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OPELOUSAS – Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2018, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a fatal crash on LA Hwy 3043 near National Road in St. Landry Parish. The crash took the life of 41-year-old Kelwin K. Cassimere of Opelousas.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Cassimere was driving a 2003 Cadillac CTS northbound on LA Hwy 3043. For unknown reasons, Cassimere stopped the Cadillac on the roadway (partially in both lanes facing north with the headlights on) and exited the vehicle. At the same time, 69-year-old Joseph Stephen of Opelousas was driving southbound on LA Hwy 3043 in a 2013 Toyota Corolla. Stephen steered to the right to avoid the stopped Cadillac, but the Corolla struck Cassimere as he was standing in the southbound lane of travel.
Cassimere sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment on his part is unknown at this time, but may have been a factor. A toxicology sample was obtained from him to be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Stephen was properly restrained and was uninjured, and impairment on his part was not a factor. This crash remains under investigation.
November 24, 1943 ~ December 17, 2018
ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 PM on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Jimmie Paul Touchet, 75, who died Monday, December 17, 2018 at Maison duMonde Living Center. Fr. Andre Metrejean will officiate the service. Burial will take place at a later date.
Jimmie is survived by his wife, Deanna Touchet; two children, Christian Touchet of Baton Rouge, and Cathy Fontenot and her husband Derek of Erath; three step-sons. Jude Mire and his wife Barbara, Kelly Mire and his wife Kelly, and Chris Mire and his wife Melissa all of Erath; fifteen grandchildren; and two sisters, Sister Jeannette Touchet and Judy Girouard and her husband Lawson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albe Touchet and the former Annie Bussy.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 8:30 AM until 2:15 PM when the procession will depart for the church.
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.
November 1, 1956 ~ December 17, 2018
MAURICE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Susan Fontenot Bodin, 62, who died Monday, December 17, 2018 at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice. She will be laid to rest at St. Alphonsus Cemetery with Reverend Paul Bienvenu officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Scott Latiolais, Wade Simon, Kevin Manceaux, Travis Bodin, Tyler Bodin and Blaise Prather.
Susan was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend, and will be remembered by all. She was looking forward to welcoming her first gradchild.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Leland Bodin; two sons, Travis Bodin and his wife Jill, and Tyler Bodin all of Maurice; and two sisters, Brenda DeVille of Ville Platte and Annette Latiolais of Youngsville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Shelton Fontenot and the former Nettie Soileau.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 from 10:30 AM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 8:00 AM until 10:30 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
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.
December 8, 1926 ~ December 14, 2018
KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Wanda Latiolais, 92, who died Friday, December 14, 2018 at her residence. She was laid to rest at Kaplan Cemetery with Reverend Mark Miley officiating the services.
Mary Wanda Latiolais was born on December 8, 1926 to Ozite and Hampton Greene. With her siblings, Ann and Farrell, she lived an idyllic life under the shade of oak and orange trees. It was a magical and formative time for her and she was always proud to say that she was a descendent of Russ and Eugenia Abshire Greene.
Ms. Latiolais graduated Salutatorian of E. Broussard High School and attended business school in Abbeville. She married the love of her life, Earl, on April 14, 1945, and they shared 64 years together. She was a devoted and dedicated mother and homemaker, who enjoyed entertaining family and friends at her home with her “Special Lobster Rice Dressing,” and “famous” seafood gumbo.
Ms. Wanda was actively engaged in social activities. In 1989, she joined the Cajun Quilters Guild with a group of ladies who worked together for the next 25 years making quilts to support local charities, including Maltrait Memorial Catholic School. One of the highlights in her life was being selected as Kaplan’s Mardi Gras Chic-A-La-Pie Queen. During her year’s reign, she truly displayed her spirited nature.
She is survived by her son, Glenn Latiolais and his wife, Jessica of Abbeville; her daughter, Jan Latiolais and her husband, Cecil Currie of Houston, TX; she was known as “Momsie” to her six grandchildren, Jolene and her husband, Mark Harson, Jeanise and her husband, Troy Meyers, Jason Latiolais and his wife, Ashley, Landon Meaux and his wife, Lindsey, Julee Myers, and Trent Hampton Myers; ten great grandchildren, Kristi Harson, Bailey Harson, Trevor Delahoussaye, Tyler Meyers, Jax Latiolais, Tyson Meyers, Baylor Meaux, Ember Meaux, Stella Meaux, and Fletcher Meaux; and one sister, Ann Greene Meaux of Meaux.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Joseph Latiolais; her parents, Hampton Greene and the former Ozite Broussard; her brother, Farrell Greene; her daughter, Sheryl Latiolais Myers; and her great grandchild, Tristin Latiolais.
