrication and installation corporation which serves all of south Louisiana. The company continues today with second generation management and the welcoming of third generation involvement. Pat was also an avid outdoorsman who grew up hunting in the Atchafalaya basin. Over the years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time cooking with his friends at the camp in Gum Cove and his camp in Pecan Island. He also loved visiting, drinking coffee with friends, and sharing stories with his family, especially with his dear grandchildren.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the kindness, care and support from the physicians and staff at Lamm Family Care Hospice especially Pattie, Katina, Krystal, Marisa, and Alycia.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM when the procession will depart for the church.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Schexnailder family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Vermilion Parish School System announces the schools will be closed on Tuesday due to threat on severe weather

Vermilion Parish School Superintendent Tommy Byler announced that all public schools in Vermilion Parish will be closed on Tuesday.
Byler made the following announcement on Monday afternoon:
“Vermilion Parish Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 22nd due to a severe weather threat that is expected throughout the day and during possible dismissal time. After consultation with OEP, heavy flash foods, possible hail, and major winds are expected. Out of an abundance of caution we will be closed. Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for the inconvenience.”

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Miss Raleigh Camille Toups and Mr. Kutter Jude Berard

Engagement Announced for Miss Raleigh Camille Toups & Mr. Kutter Jude Berard

Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. Toups of Erath are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming sacramental marriage of their daughter, Miss Raleigh Camille Toups, to Mr. Kutter Jude Berard of Breaux Bridge. Kutter is the son of Ms. Tracey Calais Berard and the late Mr. Kenneth “Pete” Berard of Breaux Bridge. The nuptial wedding Mass will take place on Friday, May 6, 2022, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana.
Grandparents of the future bride are Mr. Scott Hollier of Abbeville, Ms. Linda Foti Hollier of Abbeville, Ms. Sable Toups Richard of Erath and the late Mr. Carson Toups of Delcambre. Raleigh is a 2015 graduate of Erath High School and a 2019 graduate of University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she was an active member of Phi Mu Sorority. Raleigh graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and she is currently employed by Vermilion Parish School Board teaching Pre-K at Kaplan Elementary School in Kaplan, Louisiana.
Grandparents of the prospective groom are Mr. and Mrs. DJ Calais of Cecilia and the late Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Berard of Breaux Bridge. Kutter is a 2014 graduate of Cecilia High School and attended University of Louisiana Lafayette. He is employed by T Baker Smith out of Lafayette, Louisiana.

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Zachary J. Hebert

A private memorial services will be held for Zachary J. Hebert, 35, of Abbeville, who died at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on Monday, March 14, due to complications of Cancer and Guilliame Barre.
He is survived by his sister, Tasha Lee Hebert of Youngsville; his aunts, Brenda Suire (Sanford) of Abbeville, Delores Harrington, Roxanne Cormier (Howard) and Rhonda Hebert, all of Meaux; an uncle, Raymond Hebert; nephew, Cullen Trahan; niece, Raquel Savoy; cousins, Kane Cormier, Timmy Harrington, Kari Harrington, Leslye Broussard, Dax Broussard, Colton Broussard, Seth Broussard, Caleb Broussard, Louise Hebert and Rhonda Hebert; and his girlfriend, Mallan Allan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael Brent Hebert and Robin Hebert; his paternal grandparents, Doris and Wilda Hebert; and his maternal grandparents, Maxie and Louise Hebert, all of Meaux.

