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Irby J. Bernard

LAFAYETTE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 20, 2018, at 11AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lafayette for Irby J. Bernard, 85, who passed away surrounded by loved ones, Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at his residence in Lafayette.
Interment will be in Fountain Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lafayette.
Reverend Andrew Schumacher, Parochial Vicar for the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Nora Trahan Bernard; four children, Cynthia Besecke (Burton), Brian Bernard (Pam), Madalyn Voorhies (Chuck), and Lynette Darbonne (Mike); seven grandchildren, Marae Hamlin (Scott), Blake Bernard (Hannah), Christopher Bernard (Morgan), Patrick Irmen (Lori), Lauren Voorhies, Ryan Voorhies and Kayleigh Darbonne; and three great grandchildren, Cooper Bernard, Evelyn and Emma Hamlin; and one sister, Deanna Eldridge (Wayne).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaston J. Bernard and Azemie Frederick Bernard, and his sister, Barbara Bernard.
He was born on October 3, 1933 in Erath, LA. Beginning in 1954, he served in the Army and was honorably discharged in 1956. He married the love of his life, Nora Trahan Bernard, in 1958. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7275 and was an usher at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Irby had a 25 year career in the banking industry followed by a 30 year career as an independent landman. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Pallbearers will be Brian Bernard, Chuck Voorhies, Mike Darbonne, Blake Bernard, Christopher Bernard, and Wilton Primeaux.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ryan Voorhies, Patrick Irmen, and Charles Duhon.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille’s SOUTHSIDE location on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 4PM to 9PM and on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9AM until the time of service.
A Rosary will be prayed on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 6:30PM in Martin & Castille Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made in Irby’s name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston, Ste 200, Lafayette, LA 70506.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille-SOUTHSIDE-600 E. Farrel Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-984-2811.

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Ethel Harris

March 01, 1937 - October 14, 2018

ABBEVILLE – Funeral services for Mrs. Ethel Harris is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Faith Hope Baptist Church – 407 Duroq Street  with burial in Pleasant Green Baptist Cemetery. Bishop B. K. Stevens will officiate the service.
Ethel Harris (81), a long time resident of Abbeville passed away Sunday, October 14, 2018 at her residence.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Roy J. Harris of Abbeville, LA; her daughter, Stephanie Rogers of Abbeville, LA; a son, Cecil D. Fruge’ of Abbeville, LA; her grandchildren, Trent Guidry, Christopher Cole, Sr., Brent Fruge’ Sr., Tracy Harris, Jr.; Trisica Decuir, Devin Stewart, Rosanda Boudin, LaToya Baudin, and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sons, Sherwin Fruge’, Tracy Harris, Sr.; daughters, Elaine Turner, Vera Stewart, Sherlyn Fruge’, grandchild, SaShawn Fruge’ ; parents, Jenkin D. Amskie, May Rankin, brothers, Leroy (Buster) Rankin, Elton Elgin Rankin; sisters, Gracie Lessin, Willie Mae Senegal, Lorain Dyson and Ella Mae Lee.
Visitation is scheduled at Faith Hope Baptist Church Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. until time of service.
Kinchen Funeral Home – 218 N. St. Valerie Street – (337) 898-9595 is in charge of final arrangements.

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James Broussard (left) recently put on the Vermilion Basketball Camp.

