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Francis William LaCour

January 25, 1932 ~ December 27, 2024

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Danny Picard will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. James in Esther, LA, honoring the life of Francis William LaCour, 92, who passed away on December 27, 2024 at his residence.
A visitation will take place at St. James Church on Monday, December 30, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a Rosary being prayed at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery.
Francis was born and raised in Vermilion Parish and farmed cattle, rice, soybeans, and crawfish throughout his life. After serving in the Korean War, he returned home to begin his farming career and marry his high school sweetheart, Shirley Picard. Francis continued farming until the age of 86 and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Shirley Picard LaCour; one son, David F. LaCour (Diane); two daughters, Louise L. Broussard (Edwin) and Nancy L. Clapp; three sisters: Dorothy Driggers, Betty Mouton, and Beverly Landry. Francis is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Marie B. Hebert, Claire Broussard, Melissa LaCour, Travis Clapp, Christine LaCour, Leanne C. Pousson (Sean), Aimee LaCour, Leslie L. Doeseckle (John), David LaCour Jr. (Renee), and Michael LaCour (Maria), as well as his five great grandchildren: Mia Broussard, Lukas Hebert, Juliana Hebert, Kennedi O'Quinn, and Dean Pousson.
He is preceded in death by his father, Dedier LaCour; mother, Celeste Cessac LaCour; brother, Ray LaCour and his wife Jean; brother-in-law, Howard Driggers; brother-in-law, Marc Mouton; brother-in-law, James Landry and son-in-law, Noel Clapp.
Pallbearers will be Travis Clapp, David LaCour Jr., Michael LaCour, Edwin Broussard, David Simon, and Sean Pousson.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Rose Carlin Suire

ERATH — A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Rose Carlin Suire, 89, will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, with Father Clinton Sensat officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery in Delcambre.
Visitation will open at 9 a.m., on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath until the time of service. A Recitation of the Rosary, by Melody Suire, will be at 10 a.m.
A native of Abbeville and lifelong resident of Erath, Mrs. Rose Carlin Suire, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at 1:20 a.m. Rose was known for her incredible work ethic, her passion for cooking, and her commitment to organization and cleanliness. A true homemaker at heart, her greatest joy was always her family. She dedicated her life to raising her children, instilling in them the values of hard work, love, and dedication. Once her children were grown, Rose followed her heart and enlisted in nursing school. Her compassion and tireless spirit made her an exceptional caregiver. Additionally, Rose spent thirteen years as the Head Janitor at Erath Middle School, where her dedication was evident. The school’s cleanliness and shine were a testament to her meticulous nature. She made sure the halls sparkled, earning her admiration from students and faculty alike. Rose was married to the love of her life, Leo, for forty-nine wonderful years. Together, they created a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Known for her culinary skills, Rose’s kitchen was always filled with the delicious aromas of her famous potato hash, hearty gumbos, and beloved rice and gravy dishes. Her family and friends will forever remember her as an extraordinary cook who made every meal a celebration. Rose’s memory will live on through her loving children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched throughout her years. Her devotion to her family, her work, and her community will continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing her.
Mrs. Rose Carlin Suire is survived by two sons, Timmy Suire and wife Sandra of Delcambre, and Dean Suire of Delcambre; six daughters, Susan Suire and companion Leroy Broussard of Erath, Tammy Sonnier of Delcambre, Phyllis Touchet and husband Kendell of Erath, Phallie Reed and husband Weston of Erath, Babs Touchet and husband Chad of Houston, and Jan Broussard and husband Colby of Abbeville; one daughter-in-law, Melody Suire, and a legacy of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Leo Suire; one son, Terry Suire; her parents, Joseph Numa Carlin and Azelie Luquette Carlin; one brother, Harrison Carlin; and one sister, Lorenia Myers.
Pallbearers will be Colby Broussard, Weston Reed, Chad Touchet, Derrick Sonnier, Kendell Touchet, and Leroy Broussard.
Mrs. Rose’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Maison du Monde Living Center, Traditions Health Hospice Care, and Dr. Ronald Lahasky for the incredible care given to her.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam Street (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

