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Frances Conway

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 11:47am

ABBEVILLE – Funeral services will be conducted for Frances “Polly” Conway, age 75, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Frioux-David Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cody Bryant officiating. Entombment will follow at a later date.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.

A native of Morehead City North Carolina and resident of Abbeville, Frances P. Holland Conway passed away on Friday; January 17, 2025, at Abbeville General Hospital.

Francis “Polly” Conway, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 75. Known for her unwavering love for family, she cherished every moment with her grandchildren, finding immense joy in their laughter and milestones. Francis's 56-year marriage to her soulmate Roscoe was a testament to enduring love and commitment, a partnership marked by shared passions for salsa dancing and nostalgic evenings at the drive-in movies.

Throughout her life, Polly found fulfillment in her career and community. Beginning her journey at Hardee's Restaurant, she dedicated 18 years as a devoted manager, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and customers. An avid reader with a passion for historical fiction, she immersed herself in stories that enriched her understanding of the world. Francis's deep faith was central to her life; she found solace and camaraderie among her church family, where her Sundays were spent in worship and fellowship.

Francis will be remembered for her warm demeanor and genuine kindness. She had a remarkable ability to forge friendships effortlessly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy of love, faith, and compassion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Frances is survived by her husband of 56 years, Roscoe D. Conway, Sr.; her three children, David A. Conway, Sr., Roscoe Conway, Jr., Tabitha Lynn Conway; grandchildren, David A. Conway Jr. and his wife Ashley, Kaylee Conway; great-grandchildren, Marley Caine Conway, Gabrielle B. Conway, Rebekah Conway; siblings, Thelma Barselow, Cindy Gould, Clifford Smith, Dawn Holland, Hugh Holland, Jr., and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents, Hugh, and Hilda Mae Smith Holland; one grandchild, Benjamin Conway, and two siblings, Janet Cook and Kenny Vinston.

The family would like to thank the staff of Abbeville General for their kindness and support.

Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org

Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville, 2600 Charity St. 337-893-3777 is handling the funeral arrangements.

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Kaplan Mayor says water will not turned off

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 11:44am

KAPLAN - Kaplan Mayor Mike Kloesel issued the following message Monday regarding the upcoming freezing temperatures:
“I am getting a lot of texts, calls, and messages asking if we are turning off water.

“No, we will never turn off water, especially during a freeze, standing water freezes way too quick! I'm not sure how that got started, but no, we are not turning off water.

“I will ask you to please conserve water and IF you let your faucets drip, please do exactly that, and let the just drip... SLOWLY. Remember, you buy your water, don't waste it.

“We still recommend that you turn your water off at your personal valve if you feel that your pipes are in jeopardy of freezing, simply turn your valve off and drain the water from your faucets inside the house.

“By now your should have taken all precautions that you can for the upcoming freeze. It will be a hard freeze and you have today yet to prepare.

The phone number for emergency city services is 337-643-8600, this is for emergency situations only please.

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Abbeville Mayor White provides update on preparation for upcoming freezing temperatures

Sun, 01/19/2025 - 1:03pm

Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White released the following statement on Sunday regarding the freezing temperatures that will impact the area in the coming days:
“With upcoming freezing temperatures, we are asking residents to make the necessary preparations to homes now and prepare to shelter in place beginning Tuesday, should road conditions deteriorate. DOTD will be working on maintaining major highway systems including Hwy 14 bypass and Hwy 167 in Abbeville along with others. Even with preparations, roadways can be dangerous in snow and ice. Current predictions look like about 36 hours of below freezing temperatures with chance of winter precipitation beginning early Tuesday morning. Local streets will remain open, but we are asking people to use common sense, reduce unnecessary travel, and stay off roadways as they begin to ice over. In the coming hours, you should start seeing updates from multiple agencies. We are all preparing for the worst and adjusting operation plans as the forecast changes.
“Don’t forget to wrap your pipes and take necessary additional preventative precautions, check on your elderly family and friends and bring pets indoors. We also ask all residents to check for busted water pipes often and shut off any leaks as soon as possible to help to preserve water systems.”
If you observe a water lead that is not on your property, please report it to the city by calling 337-893-8550.
“The coming days will put a strain on resources, but we stand ready to get through this as a community,” White added.

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George Bell "Buzzy" Thomson, Jr.