Playing Biddy Basketball in Vermilion Parish has taught me so much

By James Broussard

Growing up in Abbeville during the 1980s and 90s, much of my childhood was devoted to playing recreational sports. From the baseball diamonds at A.A. Comeaux Park, to the basketball court at the “Old Gym” (with that one dead plank under the basket near the door), we enjoyed playing before large, ruckus crowds comprised of family, friends, and fans.
And for those of us fortunate enough to be selected to represent our community against programs from other towns, cities, states, and even countries, not only did we play, we excelled!
Facing teams from the “big city” did not phase us. We were confident in our own abilities. We were confident in our teammates. We were confident in our coaches. Even as young athletes, there was a tradition of excellence that we adhered to, without even having the awareness of who, or what, came before us.
Simply put, we were from Vermilion Parish and we were there to compete, no matter the opponent! The pride and privilege we felt, when sliding on a jersey with “Vermilion Parish” or “Abbeville” printed across the front, still defines me some thirty years later.
Recreational leagues for our youth are obviously about competing in sports, having fun, and getting exercise. But, as many of us appreciate, those are only the building blocks.
Youth sports can be (and should be) a means to a solid foundation of individual development, character-building lessons and life skills that may foster healthier, more productive citizens. In turn, stronger communities are forged.
I’ve experienced this first-hand. Invaluable lessons, such as, accountability, work ethic, self-respect, and teamwork, were instilled in me at a very young age and further infused with every passing season. These lessons guided me through Abbeville High School, where I was fortunate enough to letter in basketball, football, and baseball. Then, to Lee College on a basketball scholarship, where I received an associate degree before obtaining an undergraduate degree from UL, and a law degree from LSU.
Moreover, and perhaps equally as important, the bonds and friendships I developed, while playing youth athletics, will last a lifetime.
None of this would have been possible, but for the selfless and tireless generosity of so many coaches, parents, and volunteers. These awesome people devoted their time to something much bigger than themselves; that is, positive development of our youth. The sheer number of volunteers is too large to list without forgetting many. Some are still with us, some have passed on, but none will ever be forgotten by the children they inspired.
It is with much energy and pride that I am ecstatic to do my part in giving back to our community. I am serving as the Director of QSA Basketball Operations. Our first order of business is the upcoming Vermilion Parish Biddy Basketball 2018-19 season for girls and boys, ages four through fourteen (4 – 14). Registration is now underway on QSA’s website, or in person at QSA’s office on North Road in Erath and at A.A. Comeaux Park in Abbeville.
We look forward to another season of ruckus crowds and healthy competition. And I look forward to getting to know the parents and children of this Vermilion Parish community that I am so proud to be a part of.

