PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
Jim Brown
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
Bill Wilson
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
August 9, 1952 ~ June 7, 2024
ABBEVILLE — Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Trula Dupuy Minvielle, 71, who passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery at a later date with Deacon William Vincent officiating the services.
Trula Dupuy Minvielle was born in Abbeville on August 9,1952 and died June 7, 2024.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Lovelace Dupuy Jr. and Mary Melba Trahan Dupuy; and her paternal grandparents, Armenia Dupuy and Lovelace Joseph Dupuy, Sr. Trula and her siblings were raised by her paternal grandparents. She always expressed her gratitude for her grandparents who by example helped instill in her a desire to always help others.
While J E was in the Navy she graduated from Florida Junior College. When he was in dental school, she attended University of New Orleans. Upon his graduation they settled in Abbeville and at that point she completed her undergraduate degree in social studies at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. After graduation she spent twenty-five years teaching at J H Williams Middle School.
Towards the end of her career, she was awarded Teacher of the Year. Trula found great joy in teaching young students. It was always a happy moment when she met former students and found them to be successful young people.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Dr. Jules Ernest Minvielle, Jr.; one sister, Sheila Moore (Lowell); one brother, Ronnie Dupuy (Colinda); brother-in-law, Michael P. Broussard, Sr. (Judy); sisters-in-law, Martha M. Falterman and Robin Minvielle; brother-in-law, Richard Minvielle (Janel); several nieces and nephews, Chase Dupuy, Gabrielle Dupuy, Michael P Broussard, Jr. (Danner), Andree B. Freeland (Pat), Julie B. Guillot (Kim), and Toni F. Menard (Keith).
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 9:00 AM until time of services. A rosary being prayed at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in Trula Dupuy Minvielle’s memory to Miles Perret Cancer Services, 2130 Kaliste Saloom Road, #200, Lafayette Louisiana, 70508.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille for Carlton Joseph Leger also known as Joe. The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN Location on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. led by Mary Brown, Debbie Hash, and Sadie Hash. Visitation will continue on Wednesday morning from 8:00 am until 9:30 am ahead of services.
Reverend Donavan Labbé will officiate at the services. Interment will be held in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Scott.
Carlton J. Leger, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left this world on June 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on July 29, 1937, in Cow Island, Louisiana, Carlton was a man whose presence was felt in every room he entered and whose legacy will continue to warm the hearts of those who knew him. He passed away peacefully in Lafayette, Louisiana, surrounded by the love of his family.
Carlton's life journey began as the son of Miguel and Sevelia Gaspard Lege. He went to school in Kaplan and furthered his education at Abbeville Vo-Tech School, where he specialized in HVAC. His professional path was marked by entrepreneurship and community involvement; together with his first wife, Jeanelle, he owned and operated A/C Sales from 1965 until his retirement in 2010. Carlton's dedication to his work was matched by his commitment to the equine community. A lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association and one of the founding members of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Association, he was also a Hall of Fame member of LQHA. Carlton was instrumental in starting the Lafayette 4-H horse program and celebrated a crowning achievement as the 2012 AQHA World Champion Performance Stallion owner.
Beyond his professional accolades, Carlton was a family man at his core. He is survived his loving wife of 18 years, Joyce Rucker Leger; three sons, Ted Lege and his wife, Janet, Rowdy Lege and his husband, Mohamed Assakkali, and Carl Lege and his wife, Gerri. Carlton was a proud stepfather to Brian Causey and his wife, Dawn, Ben Causey, Jennifer Roader and her husband, Milton, and Christine Hutchins and her husband, Ray. His legacy continues through his grandchildren - Jarrod, Blake, Jessica, Blair, Jennifer, Paige, and Lexi - and step-grandchildren - Courtney, Alex, Andy, Caroline, Claire, Taylor, Phillip, Kayli, Lethan, Olan, Elias, and Joy - as well as his 16 great-grandchildren. His life was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanelle Broussard Leger, one granddaughter Jacqulyn Lege, and his parents.
Carlton's interests were a reflection of his love for life and family. He found joy in the simple pleasures, such as spending time with his family, showing and fitting halter horses, watching his grandchildren show and compete in horse shows, and cheering on their sporting events. His personality was larger than life, and he had a giving soul that captured the hearts of his family and friends. Known for his quick wit and ability to crack a joke, Carlton's sense of humor was truly one of a kind.
A man who loved to celebrate his roots, Carlton enjoyed Cajun French music, often found dancing and reveling in the cultural melodies of his heritage. His presence was a reminder of the beauty found in tradition and the importance of holding onto one's identity.
As we remember Carlton, we are reminded of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to leave the world a better place... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Carlton embodied this success, leaving behind a world that is indeed brighter for his having been here.
