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LAFAYETTE – Charles R. Sonnier is the recipient of the 2018 Leaders In Philanthropy Award for Vermilion Parish, an honor presented by Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) and Hancock Whitney Bank, and sponsored by Gulf Coast Bank and SLEMCO.
He will be recognized during an awards luncheon on Thursday, November 15 at the Cajundome Convention Center. Seats and tables to the event can be purchased online at www.cfacadiana.org/lip.
Sonnier is a lifelong resident of Abbeville. He is a SLI/Tulane Law Graduate and continues his law career of 55 years that began in 1963 in Abbeville. During this time, he served as the First Assistant District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District, Abbeville City Attorney and the founding member of the Sonnier Law Firm.
Consideration for this selection included his significant lifelong participation in numerous community activities. Sonnier has demonstrated passion for sharing by lending his leadership skills to numerous fundraising endeavors, including St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Vermilion and Mount Carmel Catholic schools, UL Lafayette, and Ducks Unlimited.
Sonnier and his wife, Mary Ellen, a 2014 Leaders In Philanthropy honoree, served as co-chairs to raise more than $4 million to renovate St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. He and his siblings also donated the funds to illuminate and enhance the beauty of the historical and iconic Church.
As sole trustee of a small charitable foundation, Sonnier was instrumental in the purchase of additional class rooms for Vermilion Catholic and participated in the ongoing capital building campaign of Mount Carmel.
Sonnier has served as the President and a member of the UL Foundation Board of Trustees for more than 28 years. His dedication to the University is demonstrated by his substantial gifts to the University in the form of an endowed first-generation scholarship in music and an endowed facility fund in music business.
As an avid outdoorsman, he has been a member of the premier conservation group known as Ducks Unlimited. A member for more than 50 years, he has served in the capacity as state chairman, senior vice president for the Southwest Mississippi Flyway, and other National offices in the organization. Sonnier has reached the level of a Diamond Life Sponsor in perpetuity and is the recipient of the Don Doiron Achievement Award. He is also currently serving as an officer and board member of several major business organizations.
Sonnier has been married to Mary Ellen McKay for more than 54 years and has three children and seven grandchildren.
Leaders in Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to outstanding individuals or couples from each of the eight parishes of CFA’s primary service area who have made a philanthropic impact in their communities through substantial charitable contributions to or by attracting substantial contributions for nonprofits, churches or schools.
“Our annual Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon is an appropriate way to recognize those who have contributed so much to our communities through charitable giving or philanthropic work,” said Raymond J. Hébert, CFA President and CEO. “We appreciate the community’s help in identifying worthy recipients through this nominations process.”
Community Foundation of Acadiana is a tax-exempt, donor-centric, entrepreneurial foundation whose core purpose is building legacies and improving communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. CFA is south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organization benefiting our region, with a particular focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. Learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.

September 28, 1937 ~ October 10, 2018

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Wesley Joseph Campbell, 81, who died Wednesday, October 10, 2018. He will be laid to rest at Pecan Island Community Cemetery with Reverend Matthew Barzare officiating the services.
Wesley is survived by his wife, Martha C. Campbell; two daughters, Sonya Landry and Deidra Vaughan; son, Christopher “Chris” Campbell; sister, Mary Henry; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius Campbell and the former Eulalie Ryder; two brothers, Lovelace Campbell and Douglas Campbell; and son, Brendon “Ben” Campbell.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Saturday, October 13, 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.

June 23, 1945 ~ October 8, 2018

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Willie Mae Reedom, 73. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Fr. François Sainte-Marie officiating the services.
Willie Mae “Lil Sister” Reedom was born on June 23, 1945 in Abbeville, LA to Willie Reedom and Rose Mary Derouen. She departed this life surrounded by loved ones on Monday, October 8, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Willie Mae was a License Practical Nurse for over 30 years. She loved her work and she loved her family. She was also an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church serving in various organization throughout the church such as the Knights of Peter Claver Lady Auxiliary Court 66, Alter Society, Gospel Choir and a catechism teacher for many years.
On April 23, 1964 Willie Mae joined in marriage, Edmar John Simon. Their union bore three children, Wayne (Janet) Simon, Rossline (McWayne) Potier, Virginia Kelly; and one adopted son, Daniel Simon. She was affectionately known as “Maw Maw Lil Sister” to her (10) grandchildren and (15) great-grandchildren that she loved dearly.
She is survived by her husband; children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; one sister, Delores Reedom Bernard of New Iberia, LA.; one brother, Willie Reedom Jr. of Port Arthur, TX.; (3) Godchildren, Clarence Levy, Warren Senegal and Carlos Davenport all of Abbeville, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Reedom and Rose Mary Derouen; grandparents, Edward Derouen, Antione and Dora Monette; brother, Rayward Grogan Jr.; two sisters, Evola Reedom Vital and Peggy Reedom; and her great granddaughter, Paige Levine.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 8:00 AM until 10:15 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

DELCAMBRE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted for "B.R" Bernard Robert Landry, Sr., age 91, at 10:00 am Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. Interment will follow at Migues Cemetery.
Visitation will take place at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 am until service time. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am.
A native and resident of Vermilion Parish, Bernard passed away on Monday, October 8, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 2, 1927 to the late Walter and Lilly Rodriguez Landry, Bernard was one of six children. Better known as, "B.R", Bernard proudly served his country in the United States Armed Forces during the Korean Conflict. He was a good man who enjoyed the simple life of country living. Bernard enjoyed gardening, going on walks around Delcambre, and being with family. He will be truly and deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his children, Cheryl Dorman and husband Tommy of Erath; Bernard “Benny” Landry, Jr. and wife Cindy of Lafayette; Craig Landry of California; Lilidell Barras and husband Kenny of Delcambre; Rodney Landry and wife Tina of Erath; John Landry and wife Christy of Delcambre and Joan Reaux and husband Todd of Erath; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; very good friend, Verlie Landry; and sitters, Mona Reed and Lacy Proulx
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Louise Leleux Landry; parents, Walter and Lilly Landry; and siblings, Hilda Landry Delcambre, Floella Landry Renard, Walter E. Landry, Jr., Floyd Landry LeBlanc, and Tilden Landry.
Pallbearers will be Heath Dorman, Keith Dorman, Lane Reaux, Drew Reaux, Jonathan Landry, and Mike Duhon.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Lamm Hospice for their care and support during these difficult times.
To view on-line obituary, video tribute and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.