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Harold Davidson

August 20, 1930 ~ March 13, 2022

A memorial will be held at a later date honoring the life of Harold Davidson, 91, who died Sunday, March 13, 2022 at his residence. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery.
Harold Davidson of Abbeville was born to Robert Davidson (Springhill, LA) and Eunice Faulk Davidson (Leroy, LA). He attended Abbeville Elementary and later Abbeville High School. He joined the United States Air Force in 1948 were he attended clerk typist school. When the Korean War broke out his service was extended an extra year. He was honorably discharged from the service as a sergeant and attended automobile Mechanic classes at the local Trade school. Harold had many jobs over his working years. He worked as an iron worker in Texas, and as a deck hand and later a crew boat captain for local boat companies. Harold retired as a warehouse supervisor for Broussard Chemical Company and did security work after retirement.
He married Eula Mae "Bootsie" Murray in 1952. They had no children when she died. He married Marian Domingue in 1979. She had four children with her previous husband which Harold raised as his own.
Harold was a life member of the American Legion Department of Louisiana. He has served as Post Commander at both the Kaplan and Abbeville Post as well as Area Commander for the Third District twice. He served as the Department's Poppy Chairman for three years. He is a cancer survivor and has supported and volunteered for the Vermilion Relay for Life since 2008. He has volunteered with the "Share" program and attended and worked two stand downs for the homeless.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marian Davidson; adopted daughter, Paula Davidson of Abbeville; step-children, Pamella Vice (Stephen Jr.) of Erath, Susan Adams (Charlene), and Phillip Vincent Jr. (Elaine) of Abbeville; siblings, Gloria Davidson and Betty Davidson both of Abbeville; sister-in-law, Ella Davidson; 20 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by first wife, Eula Mae Murray; parents Robert and Eunice Faulk Davidson; sisters, Rose Belle Broussard (Nelson), Annie Lou Theriot (Nugier); brother Robert Davidson, Jr.; brothers-in-laws; Wilson Dronet and Justillian Bergeron; and great granddaughter, Serene Rose Kilchrist.
The family would like to thank all the staff and volunteers of Acadian Hospice for their wonderful care of their departed Harold.
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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Mary Mae Comeaux Picard

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 in Delhomme Funeral Home - Maurice for Mary Mae Comeaux Picard, 102, who passed away on March 12, 2022 at her residence.
Deacon Cody Miller will conduct the funeral services. Entombment will take place in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mausoleum of Leroy, LA.
Mrs. Picard, a resident of Maurice, was the daughter of the late Agnus Comeaux and the former Mary Zulma Broussard.
She is survived by her son, Sammy Picard and wife, Charlie, of Maurice, LA; her daughter, Kate Luquette and husband, Ronnie, of Humble, TX; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and two nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin (Kahn) Picard; her parents, Angus and Mary Comeaux; and sister, Lona Broussard.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Maurice on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 beginning at 9 a.m.. A Rosary will be prayed at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Visiting hours will continue, following the Rosary, until the time of service.
Pallbearers will be Brent Luquette, Jason Picard, Judd Picard, Trevor Picard, Jevon DeHart, and Preston Picard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brandon Luquette, Ben Rivera, and Darius Rivera.
Special thanks to her caregivers, Beatriz Hewel, Lisa Abshire, Janie Meche, Vicki Broussard, and to the nurses & staff with Amedisys Hospice Care of Lafayette.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amedisys Hospice Care: 4021 B Ambassador Caffery Pkwy. Lafayette, LA 70503.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Picard family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com Mary Mae Comeaux Picard and her family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 200 Chief H. Fred Road, Maurice, LA.

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(L-R) Officer Frankie Brooks, Eddie Langlianis, Sheriff Mike Couvillon and Lt. Travin Moore.

