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Passenger Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in St. Martin Parish

BREAUX BRIDGE – Shortly after 11 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2019, Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 347 near Claton Castille Road in St. Martin Parish.
The crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Chayce Gobert of Breaux Bridge.
The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed Gobert was a rear passenger in a 2018 Honda Accord being driven southbound on LA Hwy 347 by 26-year-old Caitlyn Hebert. Hebert’s vehicle was struck by a northbound 2018 Ram pickup. It was determined by investigators that Hebert crossed the center line, into the path of the Ram pickup, as she attempted to turn left onto Clayton Castille Road.
Gobert was not restrained and suffered fatal injuries; he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Hebert, along with the driver of the Ram, was properly restrained, and both, suffered only minor injuries. Impairment is unknown, but toxicology samples were taken from the drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to always make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, and follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seat belt greatly increases your chances of survival. Taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

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Ruby LaPlace Billiau

May 25, 1916 ~ December 11, 2019

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Ruby LaPlace Billiau, 103, who died Thursday, December 11, 2019 (the anniversary of her late husband Raymond Billiau’s death).
She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Reverend Louis Richard officiating the services.
Ruby LaPlace Billiau was born in Cheniere au Tigre, La to the late Della Delino and Paul LaPlace. She was the oldest (and smallest) of her five siblings; two brothers, the late George “Buster” LaPlace (his late wife Eula) and the late Paul “Boo” Laplace (his late wife Laura) and two sisters, Helen LaPlace LeBlanc (her husband Robert “Bob”) Fee LaPlace Miguez Meaux and (her late husbands, Nat and Pervis “PeeWee”).
Aunt Ruby always felt devoted and responsible for her siblings. No wonder she was the last survivor of her immediate family. She cradled her siblings when they came from the womb and supported them through life until their resting place in the tomb.
Aunt Ruby had a small stature and within was housed an incredibly strong, brave, courageous, wise and loving spirit. She was a woman of faith. She valued family and she loved nature. She found treasure in the simple things in life. She was a part of the “greatest generation.” She had lived through 103 years and had gone through hard times and joyous times. She lived through a world of many changes. She loved life and she loved to love people….all people. She had such an accepting spirit. You will never find a brighter smile, warmer spirit, more loving heart or a more dedicated Skip Bo Card player.
Although our Aunt Ruby never had children, she was “Mother” to many. She is survived by many nieces and nephews who had the greatest Love and respect for her, nieces; Marsha Miguez Langley (Leon), Dr. Denise LeBlanc Ziegler (John), Judy LaPlace Whitmire (Chris) and Donna LeBlanc Thibodeaux and bonus niece, Ginger Meaux Mathy (Mike); nephews, Larry Miguez (Katrina), Ronnie LaPlace, Kent Miquez, (Lorene), Stephen Miguez (Tamra), Joe Tinker(Retta) and bonus nephew; Father Glenn Meaux . She is also survived by 20 great nieces and nephews; 25 great- great nieces and nephews; and 1 “great- great –great” nephew.
Others who are near and dear to Aunt Ruby are Barbara Sibley LaPlace Fischer and Benny Thibodeaux. In Aunt Ruby’s opinion- once you were in the family you were never out- no matter life’s changing circumstances.
Also many thanks to the special angels who God sent to our family Carol Dubois, Betty Miller, Debbie Rogers, Enola Connor, Sarah Romero, Lou Landry, Maxine Hebert and Acadian Homecare and Acadian Hospice and Palliative Care.
Aunt Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; nephew; Tommy LaPlace; niece, Bobbie Lane LeBlanc Tinker; and a great- great niece, Ana Joyce Warren. As we release her spirit-they eagerly await their reunion. “We are all an exiled people. Heaven is our true home. We are all on a spiritual journey back to our homeland, heaven.
Rest in Peace our sweet Aunt Ruby.
The family request that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 from 9 A.M. until 2:45 P.M. when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary will be prayed at 10:00 A.M.
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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Jerome Puyau

Vermilion Parish School Board gives Superintendent Jerome Puyau his 90-day notice