Sun, 01/19/2025 - 12:42pm

George Bell “Buzzy” Thomson, Jr., a native of Franklin and a resident of Lafayette, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at his residence surrounded by friends and family. He was 69.
He is survived by his wife, Constance Johnson Thomson; two sons, John William Thomson and his wife, Whitney, and Michael George Thomson, all of Lafayette; stepchildren, Matthew Edward Taylor and his wife, Heather, of Chattanooga, TN, and Constance Ann Taylor, of Lafayette; two grandchildren, William Hayes Thomson and Elizabeth Grace Thomson; and step grandchild, Lennon James Taylor. He is also survived by two brothers, Byron Craig Thomson and his wife, Janine, and Stephen Scull Thomson and his wife, Bonnie, all of Lafayette.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Beth Scull Thomson and George Bell Thomson, Sr., of Franklin, and stepson Myles William Taylor, of Lafayette.
Buzzy was born and raised in Franklin, LA where he grew up on his parents’ beautiful plantation, Oaklawn Manor. He was a member of the Hanson Memorial High School class of 1973. After high school, Buzzy moved to Baton Rouge where he attended Louisiana State University. Following school, he joined his brother Stephen at their company, Pelican Real Estate, which they successfully grew into Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate. Also in partnership with his brother Stephen, Buzzy established Thomson Brothers Construction Company and Custom Steel Erectors of LA, two well-respected commercial construction businesses. Under his 30-year leadership, the businesses successfully expanded and flourished, leaving a secure foundation upon his retirement. Buzzy was an active member of the Acadiana Home Builders Association, in which he served as President in 2000.
An avid outdoorsman, Buzzy found solace and excitement in hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He loved nothing more than being in a duck blind with his sons and grandson. He was a beloved member of the Salty Acres Hunting Club where one would often find him in the kitchen cooking up one of his delicious meals. Buzzy was also a lifelong fan of LSU sports. His passion for the Tigers was contagious and evident to those who were lucky enough to watch a game with him.
Buzzy’s constant companion was his yellow lab, Elle. Their bond was unbreakable, and Elle was often by his side during his many adventures.
While Buzzy had many interests, his greatest passion was his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, his family was his greatest source of pride and joy.
Visitation will be observed on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Martin & Castille's St. Landry location, with a funeral Mass to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen will be the Celebrant of the Mass and will officiate at the services. Entombment will be held in St. John Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Lafayette.
Pallbearers will be John William Thomson, Michael George Thomson, Matthew Edward Taylor, Ryan Matthew Thomson, Scott Pierce Thomson, and Cooper Taylor Thomson.
Special thanks to Brad Broussard, MD, Philippe Prouet, MD, Kyle Russo, MD and Brian Etier, MD.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of George Bell "Buzzy" Thomson, Jr. to Arc of Acadiana. https://arcofacadiana.org/donate-to-arc-of-acadiana/
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com.
Martin & Castille - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street Lafayette, LA. 70506 337-234-2311.

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Rosa Belle “Shoo Shoon” Clostio

Fri, 01/17/2025 - 10:30am

January 27, 1928 — January 13, 2025

KAPLAN — A Funeral Service officiated by Reverend Suresh Mathangi will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan honoring the life of Rosa Belle "Shoo Shoon" Clostio, 96, who passed away on January 13, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan on Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Anne Cemetery.
She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte C Detraz (Johnny) of Abbeville; five grandchildren, Deirdre (Paige), Suzanne, Cody (Brittany), Tyler, and Jacob; six great-grandchildren, Marie, Isabella, Lucy, Kenedi, Kennslyn, and Kullen.
She is preceded in death by her father, Rudolph Nunez; her mother, the former Irene Nunez; her husband, Melvin Clostio; one daughter, Tina Broussard; one son, Regan Clostio; and one son-in-law, Johnny B.
Pallbearers will be Rufus Hebert, Paige Melancon, Cody Broussard, Tyler Broussard, Brody Stelly, and Marie Lemoine. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Detraz, Rudy Hebert, Danny Nunez, and Brian Hargrave.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Kandice Thibodeaux and all the staff of Our Lady of Lourdes.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.

