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Fr. Floyd Joseph Calais

Services set for Father Floyd Joseph Calais

Funeral Services have been announced for Fr. Floyd Joseph Calais, who died at his home on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
He was 97 years old and a priest of the Diocese of Lafayette for 73 years.
Ordained as a priest in 1950, Fr. Calais served at churches in Abbeville, New Iberia, Melville and Richard.
A wake service will be held at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Lafayette on Monday, Dec. 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Liturgy of the Word Service and Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Laura Huval will provide music. The wake service will be live-streamed on the Diocese of Lafayette Facebook page.
The Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, will preside at the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lafayette on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
Priests from the Diocese of Lafayette will gather to concelebrate. Due to the limited seating capacity at Holy Cross Catholic Church, overflow seating will be available with a live stream at the Calais Center next to the church.
Burial will take place at Saint Joseph Catholic Church cemetery in Cecilia, La.
Martin and Castille Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

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Betty Lou Parish Amos

ABBEVILLE — A home-going celebration of life for Mrs. Betty Lou Amos 85, the former Betty Lou Parish, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Greater Rose Hill Baptist Church (1515 Israel Parker Drive) with Rev. John Allen, officiating. 
Visitation hours will be observed at Greater Rose Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, December 9, 2023, beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of the service. 
She will await the resurrection in Saint Paul Cemetery (515 Jacqulyn Drive) in Abbeville, LA. 
Betty was a resident of (Mouton Cove) Abbeville, LA. She transitioned at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at The Carpenter House of Saint Joseph Hospice in Lafayette, LA, with her loving husband by her side.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband: Booker Amos of Abbeville, LA; one son: Clarence James Hebert (Tina) of Houston, TX; a son she reared as her own: Tyrin Doucette of Abbeville, LA; one sister: Kay Wilson of Abbeville, LA; two grandchildren: Jason Pena and Kristine Zepada (Robert); three great-grandchildren: Brielle Zepeda, Ariana  Zepeda, and Lexie Pena; brothers she was reared with: Ronald Lapoint, Jack Lapoint (Teresa), and Danny Lapoint (Barbara).
She was preceded in death by her parents: Clarence Parish and Ella Lapoint Parish.
Active pallbearers are Jason Pena, Deron Sinegal, Ronald Sinegal, Eldridge Harrison, Joseph Joiner, and Spencer Cormier.
Honorary pallbearers are Ronald Lapoint, Danny Lapoint, and Jack Lapoint.
Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org
Arrangements are entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home (337-369-3341) 609 W. Admiral Doyle Drive, Abbeville, LA 70510.

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Norman Levine, Sr.

ABBEVILLE – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Norman Levine, Sr., 80, will be held at 11 a.m. at Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church (101 N. Leonard Ave) with Rev. Francois-Sainte-Marie, Celebrant, officiating. 
Visitation hours will be observed at Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church on Saturday, December 9, 2023, beginning at 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M. 
Entombment will follow at Saint Paul Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum (515 Jacqulyn Drive) in Abbeville, LA. 
Norman was a resident of Abbeville, LA. He transitioned at 5:42 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family. 
"Stormy" as he was known by many, was an outgoing family-oriented man. He loved hunting, fishing, and recycling. He was known as the “jack of all trades” because of his ability to fix anything that was broken. He had a love for his family especially his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He will truly be missed by all who loved him. 
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife: Maxine W. Levine of Abbeville, LA; two daughters: Koatrina Levine (Zachary Bernard) of Abbeville, LA and Terri Brailey (Rickey) of Youngsville, LA; one son: Norman Levine, Jr. (Roxanne) of Abbeville, LA; four sisters: Louella Collins, Linda Thibeaux (CJ) both of Abbeville, LA, Joyce Greene, and Ada Greene both of New Iberia, LA; sisters-in-law: Shirley Levine of Abbeville, LA, Martha Levine of Opelousas, LA, Bertha Turner of Carencro, LA, Alice Williams, and Gloria Williams, both of Kaplan, LA; two godchildren: Earn Ursin, Sr., and Iris Stagg; fourteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 
He was preceded in death by his parents: Langdon Levine, Jr., and Nolia Petry Levine; grandson: Norman Levine, III; three sisters: Daisy Ursin, Lilly Harrison, and Esther Levine; six brothers: Floyd Levine, Warren Levine, Sr., Ellis Levine, Worris Levine, Sr., Enrick Levine, Sr. ,and Earvin Levine; seven brothers-in-law: Albert Collins, Earn Ursin, Sr., Oscar Harrison, Noah Williams, Jr., Willie J. Williams, Allen Chambers, and Joseph N. Williams; three sisters-in-law: Catherine Levine, Betty Lou Williams Chambers, and Ruth Williams; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Noah Williams, Sr., and Dorothy Williams. 
Active pallbearers are Eldridge Harrison, Archie Hebert, Ronnie Augustus, Albert Ursin, Jr., George Petry, and Lance Chambers. 
Honorary pallbearers are Carl Ursin, Alexander Ursin, Brandon Mitchell, Warren Levine, Jr., Worris Levine, Jr., Zachary Bernard, Rickey Brailey, Milton Mitchell, Jr., Earn Ursin, Jr., Patrick Chambers, Sr., Darrell Chambers, and Jason Mitchell. 
Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home (337-369-3341) 609 W. Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia, LA 70560. 

