RSS Feed

Donna Kaye Bourque Abshire

Wed, 02/26/2025 - 9:47am

September 27, 1954 ~ February 23, 2025

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me.”
With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away and although we love you dearly we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

ABBEVILLE — A Memorial Service will be held at Vincent Funeral Home – Abbeville on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. honoring the life of Donna Kaye Bourque Abshire 70, who passed away on February 23, 2025, at her residence. Deacon William “Billy” Vincent will officiate at the funeral service. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery.
Donna was born on September 27, 1954, in Abbeville, LA.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home – Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Donna is survived by her sons, Shawn Broussard and his wife, CeCe of Katy, TX, and Brett Doucet and his wife, Elizabeth of Ville Platte; daughter, Tara Broussard and her fiancé, John of Maurice; seven grandchildren, Hayden Guillory, Aida-lyse Johnson, Gaige Barrilleaux, Anna Barrilleaux, Ellie Doucet, Millie Doucet, and Baylor Doucet; and sisters, Judith Broussard (Dudley), Carliss Sellers (Nolan), Paulette McCloskey, and Becky Andrus (John).
She is preceded in death by her spouse, Calvin Abshire; and parents, Peterman Bourque and the former Nita Mary Boutte.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

How much will Vermilion Parish School System's budget be short?

Tue, 02/25/2025 - 10:47am

The school superintendent and the chief financial officer might debate about the specific amount the school budget will be lacking ...

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.

Mayor Roslyn White speaks to members of the Rotary Club of Abbeville on Wednesday.

‘There are a lot of moving parts’

Tue, 02/25/2025 - 10:44am

Designed in the late 1960s, the city of Abbeville’s water plant went online in the early 70s. The plant received upgrades ...

Rachel Touchet Mouton

Rachel Touchet Mouton running for District B seat on Abbeville City Council

Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:54am

Hello, my name is Rachel Touchet Mouton, and I am running for Abbeville City Council District B. I have been a resident in Abbeville for 23 years. I have been married to Jeremy Mouton for 8 years, and a proud mother of Matthew, an enlisted U.S. Navy member. Having worked for Walmart for 32 years, 6 years in management and 20 years in HR, I possess extensive knowledge of our community and demonstrate a commitment to hard work. I am also a dedicated community member and advocate.
My goal for District B in Abbeville is to promote family values and to be transparent with all whom I represent. I will work hand and hand with city officials to continue to make Abbeville a better place for our current generation and for those to come. Together we can build a better Abbeville.
I humbly ask for your support and vote on March 29, 2025 for a special election. Early voting is March 15 -22, 2025. Thank you Rachel Touchet Mouton.

Paid for by
Rachel Touchet Mouton

Francis Plaisance

Plaisance seeks District B seat on the Abbeville City Council

Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:53am

Francis J. Plaisance announces his candidacy in the March 29 special election to fill the District B seat on the Abbeville City Council. Early voting is set for March 15-22, 2025. The public is encouraged to vote in this important special election.
“I will represent my constituents as a voice of integrity and experience while working with the current administration to move Abbeville forward,” Plaisance said. “My proven ability to lead, to compromise, and to work as a team member, qualifies me for this position on the City Council.”
During his previous sixteen years as the Councilman at Large, Plaisance also served as Mayor Pro-Tem for twelve years and proved himself an asset to the City.
Notably, he spear-headed the two necessary salary increases for the Police Department, the Fire Department, and the City of Abbeville employees.
In addition, Plaisance is the founder of the beautiful Lafitte Drive-In Park, located at 117 N. John Hardy Drive. If elected, he hopes to develop the park further. Moreover, he was co-founder of the Abbeville Film and Visitors Commission and founder of the Cake and Ice-Cream Festival.
Plaisance is well-known for his previous remarkable leadership with the Louisiana Cattle Festival, having served as Grand Parade Chairman for 25 years, President for 20 years, Vice President for two years, and board member for 26 years.
“I will accept the challenges of this City Council seat with enthusiasm, energy, and a vision for the future, while working with the current Mayor and Council,” Plaisance added. “I will respect all citizens that I represent and address their concerns.”
Plaisance retired with 25 years of service as a State of Louisiana employee, having served in the Department of Social Services as a Child Protection Investigator, after working with Louisiana Job Service for several years.
Numerous community organizations have benefitted from Plaisance’s service. He was a Charter Member and Board Member of the Abbeville Military Museum; past Vice President and Charter Board Member of the Vermilion Domestic Abuse Intervention Program; and Charter Member and Board Member of the original Riceland Little League. Plaisance is a former member of the Abbeville Lions Club, Abbeville Recreation Board, and Horseman Association of Southwest Louisiana Board of Trustees.
Plaisance earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL) in 1976, as well as an Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Christian College in Winchester, Kentucky, where he was ordained a minister, after months of church work in Appalachia. He served as pastor of the Abbeville Church of Christ for 13 years and currently serves as a Board Member, as well as teaching Sunday School and preaching part-time.
Plaisance has received numerous civic awards. He was the “What I Want To Be and Why” Rotary Club essay contest winner while attending Abbeville High School; Outstanding Employee Award winner by the Louisiana Council on Child Abuse, Lafayette Region, in 1992; Louisiana Cattle Festival President’s Award winner in both 1997 and 2001; and Volunteer of the Year Award winner, Louisiana Fair and Festivals, Division II, in 2002. Plaisance was also selected as the 2005 Krewe of Vermilion Parade Grand Marshall, the 2005 Outstanding Citizen by Woodman of the World Life Insurance Society, and American Legion Post 29 Citizen of the Year in 2013.
Francis Plaisance and his wife, the former Vana Johnson, are the parents of Ladessa Plaisance LeBlanc and the late Francis “Fran” Plaisance, Jr. They are the grandparents of Kallen LeBlanc, a ULL nursing student, and Caden LeBlanc, a VC student. Plaisance is the son of the late Galton and Lois Plaisance of Abbeville.
“I will continue to dedicate my life to this City and its people,” Plaisance said. “Please remember to vote in this important special election on March 29 or during Early Voting, March 15-22, 2025. Thank you for considering me for the District B seat on the Abbeville City Council. I look forward to the opportunity of serving you again.”
The public is invited to contact Francis Plaisance at (337) 652-0646 or ragin70510@yahoo.com or at facebook.com/Ragin76.