It looks like Vermilion Parish School Superintendent Jerome Puyau has 90 days left as the superintendent of the school system.
During Thursday’s special meeting, the Vermilion Parish School Board voted to begin the process of terminating Puyau.
The vote was 5-3 to give him a 90-day notice to end his employment as the superintendent of Vermilion Parish.
Voting for Puyau’s termination were Laura LeBeouf, Kibbie Pillette, Dale Stelly, Charlotte Detraz and Dr. David Dupuis.
Voting against his termination were Chris Gautreaux, Kristie Hebert and Jason Roy.
Puyau’s final day, according to a resolution read by school board attorney Bob Hammonds, will be March 20, 2020.
Hammonds read, “the board wants to begin the process of selecting a new superintendent” and “[end] their relationship with Puyau.”
Lane Roy, Puyau’s attorney, was on hand Thursday. “Certain school board members don’t want this superintendent. In my judgment, it is a termination.”
Roy said he will meet with Puyau soon to see what action he would like to take next. Roy may advise him to sue the school board.
Thus far, the school board has spent just over $80,000 investigating Puyau.
“They have spent close to $100,000 of taxpayers’ money investigating him.,” Roy added.
Gerald Gaspard, a retired veteran, addressed the school board during the public comment period. He was searching for answers as to why the school board wanted to terminate a superintendent who helped Vermilion reach No. 2 in the state. No school board member gave him an answer.
He closed by saying the board was “too coward” to answer.
In superintendent commentary, Puyau addressed the audience by saying if March 20 is his final day on the job, “I won’t be crying. When that last bell rings, I will be celebrating our success. What Vermilion has done is remarkable. A group of people have united and believed that we could do it. We have done it and will continue to do it.
“No one can stop me from being superintendent until that last bell rings.”

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Shirley Jean Jordan Mitchell Harrington

Shirley Jean Jordan Mitchell Harrington, a native of Orange, Texas and resident of Gonzales, LA., passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at the age of 71.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend to many who will be greatly missed. She was a loving, caring, spiritual lady who put God first and loved her family. She was extremely generous giving to others and always liked looking her best! In her favorite past times, she enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the holidays of Christmas and Easter. She is survived by five daughters, Faith Ann Martin (Todd), Charmin Martin (Gregg), Deanna Corley (Joseph), Rodesa Harrington, and Sammy Jo Harrington Brunner (Michael); three sons, Ricky Lee Harrington, Barry Harrington (Cynthia) and John Mitchell; five sisters; two brothers, along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Sammie Alwyn Mitchell; her parents, John L. Jordan and Dorothy Howard; two brothers, John W. Jordan and J.B. Primeaux; four grandchildren, Adam Mitchell, Josh Mitchell, Todd Martin, Jr. and Joseph Brown. The pallbearers will be Gregg Martin, Jr., Michael Martin, Marcus Martin, Kyle Martin, Jacob Dale Brunner and Samuel Corley. The honorary pallbearers will be Kirk Mitchell, Blake Mitchell, Austin Brunner and Win Revere. The family would like to give a special thanks to her loving husband of 41 years, James Harrington, the doctors and staff of Ochsner Hospital, the Carpenter House in Baton Rouge for their care and compassion with a very special thanks to Dr. Halina Polek-Nowakowska.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 16, 2019 from 9:00 am until the Mass of Christian Burial for 11:00 am at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Gonzales, LA. Father Eric Gyan will be officiating. Burial to follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Abbeville, LA. If you would like to offer the family condolences, please sign the online guestbook at www.oursofh.com.

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Joseph A. Guidry

September 13, 1932 ~ December 13, 2019

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 16, 2019 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Joseph A. Guidry, 87, who died Friday, December 13, 2019
He will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Reverend Louis Richard officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Cody Miller, Jenson Dennies, Damon Fontenot, Dennis LeBlanc, Keith Mouton and Eric Mouton.
Joseph was inducted in the Hall of Fame for Louisiana Cattle Festival in 2006 and 2009.
Joseph is survived by his daughters, Kim Guidry and Tina Guidry Miller (Cody); granddaughter, Lacy Dennies (Jenson); and a sister, Joyce Mathiew.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Trahan Guidry, son, Timothy Guidry; parents, Odeon and Theresa Guidry; and sister, Hazel Guidry Mayard.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, December 15, 2019 from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Monday, December 16, 2019 from 8:00 AM until 9:45 AM when the procession departs 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.

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William W. “Bill” Guidry, Jr.