The Latiolais family expresses their deepest gratitude towards her dedicated, loving caregivers, Regina Edwards, Theresa Thibeaux, and Janice Francis, who filled her days with love, support, and laughter. They treated Ms. Wanda as though she was one of their own. Ms. Latiolais’ family would also like to thank Lamm Health Care and especially Dr. Scott Bergeaux. The family would also like to thank her special hairdressers, Vanessa Comeaux and Mary Smith, who always made certain that Ms. Wanda was impeccably styled.
The Latiolais family feels blessed to have had this great woman and role model in their lives and her soul now becomes their guardian angel.
All funeral arrangements were conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Latiolais family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
Freddy and Sandy Dubois on their wedding day.
Freddy and Sandy Dubois today.
Freddy and Sandy Dubois were married on November 28,1968 at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Monroe, La.
For the occasion, the couple received a 50th anniversary blessing from Reverend Louis Richard, and then were honored by their children and their families at a reception in the home of Guy and Michelle Picard.
Freddy and Sandy have five children, Michelle, and her husband Guy Picard; Angela, and her husband Brandon Gallet; Danielle, and her husband Jared Fontenot; Freddy, and his wife Pia Dubois; and Richard Dubois.
The couple is blessed with 15 grandchildren.
Mary Ann and Ellery Hargrave
The Hargraves on their wedding day.
Mary Anne and Ellery Hargrave of Kaplan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at the KC Hall in Kaplan.
The event was hosted by the couple’s children.
Family and friends were on hand to join in the celebration with the couple.
Also in attendance was Father Mark Miley who blessed their marriage.
Father Zaunbrecher married the couple at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on November 29, 1958.
Together they have three children - Jonathan, married to the former Betty Menard; Gilmar and Martin, married to Gay Broussard; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Mrs. Connor Menard
Miss Jena Elizabeth Landry of Maurice, Louisiana and Mr. Connor James Menard of Maurice, Louisiana were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony during a 6:30 ceremony on Friday, December 14, 2018 at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana. Father Neil Pettit was the celebrant for the Nuptial mass.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Dennis Landry of Maurice, Louisiana. Her mother is the former Cheryl Ann Waguespack of Vacherie, Louisiana. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Waguespack of Vacherie, Louisiana and Janelle Landry of Maurice, Louisiana and the late Alvin Landry. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dirk James Menard of Maurice, Louisiana. The mother of the groom is the former Andrea Ann Lalande of Maurice, Louisiana. The grandparents of the groom are Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Lalande of Maurice, Louisiana and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Menard of Duson, Louisiana.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory lace gown with delicate lace sleeves that flowed from a bateau neckline, and a richly beaded belt accented the natural waist. Embroidered lace continued to accent the curve-emphasizing silhouette. Finally, her look was completed by an illusion back with covered button closer and a chapel length train with covered buttons that cascaded from top to bottom. She wore an ivory, raw edge veil of delicate tulle, fingertip in length. The bride carried a cascade bouquet of Eskimo roses, white dendrobium orchids, white lisianthus accented with Italian ruscus foliage. Intertwined in her bouquet was a rosary from her maternal grandmother, which her mother also carried on her wedding day, and a handkerchief from Rome with her initials and wedding date monogrammed in light blue.
The bride was attended by her maid of honor and sister, Caroline Landry. Bridesmaids were Laura Landry, sister of the bride, Madison Landry and Ali Waguespack, cousins of the bride, Annie Briley, Megan H. Engro, Mia LeBeouf, and Leah LeBouef, friends of the bride. The bridesmaids wore full length sleeveless v-neck burgundy satin twill dresses by Alfred Sung. The high low hem featured a pleated skirt with a matching belt and side seamed pockets. They carried bouquets of quicksand roses, white waxed flowers, seeded eucalyptus accented with Italian ruscus foliage.
Katherine and Claire Trahan, friends of the bride, served as flower girls. They wore ivory satin and organza sleeveless dresses with a v-neckline. The ruche bodice featured a satin ribbon that formed a bow in the back of the dress, enclosed with satin covered buttons. Their hair was adorned with a crown of fresh flowers and they carried a bouquet of Eskimo roses and Italian ruscus foliage.