His life was a testament to the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the joy of living each day to the fullest. Carlton's memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved him, and his stories will be told for generations to come. Though he may be gone from our sight, the essence of his spirit remains a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing this remarkable man.
Upholding the honor of Pallbearers will be Ted Lege, Blake Lege, Jarrod Lege, Andrew Menard, Brian Causey, and Andy Causey.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Gerid Menard.
The family of Carlton J. Leger would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to his medical care professionals, doctors, nurses, and teams, for their care and compassion.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Carlton J. Leger to Hospice of Acadiana - 337-232-1234 - 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, Louisiana 70503 - <https://hospiceacadiana.com/hoa/donate>
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille Funeral Home - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-234-2311.
LEROY – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Leroy honoring the life of Jane Frederick Simon, 87. She died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 5, following a long, well fought, battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Cemetery with Reverend Paul Bienvenu officiating the services, concelebrated by Reverand Louis J. Richard. Pallbearers will be Bryan Simon, Mark Simon, Damian Calato, Peter DeHart, Keith Dronet, and Dominic Calato. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dale Frederick, Noah Pontiff, Tommy Delhomme, Donald Domingue, John Robin, and Mike Simon.
Jane was a faithful woman of strength. She filled her life with what was most important to her – faith, family, and friends. All who were fortunate enough to know her would know of her deep love for her beloved husband Rex (deceased), her five children, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She led the family with high standards for doing what was right, for practicing strong faith in their home, and for preserving daily family time around meals and evening rosaries.
She also generously shared her faith with others. For many years she taught Catechism to the First Communion class at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, was a member of the Parish Council and the Ladies Altar Society, and was a Lector at mass.
Jane grew up near Maurice and made life-long friendships with her classmates at Maurice High School. She met Rex when he transferred in for their 8th grade year. They dated throughout high school and were in a class of 18 students.
Jane was always a hard worker. She was an excellent Homemaker with a passion for preparing and serving excellent food to her family and friends who visited. She prepared three delicious meals a day for their family of seven making sure to work in everyone’s favorites. She was known for her delicious desserts and homemade candies during the holidays. Rex often jokingly said that he married her for her homemade pies. Even in her final days when she was bedridden, she was concerned about what to serve those who came to see her.
Jane enjoyed several pastimes in her life. For decades, she and Rex played weekly card games with other couples who became some of their very dearest friends. She enjoyed her women’s Pokeno groups and later in life, liked playing Gin Rummy with her family and other care givers. Jane enjoyed music and attending concerts and theatre. She began her days with early morning prayer time and enjoyed being outdoors, particularly her daily three-mile walks and nurturing her flower beds to watch beauty grow. Jane loved traveling with her family and with other couples.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Rex O. Simon who passed away on April 30, 2023; her parents, Elier Frederick and Nemese Benoit Frederick; two sisters, Velta Frederick Dartez and her husband Harold, and Loula Mae Frederick Broussard and her husband Lurby; three brothers, Lynwood Frederick, Lully Frederick and his wife Imy, and George Frederick and his wife Beatrice; and one sister-in-law, Janet Broussard Frederick.
She is survived by five children, Della DeHart and her husband, Peter of Abbeville, Julie Simon-Dronet and her husband, Keith of Lafayette, Ellen Calato and her husband, Damian of Baton Rouge, Bryan Simon and his wife, Roslyn of Leroy, and Mark Simon and his wife, Amy of Maurice. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Noah Pontiff, Nikki Calato Allen (Adron), Kerri Calato Guidry (Dave), Sara Dronet Young, Natalie Dronet Weaver (Chad), Dominic Calato, Kacy Simon, and Meg Simon; and seven great grandchildren, Rex Allen, Warner Young, Amelie Allen, James Weaver, Hayes Young, William Weaver, and Graham Young. Jane is also survived by a brother, Dale Frederick of Lafayette.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home in Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM by Jane and Rex’s children, as they did as a family daily. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Vincent Funeral Home, from 10:00 AM until 3:15 PM when the procession departs for the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any charitable contributions be made to Hospice of Acadiana at hospiceacadiana.com or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjudememorialfoundation.org in honor of Jane Frederick Simon.
The Simon family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Hospice of Acadiana and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Dr. Michael Alexander, Dr. Virginia Kellner, Dr. Chad Vincent, Dr. James Bienvenu and other professionals who helped care for Jane. Heartfelt gratitude goes out from Jane’s family to the loving care givers who came into her home bringing friendship and assistance over the past few years. They include Jerie Olivier, Sylvia Willis, Ida Stelly, Olivia Briolo, Bonnie Benoit, Vickey Broussard, Donna Bodin, Debbie Baudoin, and Page Berard.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
This tree will have to be cut and hauled to the road in order for a contractor to bring it to a landfill.
The Vermilion Parish Police Jury had a tough decision to make regarding picking up debris caused by a microburst that fell on the northern part of the parish last weekend.