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Courtney Davis

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Thomas Jenkins III

Vermilion Parish Narcotics agents make arrests after stop

More than 2,500 pills, six pounds of synthetic marijuana recovered

According to Eddie Langlinais, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, and Violent Crimes Task Force Director, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force made the following arrests for narcotics-related offenses within the parish.
On March 7, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force was contacted for assistance in a narcotics investigation initiated by the Maurice Police Department.
While Officer Frankie Brooks was conducting a traffic stop on John Michael Road in Maurice, the driver continued until he pulled into a residence off of Michael John Road, which was later identified as his residence. The driver exited the vehicle, while the passenger attempted to discard something. After securing the scene, officer Brooks located a backpack which was the item the passenger had attempted to get rid of earlier. Officer Brooks located a large amount of possible synthetic marijuana and several multicolored pills in Ziplock bags.
Officer Brooks contacted the Task Force at this time to assist with the investigation. Once a narcotics task force agent arrived, a search warrant was applied for and granted for the residence where the driver had pulled into. After a search of the residence, agents located approximately five pounds of synthetic marijuana within the residence. According to Langlinais, narcotics agents seized approximately six pounds of synthetic marijuana, more than 2,500 ecstasy pills, $1,978 in suspected drug proceed currency and drug paraphernalia.
The following persons were arrested and charged with the following crimes:
Thomas Jenkins III, 51m of Donaldsonville
• Possession with intent to distribute Synthetic marijuana,
• Possession with the intent to distribute MDMA, Ecstasy

Courtney Davis, 33, of Maurice
• Possession with the intent to distribute Synthetic Marijuana
• Transaction involving drug proceeds
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

The juveniles will remain unidentified due to their age but were subsequently charged as well.
Sheriff Mike Couvillon commends MPD Officer Brooks on the job he did on the traffic stop, his attention to detail which led to his discovery of the illicit drugs, and his forethought of bringing in the Narcotic Task Force to further the investigation. "This is another great example of law enforcement working together on the streets. This united effort allowed the investigation to find more of the dangerous synthetic marijuana. The term "synthetic marijuana" is very misleading because the actual substance has nothing to do with marijuana except in appearance only. This is a highly toxic and dangerous drug that uses chemicals which induce psychotic episodes to the user and sometimes includes death. I am encouraged when I see this kind of teamwork in the never-ending battle against illegal drugs”, said the Sheriff.
“When law enforcement unites, there is no limit to what we can achieve. We must never relent in our fight against the illegal drugs that poison our streets and communities. We must continue to build on this success, echoing what the Sheriff said, that when we work together, great things can happen”, said VCTF Director Eddie Langlinais.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors and their council of Abbeville, Maurice, Kaplan, Gueydan, and Erath, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force. Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at (337) 740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information.

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Joseph Maurice Bonin

Joseph Maurice Bonin passed away peacefully at his home in Daphne, Alabama on February 23, 2022 at the age of 91.
He is survived by his loving partner of many years, Lenore Quinn. He is also survived by his daughters Cathy Barbara, Theresa Bonin (Doug), Beth Looney (Jim), Sue Johnson, Judy Navarre (Jeff), Rita Deas (Rich) and daughter-in-law Nicole Briant Bonin; grandchildren Christina, Angela, Jeannette, Margy, Lauren, Charlie, Bryce, Rebecca, Jeremy, Marie, Kaelyn, Jake, Cassie, Luke, Kyle, Caroline, Ryan, Addison, and Oliver; great grand-children Ella, Kaden, Colton, Kyla, Tate, Tucker, Will and Liam with another great grand-child on the way.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years Margie Johnson Bonin, his parents E. Whitney Bonin and Rita Villien Bonin, son John Stephen Bonin, sister Mary Bonin Trahan, brother-in-law James E. Trahan, sons-in-law Bill Johnson and Tony Barbara and granddaughter Janelle Navarre.
Joe Bonin was born on March 21, 1930 and raised in Leroy, Louisiana. His education began at Saint Stanislaus in Mississippi, then graduated from Spring Hill College in Alabama, volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and later received a PhD in Economics from LSU. After serving as Professor at several SEC Universities, he completed his career as the Dean of the College of Business at Loyola University New Orleans from 1975 to 1982.
He had many interests, including gardening and Acadian history, spending many years on an Annotated Bibliography of his large private book collection. Joe also worked on translating many of those books from French to English.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 1:00pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Leroy La. Reverend Paul Bienvenu will be the celebrant for the mass. Family and friends are welcome to the Leroy Bonin home for a repast.
Joe will be interred in the Leroy, LA cemetery with Margie.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Vermilion Historical Society or Alzheimer’s Association.

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Abbeville Meridional

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Abbeville, LA 70510
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Kaplan, LA 70548