Cauy Menard, brother of the groom, served as the best man. Groomsmen were Lane Lalande and Auston Trahan, cousins of the groom. Other groomsmen included Drake Broussard, Jacob David, Brennan Gallet, Shay LaPorte and Wesley Meaux, all friends of the groom. The ushers for the wedding were Connor Goss, cousin of the bride and Hudson Menard, cousin of the groom.
The mother of the bride was escorted by her nephew, Connor Goss. She wore a lace embellished navy blue velvet evening gown. The gown was styled with delicate lace short sleeves and a gently flared full length skirt, featuring a stunning train.
The mother of the groom was escorted by her son, Connor Menard along her husband, Dirk Menard. She wore a Sachin and Babi gown in navy. The gown featured a one-shoulder neckline which was draped with an elegant bow atop the left shoulder. The center of the bow showcased an heirloom pearl and crystal brooch. The gown flowed into a column silhouette.
For the ceremony, scriptures were read by Kalynn Goss, godmother of the bride, and Angela Trahan, godmother of the groom. Serving as gift bearers were Ashlyn Broussard, cousin of the groom, and Jacie Legere, friend of the bride. Serving as program attendants were C.C. Patin and Elise Patin, friends of the bride and groom. Serving as the wedding music ensemble were Laura Humble, vocalist, Tommy Guidry, organist, and Jared Gray, trumpeter.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Magdalen Place which was decorated with beautiful flowers and ferns. Guests were entertained by Louisiana Red of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The groom’s parents honored their son and his bride-elect, along with their wedding party, with a dinner on the eve of their marriage at Riverfront Banquet Room in Abbeville, Louisiana.
After returning from a honeymoon to New York City, the couple will reside in Abbeville, Louisiana.
Mrs. Brock Dronet
Miss Jenci Gabrielle Sellers and Mr. Brock Michael Dronet were united in the sacrament of holy matrimony on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana. Father Louis Richard officiated the 6:30 p.m. ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jabian Reid Sellers of Abbeville, Louisiana. The bride’s mother is the former Shelley Ann LeMaire of Abbeville, Louisiana. Jenci is the maternal granddaughter of Mary Cheryl and Andre’ Roland LeMaire of Abbeville, Louisiana. Her paternal grandparents are Anna D. Savoy and Pierre Russell Sellers both of Abbeville, Louisiana.
Jenci is a graduate of Vermilion Catholic High School and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she earned a Bachelor of Science in 2018.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rich Davis of Abbeville, Louisiana and Corey Listi of Lafayette, Louisiana. The groom’s mother is the former Pamela Marie Dronet of Erath, Louisiana. Brock is the maternal grandson of Charlene Ann and Curney J. Dronet, Jr. of Erath, Louisiana. His paternal grandparents are Rose Listi and the late Carlo Listi of Lafayette, Louisiana. His step-paternal grandparents are Mary Jane and Steven A. John of St. Clair, Missouri and the late James “Butch” Davis of Lonedell, Missouri.
Brock is a 2011 graduate of Vermilion Catholic High School in Abbeville, Louisiana.
Escorted by her father, the bride dawned a David Tutera for Mon Cheri gown made up of a diverse color palette of ivory lace with a champagne underlay. It’s classic floral venise lace embroidery added a timeless touch while the intricate beading provided a flicker of contemporary glamour. The tattoo effect lace sleeves, a nod to days past, brought just the right amount of heirloom accents along with the scalloped eyelash edges and satin covered buttons. The show stopping shimmering mermaid silhouette accentuated every curve and boasted embellishments in all the right places. The scalloped edge of the chapel train added a touch of vintage glamour. The cathedral length veil edged with matching beaded lace, coordinated with the gown, added the ideal finishing touch.
The bride carried a nosegay bouquet made of black pearl roses. The roses were sprinkled with shimmers of gold and accented with large iridescent crystals. To complete the design, the roses were enveloped in a soft bed of grey dusty miller. In keeping with the tradition of something old, the bride chose her mother’s heirloom crystal rosary which was woven in the floral composition created by Tiona Broussard, aunt of the bride, of Abbeville, Louisiana. The bride’s stunning wedding band was custom designed by A Bryan’s Jewelers of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The groom wore a black fitted “Desire” tuxedo designed by Michael Kors with a black shirt and black tie. The best man, groomsman and ring bearer wore a modern fitting one button black notched tuxedo with white shirts and black ties. The father of the bride wore a modern fitted one button notched black tuxedo with a white shirt and ascot while the father of the groom chose the modern fitting one button black notched tuxedo with the traditional bow-tie.