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Barbara Book Miguez

May 20, 1951 - December 1, 2023

ABBEVILLE — Barbara Book Miguez, age 72, passed away peacefully at Abbeville General Hospital on Friday, December 1, 2023, in Abbeville.
Barbara Book Miguez was born on May 20, 1951, in Kirkland, Washington and she was a longtime resident of Abbeville. She always loved to travel and looked forward to every chance at exploring new places, whether it was the beaches in California, the hills of Tennessee or the places close to home. She was quite the adventurer from the beginning being born and partially raised in Kirkland, Washington, lived in Whittier, California and eventually migrated to Abbeville, Louisiana where she fell in love with the culture, cuisine and the warm reception that she felt from the people shortly after arriving. Louisiana always felt like home to her and she always referred to herself as "Cajun" but regardless of where she came from or went to, she always managed to make lifelong friends while delivering smiles along the way. She was always ready to visit over a cup of coffee and enjoyed any time she had with her children, grandchildren and friends where she could tell stories about her past, her family history and the many adventures she'd embarked on. She treasured the BBQ's, cookouts and Holiday get-togethers which usually went down at Paul and Stacey's, where a good ole practical joke was brewing for her to end up on the receiving end but it didn’t matter because she was there for the fun first but the food lastly. Her sense of humor was larger than life but her appetite for Cajun food was much bigger and all close to her will agree. Barbara had a huge love for animals and worked with the animal rescue to help foster or save misplaced animals for several years. There were always multiple pets at her home that she dearly loved and considered part of her family. In her free time, she enjoyed playing games on Facebook, chatting with old friends and enjoying all of the great food that south Louisiana has to offer. She was a very loving and compassionate person and every gesture or gift, big or small meant the world to her and she never came short on showing how thankful she truly was. She adored her children more than words could ever describe, she was so proud of them all and always took time to tell everyone how amazing each one of them were in their own unique way. Her five children were brought into this world and raised with her unconditional love, compassion, support and her amazing will that always persevered through all of life’s ups, downs and unexpected turns. These are the priceless gifts that she gave to each one of them while preparing them for their own lives and challenges. Words can never express what an amazing person Mrs. Barbara Miguez is. She will always be loved, remembered and sorrowfully missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her. Fly High Blackhawk.
Barbara is survived by her beloved life partner of 36 years, Larry Joseph Trim; her children, David William Miguez of Bryan, TX, Eleanor Miguez Luquette (Shannon) of Abbeville, LA, Shawna Marie Miguez of Abbeville, LA, Paul William Miguez (Stacey) of Abbeville, LA, Robbie William Miguez (Nola) of Erath, LA; her grandchildren, Latesia Renee “Peanut” Lormand, Juan Paul Garza, Brianna Lynn Shugart, Dallas Ray Miguez, Lorraine Marie Garza, Alyssa Jane Blood, Kristen Lauren “Bebop” Miguez, Isaiah Michael “Zai” Miguez, Paul William “Bubba” Miguez Jr., and Keva Marie "Ke-Ke” Miguez; her great-grandchildren, Aliahna Lormand, Trey Lormand Jr., Paisley Lormand, Charlie Lormand, Harper Meaux, Grace Ann Blood, Ezra Jacobs; her step-father, Bill Cottrell; as well as her siblings, Don G. Book (Bette) of Erath, LA and Dan Book (Kathy) of St. George, UT.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eustice Paul Miguez, Sr.; her mother, Eleanor Book Cottrell; her step-father, Bill Cottrell; her grandchildren, Jade Mikel Luquette and Christian Lynn Luquette; her brother, David Book; her great aunt, Martha Hatling; as well as her great uncle, Gustav Hatling.
The family wishes to offer a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Abbeville General Hospital 2nd floor ICU as well as the 3rd floor and ER staff for the care and compassion they offered Barbara Book Miguez and her family during her time of need.
A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555, (337) 740-3123, is in charge of arrangements.