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Lydia May Hebert

January 7, 1947 ~ December 22, 2024

Psalm 37:29 says, “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.”
Lydia May Hebert, a loved mother and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully at 2:12 a.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024, surrounded by her family in Maurice, LA. Born on January 7, 1947, in Abbeville, she lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her God and family, despite facing her share of challenges.
Family and friends are encouraged to remember their memories with her and celebrate her beautiful spirit and the love she so generously gave to all.
Lydia was a true caregiver at heart, dedicating her life to helping others in her ministry and her work with home health. She had an infectious personality that could light up a room and a wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around her. Her family meant the world to her, especially her two grandchildren, Destiné and Joshua, whom she adored deeply. In fact, she was the one who proudly chose her grandson's name.
Lydia's love for gardening was well-known: she spent countless hours tending to her flower beds, enjoying the beauty of creation like butterflies, dragonflies, and hummingbirds in her yard. She was a God-fearing woman who wanted nothing more than for her family and friends to know the truth about her Creator, Jehovah God.
She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Trahan Green; grandchildren, Destiné Jade Trahan and Joshua Dakota Sias; best friend, Sable Vaughn; sisters-in-law, Laura G. Hebert and Joyce Hebert; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, Ignace Hebert, Sr. and the former Clementine Hebert; husband, Elray J. Trahan; five siblings, Ignace Hebert, Jr., Victor Hebert, Dudley Hebert, Louis Hebert, and Olite Breaux; and three stillborn daughters, Natalie, Audrey, and Baby Trahan.
Lydia will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Special thanks go out to the wonderful staff at Maison du Monde (Abbeville), Pelican Pointe (Maurice), and Traditions Hospice, especially Katie, Erica, Reese, Alicia, Julie, and everyone else who touched her life during her final days.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vincent Funeral Home 209 S. Saint Charles St. Abbeville, LA (337) 893-4661.

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Natravien Landry

Abbeville National Guard soldier arrested for murder

Natravien Landry allegedly killed another soldier

A National Guard soldier in Georgia is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing a man he found with the mother of his child.
Natravien Landry, 25, of Abbeville, an Army National Guard soldier assigned to the 1148th Transportation Company at Fort Eisenhower, is charged with one count of murder, Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, said in a statement.
The victim was identified by Fort Eisenhower as U.S. Army Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr., Stars and Stripes, WRDW, and The Augusta Press report.
“Our Fort Eisenhower team suffered a tragedy this weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with a grieving family,” Maj. Gen. Ryan Janovic, commanding general of the Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower, said in a statement obtained by Stars and Stripes. “I commend the swift action of our entire team and our community partners, who together are committed to safety, security, and care for those in pain.”
The victim – Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr. of Clarksville, Tenn., an Army reservist out of Fort Meade, Md. – died at a hospital about an hour after being shot in the chest around 7:30 a.m. Saturday in a family housing unit on the post, according to investigators.
The suspect – Natravien Landry, 25, a guardsman from Abbeville, La. – is accused of fatally shooting Stewart. He was arrested south of Atlanta three hours after the shooting.
Stewart’s family wants to make sure how he died does not define the life he lived and the person he was.
“We are a faith-driven family,” said Debra Garner, Stewart’s cousin. “He was raised in a church, his mother is one of faith as well as his uncle who is a bishop. I’m a pastor, and he’s always been surrounded by strong role models and people who believe in the Lord.”
His family calls him a gentle giant with a heart of gold and unshakeable faith.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, Landry allegedly visited the residence in post housing at Fort Eisenhower of a woman with whom Landry has a child, the U.S. Attorney said.
“Landry is accused of assaulting and shooting a man who was with the woman in her residence, and then leaving Fort Eisenhower,” the U.S. Attorney said in the statement.
Per an Army investigator’s affidavit obtained by ABC News, Landry confronted a man who had spent the night at his ex’s home, assaulting and fatally shooting him.
Landry was arrested about three hours later south of Atlanta on Interstate 85 during a traffic stop by the Meriwether County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies recovered a 9 mm pistol during the stop, the statement alleges. The U.S. Marshals Service took Landry into custody and took him to the Lincoln County Jail to await a court hearing.