June 2, 1927 ~ December 12, 2019

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of William W. “Bill” Guidry, Jr. 92, who died Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
He will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Father Donald Bernard officiating the services.
Bill loved spending time with his family, friends, and his cattle in Cankton.
Bill is survived by his sons, William W. “Toddy” Guidry III of Lafayette and Marcus Guidry (Jill) of Lafayette; daughters, Alyce Guidry Coppinger of Abbeville and Marcelle Guidry of Abbeville; sister, Dolores Bryan; and three grandchildren, Marcus Guidry Jr., Carmen Guidry and Zachary Guidry.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Broussard Guidry; parents, William W. Guidry, Sr. and the former Anna Courtney; daughter-in-law, Chris S. Guidry; and brother-in-law, Arthur H. Bryan.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 from 9:00 AM until 12:45 PM when the procession will depart for the church.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to his caregivers Yvette Sams, Cassie Roy and Dianne Harrison.
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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Abbeville Police Dept. offers holiday safety tips

​Chief of Police William “Bill” Spearman would like to wish all citizens a safe and joyous holiday season.
In order to ensure a happy holiday season, Chief Spearman would like to remind everyone of some basic safety precautions that we may occasionally forget:
• Be extra cautious to lock the doors to your home whenever you leave, even if it is only for a few minutes.
• If you go out for the evening, consider leaving a light, radio or a tv on to make it appear that someone is home.
• Burglars know how to look for hidden keys under doormats, fake rocks, plants, door ledges, etc. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or someone you can easily contact.
• Burglars prefer to go through unlocked doors or windows. This is especially true when an extension cord is ran through a window to decorations outside and prevent it from being secured.
• After Christmas day, don’t pile up empty boxes from expensive gifts such as tv’s, computers, etc., cut up the boxes or break them down to help conceal them better.
• While shopping, always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Shop before dark, if possible. Always try to park in a well-lit area.
• Whenever possible, shop with a friend.
• Load your gifts, etc. in the trunk, not the back seat of your vehicle where thieves can easily see your items.
• Have your keys in your hand readily available before you get to your car.
• Beware of strangers approaching you. Con-artists who pose as charity workers thrive this time of year, preying on the good nature and generosity of people. Before giving any money, ask questions and check credentials.
• NEVER Drink and Drive, nor allow anyone to do the same.
Chief Spearman said he would also like to remind all of the citizens that we are there, 24 hours a day, to serve you. We encourage all of our citizens to stay vigilant and contact us if you need. In addition to dialing 911, you can contact us at 893-2511. You may contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through the Tip411 system at the department’s Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/AbbevillePolice Department/, the official web page @ www.abbevillepd.com by clicking on the “Submit a Tip” link provided or through the official Abbeville Police Department app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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Hazel LeBouef Mouton

January 15, 1929 ~ December 12, 2019

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Hazel LeBouef Mouton, 90, who died Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Heart Hospital of Lafayette. She will be laid to rest at Hebert Cemetery with Father Donald Bernard officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Cobb LeBouef, Chip LeBouef, Scott Fatjo, Mark LeBlanc, Nick Fatjo and Michael Fatjo.
Hazel is survived by her five children, John Reed Mouton, Debbie LeBlanc and her husband Mark, Brady Mouton and his wife Belinda, Brenda Fatjo and her husband Scott, and Mike Mouton and his wife Crystal; grandchildren, Jade Adams, Lindsey LeBlanc and her fiancé Doug Bourque, Kristie Mouton, Nick Fatjo, Michael Fatjo, Alyssa Mouton and her fiancé Daniel Grey, and Megan Mouton; one great grandchild, Annabelle Bourque; and sisters-in-law, Jan Frederick and Kathleen LeBouef.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Mouton; parents, Relia and Corbett LeBouef, Sr.; brothers, Henry LeBouef, Harry LeBouef and Corbett LeBouef, Jr., M.D.; and sister, Helen Broussard.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 9:00 AM until 12:45 PM 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.

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Norris Istre

January 26, 1960 ~ December 11, 2019

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Norris Istre, 59, who died Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
He will be laid to rest at LeBlanc Community Cemetery with Deacon Byron Soley officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Barry Menard, Tommy Menard, Rickey Menard, Jr., Kevin Menard, Kenneth Suire, II, Terry LaPointe, Ashley Sonnier and Anthony Suire.
Norris is survived by his daughter, Ashley Sonnier; two step-daughters, Jennifer Barras and Anna Sonnier; step-son, Wilfred Sonnier; sister, Patricia Ann Menard and her husband Rickey; step-brother, Timothy Istre; and numerous nephews.
He was preceded in death by his lifetime companion of 24 years, Theresa Boudreaux Sonnier; parents, Edward Istre and Rose Hebert; sister, Alice Suire; and aunt, Alice Hebert.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM; Saturday, December 14, 2019 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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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