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This year’s Abbeville Christmas Ornament features Abbey Players.

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Local artist Jeannie Comeaux (left) and Abbeville Main Street Manager Charlene Beckett show the new ornament that features Abbey Players.

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Abbey Players is this year’s Abbeville Christmas Ornament

Thanks to its decades of productions in Abbeville, what the Abbey Players has meant to the community is clear.
This year, that impact is being recognized as Abbey Players is the focal point of the official Abbeville Christmas ornament. And for the first time, the ornament is clear.
Abbeville Main Street Director Charlene Beckett said the ornament’s clear design represents what Abbey Player has and continues to offer.
“I see it as a crystal ball,” Beckett said. “Abbey Players offers creativity, entertainment and drama. The ornament is like a crystal ball with endless possibilities. Going to Abbey Players for so many years, you see things that evoke different emotions, but it’s always creative. It’s one of our creative assets in Vermilion Parish.
“That’s what his ornament represents.”
The ornament can be purchased for $18 at Brasseux’s Hardware and the Depot.
As she has since its inception in 2003, local artist Jeannie Comeaux created the artwork for the official city ornament.
“She always does a wonderful job,” Beckett said.
The ornament is released around this time each year, in tandem with the annual Abbeville Christmas Stroll, which will be held this Thursday. The stroll will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the event will span the downtown area.
During the Stroll hours, you can pick up Stroll cards from participating locations. These cards can be stamped at each location you visit. Once you have collected all the stamps, you can turn in the completed card for a chance to win one of three gift baskets.
“The Christmas Stroll is an excellent way to learn about what downtown Abbeville has to offer,” Abbeville Main Street Manager Charlene Beckett said. “From retail shops to local organizations and restaurants, plenty of places will be open for the Stroll. Make sure to bring the whole family!”

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On hand for a school donation to purchase a wheelchair accessible outdoor picnic table and books are Douglas Vincent, Dozier Elementary Principal Andrea Ford, and Jackie Vincent. The donation was made in memory of their son, Robert B. Vincent.

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Pictured are the Vincent brothers. Joe in front is shown with younger brother Robert B. Vincent prior to Robert’s muscular dystrophy diagnosis in the 80s.

Spirit of Christmas: Donation in Robert J. Vincent’s memory will help Dozier students

ERATH — With the spirit of Christmas in the air, Jackie Vincent (dressed as Mrs. Claus), and her husband Douglas, stopped by Dozier Elementary to offer a monetary donation for the school to buy a wheelchair accessible outdoor picnic table, as well as books for the library.
The special donation was made in memory of their son, Robert B. Vincent, an Erath High 1997 Erath High graduate, who at the age of 10, was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy called “Charcot Marie Tooth.”
He attended Dozier Elementary, Erath Middle, and Erath High in the 80s and 90s.
Vincent passed away on Oct. 8, 2020.

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VC's Ethan Landry makes a catch and then is tackled by a swarm of Rebels.

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VC's Andrew Prejean catches the ball and then is tackled out of bounds in the second half.

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VC linebacker Will Simon tries to make a tackle.

