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March 9, 1943 – August 5, 2026

ERATH — Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11th for Clarence “Wooga” Moss at Frioux Funeral Home in Erath honoring his life with Deacon Glynn Stutes officiating the services.   Readings will be done by Lily Meaux and Matthew Maynard. Music by Shameka Latigue.  Immediately following he will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum in Erath.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Frioux Funeral Home - Erath on Tuesday, August 11 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 11 a.m.
Clarence Andrew Moss, affectionately known as "Wooga" to his family and friends, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 5th. At the time of his passing he was 83.
Clarence was born on March 9, 1943, to Murphy and Carmen Landry Moss. He grew up on a small farm south of Erath, Louisiana, and attended school in Erath, where he developed the strong work ethic and values that would guide him throughout his life.  He was the oldest of 4 children. His nickname was passed down from his dad, Murphy. Clarence cherished the memories of his childhood and often shared stories about the time he spent with his grandparents, William Virgil and Agnes Moss, eating Sunday family dinners, and spending time with his cousins, Rasmy and Patsy, who lived next door.
After graduating from Erath High School in 1961, he attended USL in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education/Human Development and married Elizabeth "Liz" Schexnayder of Abbeville. He began his career teaching math and biology at Judice High School before joining the U.S. Navy.
During his military service, he was stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Vallejo, California, serving aboard the USS Hunley and USS Proteus, both submarine tenders. While in the Navy, he attended Instructor School, earned a Secret security clearance, received specialized training in nuclear weapons, and completed Naval Guided Missile School. This advanced training led to his work programming nuclear missile systems, and he later served as a computer instructor for the Trident program. He was honorably discharged on April 27, 1972.
After returning to Erath, Louisiana in 1972 to raise his family he continued his education in counseling and administration at USL and LSU earning a masters and completing 30 plus hours.  He spent time at Lafayette High School, E. Broussard High School, Erath Middle, Erath High School, and Abbeville High School where he was a teacher of Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. He also spent time as a counselor and a principal. He ended his 42 year career as an Alternative Programs Supervisor, test coordinator, and Counselor and Transportation Supervisor for the Vermilion Parish School Board in Abbeville, Louisiana. Many of his former students and colleagues spoke highly of him in the passing years about his kindness and how personable he was.
Clarence found his greatest joy outdoors, where he lovingly tended the many gardens surrounding his home and spent countless hours at his camp on the Boston Canal, a favorite gathering place for family. He also dedicated 45 years of service to the Vermilion School Employees Credit Union serving VPSB employees. He served as a board member and recently chaired the building committee for the new location on S. East Street in Abbeville. He helped grow the credit union which now serves all Vermilion Parish residents. 
  In his free time, Clarence enjoyed long summer trips around the United States with his family and friends often spending time mapping out iteneries.  He enjoyed sharing lunches with his Landry cousins, writing articles for and distributing Full Throttle Magazine, attending regular meetings as a member of the Civil War Round Table, and gathering with friends for a local supper club in the Erath area.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was inducted in 2008 to the Erath High School Athletic Hall of Fame as an honorary member.  These simple pleasures, along with the friendships he cultivated, enriched his life and reflected his deep appreciation for family and community. 
It is one of his greatest honors and proudest accomplishments was to pass along his values and life lessons to his daughters, grand children, and great-grand children. He leaves behind his loving daughters, Jennifer Domingues (David) of Erath, Catherine Maynard (Tim) of Baton Rouge, and Rebecca Meaux (Derek) of Abbeville. His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Daniel Domingues, Seth Domingues (Summer), Owen Domingues, Matthew Maynard, Murphy Maynard, Myles Maynard, Drew Meaux, and Lily Meaux; and his beloved great-grandchildren: Dawsyn Domingues, Ila Domingues, Waylon Domingues, and a new baby expected in January and Brixon and Kove Romero. He is also survived by his siblings, Agnes Fournier (David) of Milton and Robert Moss (Lynn) of Erath.
Along with his parents, Clarence is preceded in death by his wife Liz Schexnayder Moss and his sister, Linda Moss Miller.
His girls would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Divine Nursing Service, Shameka Latigue, Ciara Tolliver, Alberta Rudd, Polly Warlaw, Jennifer Gary, Becky Sinegal and LAMM Family Care Home Health & Hospice all who helped care for their dad and showed kindness and love. Also, to Mr. Stephen Guillote with the La. Department of Veterans Affairs in Abbeville for guidance.   
Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.friousfunerals.com
Frioux Funeral Home of Erath 209 E. Putnam St. (337)937-0405 is in charge of arrangements.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — When SpaceX locates in Vermilion Parish in the near future, the Mayor of Brownsville, Texas has witnessed firsthand the positives it will bring to Cajun Country.
Over the weekend, the Advocate newspaper released an article stating that sources close to SpaceX said the space company is planning to build a new spaceport on an 18-mile strip, just south of Pecan Island, that will launch rockets. What type of rockets is still unknown.
The newspaper article states that SpaceX will receive control of 130,000 acres, known as Vermilion Cooperation. The agreement between the state, SpaceX and Mobile/Exxon has not been made public.
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. said SpaceX and Brownsville have been good partners over the last 14 years. SpaceX built a large facility on a 140-acre strip of beach land next to the Gulf of Mexico, where it builds the rockets. Down the road is a launch pad, where it can launch 25 rockets a year.
Before SpaceX arrived in Brownsville, the city of close to 200,000, struggled to survive because it was only a farming community and was also kept alive by the commerce it made by being right next to Mexico. Today, the community is thriving and businesses have benefited from having Elon Musk's company 30 minutes away.
“It has been a big change for us, but in a positive way,” said Mayor Cowen. “There has been a demand for skilled laborers. SpaceX’s wages are good, which then raises the pay for many who live in Brownsville.”
There is also tourism.
“People come from all over to watch a rocket launch,” Cowen said. “They eat at the restaurants and fill up the hotels. All that adds to our economy.”
Another positive for the community is that SpaceX hires local people and uses local companies to build what it needs. The mayor said 70% of the people who work at SpaceX are from Brownsville or from the surrounding community.
Businesses like machine shops, welders and concrete and dirt companies have benefited due to SpaceX.
“SpaceX is always doing something,” the Mayor said. “They are always building something. The industrial supply chain we have in Brownsville is being used by SpaceX. It has created more opportunities for skilled workers.”
He gave the example of a welder fresh out of school. Before SpaceX arrived, a young welder may start at $16 an hour if they were lucky to get a job. Now, those same welders can make as much as $40 an hour.
Before SpaceX, Brownsville’s biggest money maker was property tax, which made it one of the poorest cities in the nation. Now, the city’s sales tax collection has risen over the years, making it Brownsville’s government the top money producer.
Cowen said he has heard of welders who are now wealthier because they were allowed to invest in SpaceX, and when the company’s stock went public this summer, many SpaceX employees benefited.
“I think it is exciting for Brownsville to be part of history, with regards of space exploration,” the Mayor said.
The Elon Musk Foundation has also contributed millions to the schools and to the city.
The Mayor said he has no idea what SpaceX will be building in Vermilion Parish, but he is happy for Louisiana because it is joining the space exploration.
Not everyone in Vermilion Parish is thrilled that SpaceX will be locating in the marshlands of south Louisiana. Many worry the company will destroy the marshes, as well as destroy Pecan Island.
Mayor Cowen said not everyone was happy and are still not happy with the space exploration company locating along the Gulf.
He looks at like this, “It is a trade off. We all know we are losing something, but what we have gained in terms of opportunity and economically, is better for the community, I think having SpaceX is worth it.”

September 17, 1933 ~ August 2, 2026 
 
ABBEVILLE—A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Buddy Breaux will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Sidney Louis Bares, 92, who passed away on August 2, 2026, at his residence. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, James LeMaire, Matthew Broussard, Jon Bares, Jacob Bares, Joshua Bares and Jonah Bares, along with his good friends, Ronnie Abshire and Darrin Lege. 
Visitation will be held at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus at 11 a.m. 
Born on September 17, 1933, in Abbeville, Louisiana, Sidney lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family and community. A proud 1951 graduate of Abbeville High School, he went on to build a respected career as the owner of Bares Welding for 67 years. Known for his craftsmanship, strong work ethic, and remarkable ability to fix almost anything, Sidney often joked that he could repair anything except a broken heart—a saying that endeared him to many. He also served honorably in the National Guard for eight years. 
Sidney’s commitment to his community was evident through his service as a charter member of the Knights of Columbus in Abbeville and as an usher at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church. He found joy in raising cattle and tending to his small farm, where he embraced the peace of rural life. He also treasured time spent with friends, including 33 years as part of a supper club, and enjoyed leisurely afternoons playing cards. 