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Robert James Ardoin

August 29, 1939 - December 9, 2024

A Catholic Mass of remembrance will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church on December 27, 2024 at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. Daniel Picard, honoring the life of Robert J. Ardoin, who passed away on December 9, 2024 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.
Robert was born on April 29, 1939 in Abbeville. “Poncho”, as he was known to his family and friends, attended Mount Carmel and graduated in 1959. In 1963 he graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a degree in history. He lived in New Orleans until 2005 when he and his wife, Emilia, moved to Lantana, FL. In 2021 he moved to Springfield, IL to be near his son and his family.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who made friends easily. He was a published author of short stories and a prolific poet. He is fondly remembered by his friends as a vibrant storyteller. He loved history and valued learning. When he married his wife of 37 and a half years, Emilia who was from Guatemala, he endeavored to learn Spanish to help deepen the connection with her side of the family. He was a devout Catholic who loved God. He gave The Lord praise in everything he did and shared His message of love and joy with everyone he met.
He is survived by his son, Robert B. Ardoin and spouse Angela C. Ardoin, two grandchildren Daniel Paul Ardoin and Charles “Charlie” Emile Ardoin of Springfield, IL; his sisters, Antonia “Toni” Ardoin and Verna Lee Ardoin of Abbeville, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Emilia Lima Ardoin; his parents, M.J. “Doc” Ardoin, Sr. and Leona C. Ardoin; his siblings, M.J. Ardoin, Jr., Natalie Ardoin Primeaux, and Marlene Ardoin Wall.
He will be interred with his wife, Emilia, at All Saints Mausoleum in New Orleans, LA at a later date.

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Lou Anna Landry

ABBEVILLE — Memorial services for Lou Anna Landry are scheduled for 11;00 A.M. Saturday, December, 21, 2024 in the chapel of Kinchen Funeral Home - 218 N. St. Valarie Street (337) 898-9595. Rev. Harris Antoine will officiate the service.
Mrs. Lou Anna Landry answered the call from her heavenly father on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Oschner Lafayette General. Mrs. Landry was born in Erath, La to Anethal and Rena George of Erath on February 2, 1950. Mrs. Lou Anna Landry was reared in Erath. She loved watching football, and baseball, and spending her Sundays connecting with her family in Texas and Baton Rouge.
Mrs. Lou Anna Landry leaves to cherish many fond memories of her husband, Lawrence Landry Sr. of 47 years, son Lawrence Landry Jr. of Houston, TX, a special granddaughter, Paige Landry of Houston, TX. One brother, Daniel (Barbara) George of Erath, 2 sisters, Laura Jolly of Abbeville and Elizabeth George of Erath. 7 nieces, Christine Cannon of Erath, Joycelyn Cannon of Colorado, Carla (Mac) Sinegal of Houston, TX Danielle George of Erath, Jody (Joe) Ashley, and Katrina (Chris) Jolly, both of Abbeville, and Shelia George of Breaux Bridge. 4 nephews Brandon George, Bradley George, Jason George, and Norman Cannon Jr. all of Erath. She also leaves memories to a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Anethal and Rena George, Brother Rufus George, sister Peggy Cannon, brother-in-law Norman Cannon and grandparents, Father and mother in law Gustin and Hilda Landry, brother-in-law Clayton Landry and Augustin “June “Landry.
Condolences to the family may be expressed on our website at www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.

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Guy Bourque for Kaplan takes a jump shot behind the 3-point line.

Kaplan splits with Crowley

KAPLAN - The Lady Pirates of Kaplan ended a three-game losing streak last week after beating Crowley 55-31.
The victory improves Kaplan to 4-7 on theuyear.
Makayla Davenport had a great game for Kaplan. She scored 16 points to lead the team.
She made 3 three pointers.
Liberty Greene added 13 points. Drew Kass scored six and Lexi Green made five for KHS.
In boys action, the Gents beat the Pirates 72-44.
Kaplan at one time in the second quarter closed to within three points, 18-15, but could not catch up.
Rashad Boudreaux and Blaiyd Michael scored eight points for Kaplan.
Javonte Mouton chipped in five.

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NV’s Joci Delino (left) and Abigail Duhon (8) try to break through Northlake Christian’s defensive line

North Vermilion soccer teams get big wins

LEROY - The North Vermilion Lady Patriots soccer team has won three straight and improved to 7-5 overall.
In North Vermilion’s seven wins, six wins have been shutouts.
Acadiana High scored two goals in the Lady Patriots 3-2 win.
In the last three games, the Lady Patriots have outscored their opponents 15-0.
They have beaten David Thibodaux (3-0), Pearl River (5-0) and Morgan City (7-0).
In the win over Pearl River, senior captain Joci Delino scored two goals. Other scorers were junior Duyen Reaux (1 goal), freshman Aubrey Donner (1 goal), and sophomore Abigail Hebert (1 goal).
In the victory over Morgan City, Delino scored three goals, junior Duyen Reaux scored two goals and an assist. Junior Kylie Lassister had a goal and an assist. Duhon also scored a goal.