Riverside knocks VC out of playoffs

Eagles go 12-1 with only 27 players

The Vermilion Catholic Eagles will not be returning to the Superdome for a second year.
The No. 5 ranked Riverside Academy Rebels knocked the Eagles out of the Select Division IV playoffs with a 34-7 win in wet conditions.
The game was paused for a 90-minute lighting/rain delay with 1:04 remaining in the first half and the Rebels leading 21-7.
VC’s only touchdown came with 5:15 left in the first half when safety Ross Dartez intercepted a pass and ran it back 60 yards.
VC’s offense failed to score a touchdown, marking the first time since the 2021 season when Abbeville shut out the Eagles 43-0.
Despite the loss, VC head coach Broc Prejean expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments, which included reaching the semifinals and finishing with a 12-1 record. The team only had 27 players for most of the year.
The Rebels (12-1) advance to the Division IV Select Finals to face Southern Lab, who defeated defending state champs Ouachita Christian on Friday night.
This is the first time Riverside has reached the semifinals since 2017. In 2016, they won the Division III state title and were runners-up in 2015.
Prejean praised the Rebels’ execution of their offense and defense. He said, “They were what we expected and more. They had a terrific game plan. The ball did not bounce our way.”
The Eagles had opportunities to score more points, but a fumble and interception dashed their hopes.
Riverside head coach Lee Rousell credited his players, particularly the offensive line, for controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
He also praised his defensive line for limiting big plays by VC’s quarterback Jonathan Dartez.
Rousell said, “All of the credit goes to our players. When it mattered the most, our offensive and defensive line stepped up.”

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The Lady Eagles are all smiles after a win.

VC, NVHS, Abbeville win basketball games

On Wednesday, the Vermilion Catholic Lady Eagles (4-1) cruised to a 36-26 win over Catholic High.
They have now won four straight.
After scoring only four points in the first quarter, the Lady Eagles scored 32 points over the next three quarters.
Jenna Beth Hagle led the Lady Eagles with 13 points. She scored only three points in the first half and eight in the second half.
Brynn Broussard scored nine for VC. Other scorers were Ali Broussard (4), Zoei Thibodeaux (4), Keiya Green (4) and Anna Boudreaux (2).

Abbeville..................65
Patterson.................22

The Abbeville Lady Wildcats won their third game of the season by crushing Patterson 65-22 in the first round of the Acadiana High girl’s basketball tournament.
Nia Darby led AHS with 18 points.
The Lady Wildcats jumped out with a 21-5 lead in the first quarter and 47-11 at halftime.
Other scorers for AHS were Kazley Ficklen (8), D’Jaiyah Levy (13), Myka Johnson (4), Alyria Greene (4), Tierra Bolden (8), Kayla Nunez (2). Justice Williams (5), and Keira Gordan (3).

NVHS ..........................47
Central Catholic........34

After falling behind 15-13 in the first period, the North Vermilion Lady Patriots outscored Central Catholic 34-19 en route to a 47-34 win over Thursday.
The Lady Patriots led only 29-21.
North Vermilion got balanced scoring, with Kenzie Marceaux leading with 12 points.
Other NV scorers were Emme Kelly (2), Lilly Denais (4), Londyn LeJeune (6), Ava Denais (8), Nylah Harrison (4), Regan Simien (2) and Taylor Marceaux (9).

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VC defenders Joe Langlinais (20) and Jyrin Bessard (3) go high and low to tackle Ascension Catholic’s running back Chad Elzy last week.