Paid for by
Francis Plaisance

Mrs. Joseph Paul Martin

Miss Elizabeth Noel Anastasia Romero & Mr. Joseph Paul Martin United in Matrimony

Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:49am

Miss Elizabeth Noel Anastasia Romero of Maurice, LA and Mr. Joseph Paul Martin of Maurice, LA were united in Matrimony during a 5:00 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Cypress Grove in Eunice, LA. Officiating the ceremony was Angelique Johnson.
The bride is the daughter of Melvin and Beth Romero of Abbeville, LA. The bride’s grandparents are Douglas and Ruby Romero of Abbeville, LA and Lonnie and Patricia Scott of New Iberia, LA and the late Patricia LeBlanc Scott of Jeanerette, LA.
The groom is the son of Andy and Heidi Martin of New Iberia, LA and Traci LeBlanc. The groom’s grandparents are Ricky and Carliss Martin of New Iberia, LA and Mike and Patsy Jenkins of Bogalusa, LA and Tom and JoAnn Parker of New Iberia, LA.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory Maggie Sottero “Annisa” satin sheath wedding gown. Her gown featured a deep illusion V-neckline with a plunging illusion scoop back neckline that was adorned with pearls and had double covered satin buttons that trailed down the hemline. She wore a cathedral length tulle veil that was embellished with scattered pearls and crystals.
She carried a bouquet of ivory and taupe peonies with silver dollar eucalyptus, pheasant feathers and accenting ribbons in cream, taupe and copper. Entwined in her bouquet was a cream color, crystal beaded and tatted handmade rosary made for her by a great aunt.
The bride designed and handmade her bouquet and the bouquets and boutonnieres for the bridal party.
Sarah Vaughan, the sister of the bride served as Matron of Honor. Serving as Bridesmaids were Tyler Romero Noel (cousin of the bride), Cloie Martin (sister of the groom) and Jacob Gerard (cousin of the bride). They all wore black formals of their choosing.
Ella Marie Vaughan, niece and (Godchild of the bride and groom) and Rikki Denise Martin (Godchild of the groom), served as flower girls, they wore floral puff sleeved dresses in soft with pearl tiaras.
Elliot Bridges friend of the groom, served as the best man. Groomsmen were Hunter Monte, Cole Maturin and Trent Nguyen friends of the groom, and Benjamin Romero brother of the bride.
Serving as ring bearers were Weston Hayes Dauterive, cousin of the groom and Korben Reed Vaughan, infant groomsman, nephew and Godchild of the bride.
Following the ceremony a reception was held at Cypress Grove in Eunice.
The Bride’s cake was made by Heidi Broussard and the Groom’s cake was made by Heidi Martin, mother of the groom.
The Groom’s parents honored their son and his bride elect along with the wedding party at a dinner on the eve of their wedding at Cypress Cove in Eunice, LA.
Following a wedding trip to Tennessee and Arkansas the couple will reside in Maurice, LA.

Protein Power

Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:46am

Starting your day with a healthy, high-protein breakfast has a huge impact in furnishing energy for the ...

Ronnie James Lee

Fri, 02/21/2025 - 4:10pm

ABBEVILLE- A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Graceland Cemetery honoring the life of Ronnie James Lee, 83, who passed away on February 21, 2025, at his residence. Rev. Cynthia (Cindy) L. Luquette, Pastor at Abbeville United Methodist Church will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be Dennis Thibodeaux, Terry Ledet, Ronnie Denais, Phillip Luquette, Ted Luquette, and Jeb Barras.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lee; son, Al Lee (Leisa); grandchildren, Anna Barras (Jeb), Aaron Lee (Jamie), and Bret Lee; and great-grandchildren; John Luke, Reagan, Ryder Barras, and A.J. Lee.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Renette Lee; and brother, Garner Lee.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.