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René Trahan

René Trahan to be inducted into Abbeville Hall of Fame

On Thursday at the Abbeville High Hall of Fame Banquet, one of the greatest athletes from Abbeville High will be honored by her peers.
The late René Giles Trahan will be inducted into the Abbeville High Hall of Fame. The ceremony is being held at Magdalen Place on Thursday, starting at 6 p.m. The public is invited.
When she graduated in 1996, Trahan was not only great on the parish and state level, but she was great on the world level.
René Giles Trahan was born May 3, 1978, in Abbeville. She is the daughter of Mrs. Gleeda Stelly Coleman and her husband Rick and Mr. Wilbert Trahan and his wife, Kim. René has one sister, Alisha Trahan, one Godchild, Claire Gondron and two nephews, Drake and Jeren Broussard.
René brought her talents with her when started school at J.H. Williams Middle School (JHW). As a sixth grader, she played point guard for 7th and 8th-grade teams. In seventh grade, René joined the track team and participated in the mile, half a mile, 440-yard dash, and mile relay. René was the anchor for the mile relay and placed first in every event assigned to her. She also broke two school records at the Vermilion Parish Meet, one in the mile and the other in the half mile.
As an athlete René always contributed her drive and success to her mother, her number one fan, who never missed a game, constantly pushing René to be the very best of herself. Her second attribute was none other than her uncle, Tommy Trahan. It was apparent she had a lot of his athletic abilities, and he became her role model for many years. René was in seventh grade at JHW when Tommy was inducted into the AHS Hall of Fame in 1990.
At that moment, René witnessed what a true AHS Athlete consisted of, and she saw what it took to be amongst these elite individuals. To honor her uncle, she proudly wore his number 25 on every high school jersey. René strived to be a follower of his accomplishments and well, . . . she did it!!!
René continued to excel, as she dedicated every bit of herself to AHS Athletics. René had the honor of playing with the Lady Cats Basketball Team where she made All-District and All-Parish Team for four years.
Not only was she good at offense, but she also helped spur the Lady Cats on defense, as well, claiming All-Parish championship titles, four years in a row. René also helped her team get to Sweet Sixteen semi-finals her junior year.
René had an arm to throw the distance in basketball, and that gained the attention of two AHS track coaches. It was during a basketball game that René threw the basketball across the court when Coach James Gaspard said to Coach Susan Badon, “There’s your person for the javelin.”
Shortly after that, René’s athletic spotlight turned in a new direction.
After only one year of throwing the javelin, she brought home the third place finish at the State Championship Meet; this was just the beginning of setting records and gaining distance. René set records at the Parish meet with a throw of 139’ 9”, District meet with a throw of 133’ 11”, Regional meet with a throw of 136’ 5” and her junior year, she claimed first at the State Meet with a throw of 136’ 3.”
She was also invited to participate in the International Meets in Barcelona, Spain as part of the USA Track and Field Team. René gained support and donations from the community and brought home two second place medals.
Her senior year, she reclaimed her first place at the State Meet, setting a new record with a throw of 147’ 9”; that throw was the second best high school throw in the Nation. René was also invited to compete with the Top 100 Elite Track Stars in the country at the Golden West Invitational Track and Field Meet held in Sacramento, California, where she placed fourth with her farthest throw at that meet being 132’ 3.”
René’s senior year also brought her the recognition of being named as AHS Female Athlete of the Year, lettering all four years in Softball, Basketball, and Track. She was also featured in Who’s Who In Sports for three years in a row and chosen as one of Vermilion Parish’s Top 100 Athletes of the 20th Century. Rene has held the Vermilion Parish girl’s javelin record since 1996.
On April 2, 2008, René took her own life after a six-year battle with back pain and depression due to an automobile accident and two major back surgeries.
Athletics played a significant role in who René was; depression was a result of the tremendous way the accident impacted her life. René’s sister, Alisha, was determined to change her tragic loss into something positive for our community and to honor her sister. With the help of a good friend and classmate of René’s, Dr. Kelly Ryder, they have been able to spread Suicide Awareness to surrounding area track and field participants for the past six years. Having the AHS Wildcat Relays renamed the René Trahan Memorial Wildcat Relays hosted by Abbeville High, Alisha gathers donations from Non-Profit Suicide Awareness Organizations and puts together a small bag of brochures and pamphlets of information about Suicide Awareness and Prevention.

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Peggy Marie Hebert

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church for Ms. Peggy Marie Hebert, 61, who passed away on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 6:02AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
Fr. Paul Bienvenu, Pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Burial will take place in St. Alphonsus Mausoleum.
Ms. Peggy, a native and lifelong resident of Maurice, was the daughter of the late Edward "Sport" Hebert and the late Una Hebert. She was a devout Catholic and a member of the Ladies Alter Society at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. She was known as "Nanny" to everyone and will be missed by all.
She is survived by her brothers, Earl Hebert and wife Connie of Breaux Bridge, Ronnie Hebert and fiance Chrisitine Cormier of Scott, and Billy Hebert and wife Renee of Maurice; two uncles, Ivy and Lee Hebert; numerous nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward "Sport" and Una Hebert; aunt, Edith Hebert; and two uncles, Woodley Hebert and Altheus Hebert, Jr.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Maurice on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 9:00AM until the time of service. A Rosary will be recited at 12:00PM on Thursday in the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Heath and Joshua Hebert, Seth Hebert, Lee Hebert, Joshua Gotte, and Adam and Caleb Hebert.
The family would like to thank Pelican Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Maurice and Fresenius Kidney Care Vermilion Parish Dialysis Center in Abbeville for all of their care and compassion.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Hebert family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 200 Chief H. Fred Road, Maurice, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

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Terry Wayne Seaux

July 11, 1960 ~ October 15, 2018

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Terry Wayne Seaux, 58, who died Monday, October 15, 2018 at Lafayette General Medical Center. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Deacon Francis Cao officiating the services.
Terry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bonnie Ray Richard Seaux; two sons, Nicholas Ray Seaux and Brandon Ray Seaux; one daughter, Shannon Ray Seaux; three brothers, Shawn Seaux, Donald Seaux and Blake Seaux; four grandchildren, Brody Reed, Kayla Myers, Tyler Elmer and Milah Seaux; and five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dudley Seaux and the former Eva Mae Richard; and one daughter, Misty Ray Seaux.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, October 17, 2018 from 8:00 AM until time of services.
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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Parts of Charity Street in Abbeville have standing water Tuesday morning.