VC to battle Riverside tonight at home

They have to stop another good running back

The Vermilion Catholic defense has a tough task ahead of them for the second consecutive week as they take on one of the state’s best running backs.
In the previous week, the Eagles faced Chad Elzy, a prolific running back from Ascension Catholic who had 2,600 yards rushing.
Elzy ran for 230 yards in the game, but the Eagles still won to advance to the semifinals of the playoffs.
The next challenge for the Eagles is the Riverside Academy Rebels (11-1), who are ranked fifth. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. in Eagle Stadium, with the winner advancing to the Division IV Select Finals on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 at tonight’s game.
Riverside Academy Rebels are a running team who rely on their junior running back, Dedric Lastie, who is just 5-foot-4.
Lastie was formerly a wide receiver but moved to running back this year and has done an excellent job. Lastie ran for 219 yards and scored three touchdowns in the last game, leading the Rebels to a 26-14 win over St. Martin’s.
Lastie accounted for 29 of the Rebels’ 32 carries.
“He is electric,” said VC head coach Broc Prejean. “He is a guy who can go 70 or 80 yards on one run. On film, he reminds me of Blake Saddler (former Abbeville High running back). He is built low to the ground. He just keeps fighting for yardage.
“It is going to be a tough challenge.”
Lastie is blessed to run behind one of the best offensive lines in the Division IV. Their average size is 6-1, 220 pounds.
The Rebels finished the regular season with a 9-1 record, with their only loss being to Class 2A Newman (33-7) in Week 2. Since then, Riverside Academy has won nine straight games.
In the regular season, the Rebels scored 63 points once, 55 points three, and 40 points four times.
In their last two playoff games, however, the Rebels have only averaged 20 points per game.
In their second-round playoff game, the Rebels narrowly escaped with a 14-12 win over No. 12 Catholic Point Coupee. Last week, the offense scored 26 against St. Martin’s.
Vermilion Catholic has also put up impressive numbers in the regular season. The Eagles scored 57 points once, 40 points four times, 30 points thrice, and 20 points twice. In the playoffs, the Eagles have scored 49 against Delhi Charter and 39 against Ascension Catholic in their two wins.
With tailback Tyjah Williams out for the season after a knee surgery in Week 10, junior quarterback Jonathan Dartez is expected to carry the football load for the Eagles.
Dartez carried the ball 30 times for 183 yards and scored four touchdowns in the last game, including a 68-yard touchdown run. Throughout the year, Dartez rushed for 1,822 yards in 12 games.
Although many people may have forgotten, the Eagles can also throw the football.
Dartez has thrown for 1,530 yards and 17 touchdowns, completing 88 passes in 141 attempts. Ross Dartez leads the team in catches with 28 for 554 yards, followed by Jyrin Bessard (14-321 yards) and Hudson Hebert (14-99 yards).
Prejean said this summer the Eagles have worked on their passing game and it is paying off.
“It is a consistent part of our offense,” said Prejean. “Dartez has completed almost 70 percent of his passes.”
Others with catches are Ethan Landry (8-103), Dane Richoux (9-108), and Jonathan Dartez (5-112).
On defense, Allen McLain is the leading tackler with 75.5 (56 solo, 39 assists) and 4.5 quarterback sacks.
Other leading tacklers on the team are Ty Williams (31 solos, 28 assists), Joe Langlinais (33 solos, 32 assists, 2.5 sacks), William Simon (32 solos, 32 assists, 5.5 sacks), Phillip Summers (29 solos, 11 assists, 2 interceptions), Jyrin Bessard (32 solos, 7 assists, two interceptions), Ross Dartez (20 solos, 3 assists, 2 interceptions), Ethan Landry (18 solos, 29 assists), and Gabe Boudreaux (17 solos, 21 assists, 2.5 sacks).

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ATVs are being stolen in Abbeville.

Abbeville Police Chief is asking everyone to protect/lock their ATVs

Abbeville Chief of Police Mike Hardy is reminding residents to secure ATVs properly.
Hardy made the reminder after Councilman Carlton Campbell brought up an issue during a recent Abbeville City Council meeting.
“I’m getting a lot of complaints about kids riding four-wheelers on the streets at 3 and 4 in the morning,” Campbell said during his commentary at the meeting on Nov. 21. “It’s creating a disturbance. They asked that you look at that for them.”
Hardy said he is well aware of the issue.
“It’s one of busiest things we have right now,” Hardy said.
Not only are the ATVs being ridden in the city, Hardy said one of the main problems is how some subjects are coming into possession of the vehicles.
“They’re stealing a lot of four-wheelers and small motorcycles,” Hardy said. “We have recovered a lot.”
Hardy said some of the vehicles that have been recovered in city are from outside the city limits.
“Some of them are from out of town,” Hardy said.
Keeping the vehicles properly stored is important, the chief stressed.
“Some owners don’t keep them under lock and key,” Hardy said. “They just keep them in the yard. They steal them by hot-wiring them.”

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

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

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Kaplan, LA 70548