The first choice was to start picking up the debris along the road and transporting it to the parish landfill.
The second choice was to wait for a hired contractor to begin picking up the debris and transporting it to a different landfill.
Before making a decision at Wednesday night’s committee meeting, Vermilion Parish’s Office of Emergency Director Homer Stelly informed the jurors that he had surveyed the area of destruction and determined that there was more than $256,000 worth of damage.
This is good news because now the police jury can apply for a state-funded program to help cover the cost of picking up and hauling away the debris.
The state program requires at least $256,000 worth of damage to qualify. After surveying the LeBlanc Community and near Delcambre, Stelly informed the jurors that there was at least $256,000 worth of damage.”
The state was responsible for 75 percent of the contractor’s cost, while the police jury was responsible for the remaining 25 percent.
Police Juror Brent Landry, whose district was hit the hardest, asked, “Can the police jury begin picking up debris now while waiting on the contractor?”
Keith Roy, the police jury administrator, reminded the jurors that if the police jury starts removing downed trees from the side of the road now, by the time the state approves hiring a contractor, the cost could be less than the estimated $256,000. This is because the police jury trucks were able to haul off a lot of debris to the parish landfill.
If the state approves the police jury for the program, the state will only give the contractor 10 days to work in the parish.
Police Juror Errol Domingue said, “I worry that in 10 days, people will not get their debris to the road quickly.”
Roy also reminded the jurors that the police jury had yet to start the process of applying for the state program. “You have to wait for the state to approve us first,” Roy said. “Government does not move fast.”
The police jury decided not to allow their trucks to start removing debris in the LeBlanc Community until the state approves the debris removal program.
Instead, they will let a contractor handle the debris removal. Roy couldn’t provide a timetable for the state’s decision on whether the parish qualifies for the program, so there’s no set date for the contractors to begin work in the LeBlanc Community.
The rail track in parts of Vermilion Parish could become a walking/biking trail.
(This is a column written by Managing Editor Chris Rosa of the Abbeville Meridional)
At first, the idea sounded great, but the more I thought about it, the less sure I became.
I learned that a small group of Vermilion Parish residents wants to convert unused railroad tracks into a walking and biking trail.
The plan is to remove the railroad tracks and create a trail from the Vermilion River in Abbeville to the Delcambre Canal. This initiative is known as “Rails to Trails.”
The goal is to get the state to help pay to remove the tracks and build a walking and biking trail where the tracks once were.
Will it ever happen? Probably not.
Here are my thoughts on why it may never happen. A lot of planning needs to be done before one rail is removed.
Environmental studies, community meetings, engineering consultations, DOTD meetings, law enforcement discussions, and meetings with city and government officials are necessary to determine responsibility for funding and maintenance of the trail.
Who will hire a “Trail Manager?” A trail manager oversees and maintains the 10-mile stretch of trail.
The trail manager will inform the government entity about any necessary repairs on the walking trail or if a biker has had an accident and plans to file a lawsuit due to injuries. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the trail?
Another million-dollar question is, who will provide walking/bike trail insurance?
If the rail company gives up the land that the rail sat on, who now owns the land?
These are all questions that need to be answered before the process gets underway. I do not look for any government entity to take the lead on the walking/biking trail.
As a former cyclist, I would like the rails-to-trails idea to cover the entire parish, from Gueydan to Delcambre.
The bike trail from Gueydan to Abbeville would be perfect because it is rural and has fewer intersections to worry about. However, I wouldn’t say I like the bike trail going through Abbeville because of the intersections. There are 21 intersections from the Vermilion River to John Hardy Drive, an accident between a car and a cyclist waiting to happen.
With the idea still in the very early stages, a group of Abbeville citizens is against having a walking/biking trail in their backyard or on the side of their house. On Saturday, an organized meeting will occur in Abbeville to figure out how to squash the idea before it starts.
They do not like the idea of the trail in their backyards or on the side of their houses, and I can not blame them.
If this bike/walking trail idea begins to take off, some will support it and others will oppose it.
I do not see the Police Jury or the City of Abbeville spending money to help build the trail or to spend money to upkeep the trail.
Kevin Smalls (Kaplan) is guarded by Chayson Gray (AHS).
The Abbeville Wildcats hosted a two-day team camp in their gymnasium last Monday and Tuesday.
Several local schools and schools from around the state participated. The Wildcats were joined by Kaplan, VC, Midland, Vanderbilt Catholic, Merryville, Covenant Christian, Lake Charles College Prep, Northside, Jeanerette, Southside, St. Martinville, Cecilia, Comeaux, and Loreauville.
Wildcats head coach Trevor Eaton is in year two of hosting the camp. He took the idea from North Vermilion coach Jack LeBlanc a few years ago.