Abbeville Police advise drivers to avoid streets with standing water

The following is a list of streets in Abbeville have been reported as having standing water and should be considered a potential hazard:

Graceland Avenue @ Putnam Street
North John Hardy Drive
Charity Street @ Lyman Street
Lafayette Street @ S. Louisiana Street
Gertrude Street @ Lafayette Street
Parts of Fairmont Street
Parts of Eaton Drive
Parts of S. Oliver Street
Parts of Franks Alley Street
Rodeo Drive @ North Airport Road

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Vermilion Parish schools closing at 11 a.m.

Public schools in Vermilion Parish will close at 11 a.m. on Tuesday due to rain and flooding in parts of the parish.
Maltrait Memorial in Kaplan, Vermilion Catholic and Mount Carmel in Abbeville also closed at 11 a.m.

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Abbeville Police urging drivers to be cautious with water on roads

Due to the heavy rain volume, parts of the City of Abbeville have standing water.
These areas should be viewed as a potential hazard.
The Abbeville Police Department is asking all motorist to use caution while out on the city streets and refrain from traveling through standing water.
The Abbeville Police Department would also like to remind citizens that it is against the law to drive through or around barricades, as well as to drive through standing water which would create a wake that would reach any building.
“We would like to thank the citizens for their cooperation during this weather event,” Lt. David Hardy said.

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Kenneth Lee Hargrave Sr.

ABBEVILLE — Funeral Services for Kenneth Lee Hargrave Sr.,71, will be at 2:00PM Wednesday October 17, 2018 in David Funeral Home of Abbeville with Father Paul Bienvenu officiating. Interment will follow in St. Anne Cemetery in Cow Island.
Visitation will be in David Funeral Home of Abbeville Tuesday October 16, 2018 from 4:00PM until 10:00PM with recitation of the rosary at 7:00PM. Visitation will resume Wednesday from 8:00AM until service time.
Kenneth, was a native of Kaplan and a long time resident of Abbeville. He passed away Sunday October 14, 2018 at Kaplan Health Care Center. He was born April 18, 1947 to Ennis Joseph and Agnes Fontenot Hargrave. He was a U.S. Marine veteran. He loved camping and fishing. He was happiest surrounded by his grandkids and great grandkids.
He is survived by his two sons; Kenneth Lee Hargrave Jr. and wife Kristy of Lafayette, Jonathan Hargrave and wife Wendy of Forked Island, three daughters; Dana Mayers and companion Troy Durvin of Abbeville, Rhonda Sanders and husband Matt of Forked Island, and Tisha Campbell and husband Ricky of Forked Island, two sisters; Mary Ruth Dronet of Kaplan and Juanita Baudoin of Kaplan, two brothers; Lenis Joseph Hargrave and wife Glenda of Crowley, and John Ennis Hargrave of Kaplan, fifteen grandchildren; Macie Sanders, Tamara Broussard, Jeremiah Sanders, Haley Sanders, Harley Sanders, Gage Girouard, Tylor Hargrave, Robert Hebert, Natasha Dupre, Mindy Hargrave, Adam Landry, Natalie Hargrave, Kadence Hargrave, Jonathan Hargrave Jr., and Evelynn Hargrave, five great grandchildren; Landon Sanders, William Sanders, Robert Johnson, Chloe Johnson, and Claire Broussard.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Natalie Gaspard Hargrave, and the aunt who raised him Elise Hargrave Simon.
Serving as Pallbearers will be: Adam Landry, Gage Girouard, Tylor Hargrave, Harley Sanders, Jeremiah Sanders, and Randy Broussard.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jonathan Hargrave Jr., Robert Hebert, and Mike Dupre.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Abbeville is in charge of arrangements 2600 Charity St. Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 893-3777.

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548