The mother of the bride wore an elegant silver powder iridescent floor length gown with cowl neckline and ruching at the midriff.
The mother of the groom wore a beautiful maroon, floor length evening gown with an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline and mermaid bottom.
The maid of honor and bridesmaids wore classic floor length gowns featuring a bateau neckline and a cowl draped back with iridescent rose gold sequins atop a-nude blush net fashioned into a long elegant gown. The flower girl wore an ivory tulle ballerina length dress with champagne underlay and satin champagne shoulder straps crisscrossing in the back together with a matching sash and a vintage flower accent.
The bride was attended by her maid of honor, Jill Koch, life-long best friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Sloan Trahan, Kristin Chauvin, Shaniqua Meaux, Jessica Gerami, Victoria Munchrath, Airelle Van duzee, Anna Ratliff, Ashlyn Landry, and Maci Ardoin, all close friends of the bride and groom, Samantha Sellers, sister-in-law to the bride, Gabrielle Davis, sister of the groom, Kinsley Sellers, first cousin of the bride, and flower girl Madelyn O’Bryan, first cousin of the groom.
Conner Munchrath, close life-long friend and first cousin of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen included Blake Morgan, Ben Bourque, Matthew Suire, Seth Chapman, Zach Hatch, Ridge Delcambre, Creighton Broussard, and Bryce Bodin all close friends of the bride and groom, Jardian Sellers, brother of the bride, Tyler Listi, Matthew Davis and R.J. Davis, brothers of the groom, Jacob Vincent and Carter Munchrath, first cousins of the groom. Wyatt Broussard, second cousin to the bride, served as the ring bearer. Dustin Landry, friend of the bride and groom, Asa Listi, brother of the groom, and Camden Sellers, first cousin of the bride, served as ushers.
For the ceremony, scriptures were read by Cindy LeJeune, great aunt of the bride, and Monique Vincent, aunt of the groom. Guests were presented with programs for the wedding ceremony.
Following the ceremony a reception was held at The Saint Theresa Family Life Center in Abbeville, Louisiana. Delicious food and drinks were provided by Rena Menard Catering of Abbeville, Louisiana.
A gorgeous and elaborate four-tier white chocolate-coconut wedding cake along with a two tiered red velvet groom’s cake was provided by Theresa Luquette of Kelvin’s Piano Bar of Abbeville, Louisiana. The entire event was captured with photos by Kailey Thomas Photography from Erath, Louisiana assisted by Jada Pedigo of Vermilion Lights Photography from Abbeville, Louisiana. Video was provided by Acadiana Video productions of Lafayette, Louisiana. Guests were able to strike a pose throughout the evening in the photo booth provided by Ohh Snap of Lafayette, Louisiana. Christmas family photos were offered via a Christmas setting backdrop and stage with photos taken by Silver Knight Productions, Terry J. Delcambre, Jr. of Abbeville, Louisiana.
The dance floor was filled all night thanks to the musical talents of Jason Broussard with Musical Solutions of Lafayette, Louisiana. Also provided was an area were children were entertained by writing letters to Santa Claus, Christmas coloring books with colors, and a balloon artist provided by MLR Magic of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The groom’s parents honored their son and his bride-to-be along with the wedding party by hosting a rehearsal supper on Thursday December 13, at the Mazen Grill in Lafayette, LA.
After returning from a honeymoon to Jamaica, the couple will make their home in Abbeville, Louisiana.
Monty Harrington and Karen Russell
Miss Karen LaNell Russell and Mr. Monty Laine Harrington, both of Forked Island, LA, are pleased to announce their engagement and forthcoming plans of marriage.
The wedding will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 28, 2018 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Cow Island, La.
Parents of the future bride are the late Donald and Nelda Russell of Jena, LA. Karen is a 1995 graduate of Jena High School.
Parents of the prospective groom are George and Joyce Harrington of Forked Island, LA. He is a 1984 graduate of E. Broussard High School and is a welder foreman at Broussard Brothers.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548