“We wanted to bring some attention back to Vermilion Parish when it comes to basketball,” Eaton said. “The only team doing anything like this in the summer was North Vermilion. Although it was successful, we needed more.”
What Eaton likes most about the tournament and the summer season is that it allows his kids to play basketball outside of the regular season.
“Back when I was a kid, we used to play at the park against the older guys,” Eaton said. “Nowadays, kids don’t play in parks anymore. My goal was to bring summer basketball back to Abbeville to allow the kids to play more basketball. We open this gym almost every day now to allow these kids to play basketball and get away from whatever they might be dealing with. A lot of times, this is their safe haven.”
Another reason Eaton likes the camp is because it keeps his kids focused on academics at school. If a player is ineligible at the end of the year, they can’t play in the summer.
“The hardest thing is eligibility,” Eaton continued. “A lot of our kids lose focus after sports are over. They have to be passing to play in the summer league. It gives them a reason to stay on top of their books. It gives them something to look forward to outside of the regular basketball season.”
The Wildcats finished last season strong, and while they’re still young, Eaton sees tremendous potential in having the same team for the next two years.
“I’m looking for growth,” Eaton said. “I know everybody says that, but based on last season, that is very, very important to us. The crop was young. We got everybody back, and we’ll have the same team for the next two years. We have the opportunity to be really good.”
“Over these two days, I’m looking for them to be composed in rough situations and get better. We need to get better mentally and start to understand the game.”
Jackson Trahan plays first base for the Metro Team and the VC baseball team.
As the Vermilion Catholic Eagles navigate their Metro League schedule, four-sport athlete Jackson Trahan barely has time to eat and sleep.
Before the Eagles squared off with Catholic High of New Iberia Monday under the lights at Ralph Sellers Field, Trahan had already played two basketball games and been to football workouts. While he admits it’s difficult, Trahan is fueled by the challenge.
“It’s nonstop,” Trahan said. You go from sport to sport. You never get a break. I like that. I like always being active. I want to do it all while I can.”
“It can be difficult. We have football workouts at four in the afternoon. Going from that straight to baseball is a little tough, but we get it done.”
Trahan not only plays sports, but he also plays them well.
He starts on the offensive line at left tackle for the football team.
That’s a very important position. He’s responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blindside. Despite not being your prototypical left tackle, Trahan credits technique and aggression for his success.
In basketball, Trahan starts as a power forward. At 6’2”, he’s often giving up several inches to the competition. While he doesn’t light up the scoreboard, he does all the dirty work. He plays defense and rebounds and can score when he’s open.
“It’s not that I need to score,” Trahan said. My mindset is what can I do to help. I use the aggression I learned from football on the court. You have to be aggressive when you’re smaller. You must also do the little things, like take charges and box out.”
On the diamond, Trahan plays first base. His position is the most active behind pitcher and catcher. He must be ready for every play and adjust to throws in a split second.
He also excels in the batter’s box. Monday night, Trahan went 2-3 at the plate, helping the Eagles complete the come-from-behind 3-2 victory.
Trahan can also be found on the golf course in the Spring when he’s not playing baseball.
The drive to play and excel in four different sports comes from the relationships he’s built with his teammates over the years. He’s known many of his teammates since they started school and has played sports with the same guys his entire athletic career.
“It’s the bond I’ve built with these guys over the years,” Trahan said. “It’s untouchable and amazing. We’ve been together since pre-K. We’ve played travel ball together since we were like eight. We’re really close. We don’t fight with each other. We get the next one. We pick each other up. We believe in each other.”
When Trahan does have some time free from VC athletics, he works. He cuts grass, works for Vermilion Jump Rentals owned by Colby Broussard, and works for Earl’s Furniture when they need him.
“I love it, especially cutting grass,” Trahan said. “When I’m not doing that, I play golf.”
With his senior season on the horizon, Trahan would love to cap his high school career with four state championships. He’s still smarting from the Eagles’ playoff losses in football and baseball last season.
“We’re hunting for state championships in football and baseball,” he said. “Being undersized, any advantage we would have had was wiped out by the weather in football playoff loss. We’re disappointed we lost in the second round of the baseball playoffs.”
Trahan doesn’t just work hard in athletics. He’s carried a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and scored a 25 on the ACT.
He plans to attend LSU after his senior year. He’s undecided on his major but has narrowed it down to computer science, mechanical engineering, or finance.
That Trahan is a well-rounded student, athlete, and person is not an accident. He credits his parents, coaches, and teammates for his current status.
“My parents have always encouraged me,” Trahan said. “I love to make them proud. We have the best coaching staff at VC. They all work very hard. They’re very good at what they do.
“As for my teammates, we’ve been playing together for over 10 years. We come out here for each other. The practices and the bus rides are so much fun because of them. We are bonded. We do it for each other.”
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548