 Sidney was deeply devoted to his family and placed great value on education, especially for his four children. He took immense pride in their accomplishments and in the fact that each earned a college degree. His generous spirit and willingness to help others, often without charge, left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Among his many contributions to the community was a memorable act in 1964, when he used his winch truck to lift a fallen water tower from the Erath City Hall, demonstrating both bravery and resourcefulness. 
Sidney leaves behind his loving wife, Una Bares, with whom he shared 72 wonderful years of marriage; his children, Tina LeMaire (Ronald), Diane Broussard (Karl), Michael Bares (Deborah), and David Bares (Shannon); his grandchildren, James LeMaire (Monica), Katie Benoit (Ryan), Matthew Broussard (Kristen), Jenna Caho (Jack), Jon Bares (Sheena), Lauren Carmichael (Jake), Jacob Bares, Joshua Bares (Macy), Jonah Bares, and Bailey Latiolais (Taylor); and sixteen great-grandchildren. 
Sidney was preceded in death by his parents, Azare Bares and the former Emerente LeBlanc; his sisters, Florence Steinhorst and Lola Frederick; and his in-laws, Amar “Paddy” and Lelia L. Stelly. 
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661. 

Three Abbeville pharmacies in Vermilion Parish are not happy with the Vermilion Parish Public School District.
The reason they are not happy is that last month the school district sent out a letter (email) to its employees encouraging them not to fill their prescription drugs at Mula’s Pharmacy, Cashway Pharmacy, and Thrifty Way Pharmacy.
The letter informed school staff that a new state law that recently took effect may cause the three pharmacies in Abbeville to impose an additional $11.81 fee per prescription. This could result in an additional $60 per month in costs for certain employees who require at least five prescriptions each month.
Additionally, the letter from the school district clarifies that employees can avoid an extra $11.81 fee by transferring their prescription drugs to larger pharmacy chains such as Wal-Mart, WalGreens, or CVS, which do not charge this fee.Pharmacist Melissa Prejean, who works at Mula’s Pharmacy, said that what the school district sent to its employees is wrong, based on her understanding of the new law.
“This law is designed to help local pharmacies not hurt us,” said Prejean. “The $11.81 dispensing fee, from what I understand, should be paid by the PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager). It should not be passed on to the patient or the school district. So, this letter the school district sent out is wrong, in my opinion.”
Prejean said Mula’s Pharmacy has not lost any school district customers just yet, but many have enquired about the $11.81 dispensing fee the school district said may be charged to the employee. Mula’s has not charged its customers the $11.81 that the school district suggested they may.
“Customers are calling, texting, asking me questions,” she said. “No one wants to leave us. But, I mean the school district says national chains are not affected, so go there instead of the local pharmacy.”
Prejean reminded the school district that the mom-and-pop pharmacies in the parish pay sales taxes, employ local people who also shop in the parish, and generate sales tax dollars. It is also mom-and-pop pharmacies that purchase ads in football programs or donate items to help schools raise money.
“The big chains don’t back local schools the way we do,” she mentioned. “I received a call from Abbeville High, wanting to purchase an ad. Yet, that very school district we’re assisting is going to direct its staff away from us with a letter that contains incorrect information.”
The three pharmacists have the backing of the Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association (LIPA).
On July 27, LIPA President Randal Johnson issued a letter to both the school district and the insurance consulting firm, HUD International, which had recommended that the school district communicate with its employees. His letter indicated that the school district and HUD will hurt local pharmacies by steering them toward chain stores.
“The school board’s letter calls out specific local pharmacies by name, telling members those businesses would now cost them more money, while pointing members toward chain pharmacies and mail order instead,” Johnson’s letter said. “These are real, locally owned businesses in this community. Singling them out by name, without giving them any chance to respond or share the fuller picture we’ve laid out here, does real damage to their reputation and viability.
“It tells members (employees) to take their business elsewhere based on information that leaves the most important part of the story. For pharmacies operating on thin margins, that kind of steering can be the difference between staying open and permanently closing their doors.”
Superintendent Tommy Byler suggested that any inquiries regarding the school district’s letter to its staff should be directed to Louann Landry, who is with HUB International. HUB International is the firm guiding the Vermilion Parish School District on ways to cut costs on health insurance and prescription medications.