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Frank Paul Monceaux

Fri, 01/17/2025 - 10:29am

Frank Paul Monceaux was born on January 12, 1951, in Gueydan, LA, and peacefully passed away on January 15, 2025, at his residence with his devoted family by his side. While his ailment may have taken him from this earth too soon, it never robbed him of his love for his family.
Frank was a third-generation rice and soybean farmer, and, later in his career, he also farmed crawfish. For a while, he prepared meals for local hunting camps and fed hunters their bounty with flavor through his favorite recipes. Once he “retired”, he hauled crops for Mr. Trevor Hair and shared his knowledge with younger farmers so that they, too, may carry forth the livelihood with their families.
We choose to remember him for the hard work ethic he bestowed on each of us. The kindness and compassion he showed to us and the tough love he gave when we needed it most. He showed us how to relax after the work is done and have fun and love through it all.
For this one farmer the worries are over and struggles enough. It is time to reap the fields of golden wheat and bask in the Glory of The Son. Your work here is done - park the truck, put the tractor in the shed, put away your tools and rest in peace. We will close the gate for you, Daddy.
Frank leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Debra Monceaux and his four children, Kayla (Bobby) Wood, Julie (Steve) Monceaux, Jason (Kim) Monceaux and Kevin Monceaux. He loved his nine grandchildren, Austin (Alyssa) Wood, Ashley Wood, Brianne (John) Compton, Ariel Guidry, Alexis Monceaux, Aaron Monceaux, Matthew Verdine, Lars Monceaux and Londin Monceaux. He also was blessed with thirteen great grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and LouDella Monceaux; his paternal grandparents, Fred and Evelyn Monceaux; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Ada Vincent. Also, loyally awaiting Frank, with his tail wagging in anticipation, is Keystone, his beloved Yorkie and the favorite child.
Visitation will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, starting at 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Miguez Funeral Home in Lake Arthur. It will resume on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Troy Duhon officiating, in the Miguez Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will take place in the Gueydan Cemetery, under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.
Carrying him to his final resting place are Brandon Badon, Luke Monceaux, Lance Monceaux, Joshua Vincent, Kaden Guidry and Regan Istre. Honorary pall bearers will be Aaron Monceaux and Lars Monceaux.

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CHESTER J. HENRY

Wed, 01/15/2025 - 10:51am

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milton, for Chester J. Henry, age 79, who passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. The family requests that visitation be observed at Martin & Castille's SOUTHSIDE location on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., and continued on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the time of services. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be led by Linda Dartez on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Reverend William Schambough will serve as the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and officiate the services.
Chester J. Henry, known affectionately as Ches to his friends and family, passed away suddenly on January 14, 2025, in Lafayette, LA, due to complications with leukemia. Born on December 5, 1945 in Kaplan, LA, Ches lived a life marked by enthusiasm, love and a steadfast optimism that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
Ches was a man of admirable character and was loved deeply by his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosa Bernard Henry, with whom he shared a beautiful and unwavering partnership of 18 years. He was a cherished father to his children: Chad Henry (Stacy), Faithann Bran (Luis), Clifton Henry (Shana), Jonathan (JP) Henry (Tori), Hope McClelland (Joe), and Jade (Jess). His legacy continues through his sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy and pride. He was the beloved brother of Gloria Champine (Roger), Lud Henry (Christine), Belinda Boudreaux (Ashley), and Ernie Henry (Kim).
Awaiting Chester when he arrived home with his Heavenly father was his parents, Ludness and Theresa Dubois Henry, his sister, Brenda Henry, and his three infant brothers.
After attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) on a football scholarship in 1964, Ches built a reputable career as a welder at Cameron Ironworks, dedicating 30 years of service. His commitment and work ethic were as strong as the bonds he forged with his colleagues and within his community. Ches's passion for sports was a defining aspect of his life. A true sports fanatic, he reveled in the excitement of the game, whether it was cheering for his beloved New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers, UL Ragin' Cajuns, Nicholls Colonels, or his Berwick High School Panthers, however Sunday game day was his favorite and his house was filled with cheering and excitement. His pride swelled when watching his great-grandson Jayden play football for Nicholls University. Ches found great joy in supporting his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in all their athletic endeavors.
Those who knew Ches would describe him as spirited, loving, and unwaveringly optimistic. His presence was a source of energy and encouragement, and he had a unique ability to uplift others with his infectious spirit. Ches lived by the words of Helen Keller: "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." This quote perfectly encapsulates the ethos by which Ches led his life-a life characterized by hope and the confidence to face challenges with a positive outlook.
Ches's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him, but his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. His was a life lived to the fullest, rich in experiences, and abundant in love. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
We will gather to celebrate Ches's life and honor his memory. His story will be told with smiles and laughter, as he would have wished, reflecting on the joy and happiness he brought to us all. Chester J. Henry's life was a testament to the power of positivity and the enduring strength of family and community. He will be deeply missed, but his light will continue to shine in the memories we hold dear.
"When we get to the end of our lives together, the house we had, the cars we drove, the things we had won't matter. What will matter, is that I had you and you had me."
Pallbearers will be Logan Bran, Parker Bran, Brennon Henry, Tahner Raphael, Jayden Milton and Ryder McClelland.
We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Henry family by visiting "Share a Memory" on Chester's online obituary and tribute wall at www.mourning.com.
Martin & Castille - SOUTHSIDE, 600 E. Farrel Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, 337-984-2811.

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