NV boys...1
Tara.........0

The North Vermilion boys soccer team has won four out of its last five games, including a big win earlier this week.
The Patriots beat Tara this past week to improve to 6-3-2 overall.
Hunter Buford scored the Patriots’ only goal against Tara.
It was a huge win for the Patriots because going into the match, Tara was undefeated at 9-0.
As of Thursday, North Vermilion is No. 9 in power point ranking in Divison II. Tara (9-1) is No. 10.
Teurlings (8-0) is No. 1 in power ranking.

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Broc Prejean, head coach at VC.

GeauxPreps.com website names Broc Prejean as Class A coach of the year

GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

Vermilion Catholic’s Broc Prejean has been named the GeauxPreps Class 1A Coach of the Year after leading the Screaming Eagles to a perfect 14-0 season and their third state championship in school history.
Under Prejean’s guidance, Vermilion Catholic dominated their path to the Division IV Select title, capping off the season with a 33-0 shutout victory over Kentwood in the semifinals and a 33-21 victory over #11 Ouachita Christian in the state title game. Prejean’s squad became one of only two teams in Louisiana to complete an undefeated season in 2024.
The Screaming Eagles proved their strength throughout the season with significant regular-season victories over Loreauville, Erath, Riverside, and Ascension Episcopal, setting the tone for their postseason success. They powered through the playoffs with strong performances, including a 47-17 win over Westminster Christian in the regional round and a 60-20 rout of St. Edmund in the quarterfinals. The team was led by Most Outstanding Player, Jonathan Dartez, who solidified his place in Louisiana high school football history by setting the career touchdown record with 173 and adding four more scores in the title game.
The 2024 championship adds to Vermilion Catholic’s storied history, which now includes state titles in 2013 and 2003. Prejean’s leadership has cemented the Screaming Eagles as one of the premier programs in Class 1A and earned him the well-deserved honor of being named GeauxPreps Class 1A Coach of the Year.

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Jonathan Dartez is voted the top offensive player in Class A.

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Allen McLain III

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Jackson Trahan

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Luke McLain

VC's Dartez named top Class A offensive player of the year

Four Eagles land on All-State team

By Chris Singleton

Written for the LSWA

Vermilion Catholic and Kentwood enjoyed memorable runs through the LHSAA Division IV select playoff bracket this season.
The two teams met in the semifinals with the winner advancing to Prep Classic championship game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Although Vermilion Catholic rolled to a 33-0 win over Kentwood in the semifinals, both teams topped the 2024 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 1A All-State team.
Vermilion Catholic senior quarterback Jonathan Dartez earned Outstanding Offensive Player honors on the All-State team, while Kentwood senior defensive lineman La’Mikal Callahan took home Outstanding Defensive Player honors. The All-State teams were selected by sportswriters throughout the state.
Dartez led Vermilion Catholic to a perfect 14-0 record and a Division IV select state championship. It was Vermilion Catholic’s third state title in school history and first since 2013.
Dartez dominated throughout the season with 2,761 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns on 348 carries. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry. As a passer, he completed 92-of-146 passes for 1,638 yards, 23 touchdowns and four interceptions. He finished with 177 career touchdowns (a state record) and 13,302 total yards for his career.
Callahan played a key role in Kentwood’s run to the semifinals this season with 172 tackles, 76 tackles for a loss and 27 sacks. He also recorded 36 quarterback hurries for Kentwood, which finished the season with a 10-4 record.
Covenant Christian Academy’s Jesse Turner received LSWA Coach of the Year honors in Class 1A. He helped CCA improve from a 4-8 record in 2023 to a 11-1 record in 2024. The Lions finished 10-0 in the regular season for the first time in school history, won their first district title since the 2016 season and advanced to the Division IV select quarterfinals for the second time in school history.

LSWA CLASS 1A ALL-STATE CHART

OFFENSE

Pos player school ht wt cl

WR Nehemiah Philip Riverside Academy 6-0 192 Sr.

WR Jermaine Brown Kentwood 6-0 180 Jr.

TE Allen McLain Vermilion Catholic 6-0 190 Sr.

OL Ayden Bullock Riverside Academy 6-2 270 Jr.

OL Kabren Thomas Covenant Christian Academy 6-1 260 Jr.

OL Jackson Trahan Vermilion Catholic 6-2 255 Sr.

OL Gregory Green Jeanerette 6-2, 265, So.

OL Dakota Davis Haynesville 5-11 230 Sr.

QB Jonathan Dartez Vermilion Catholic 5-8 170 Sr.

RB Harlem Berry St. Martin’s Episcopal 5-11 188 Sr.

RB Dedric Lastie Riverside Academy 5-4 165 Sr.

RB Chad Elzy Jr. Ascension Catholic 5-10 205 Sr.

PK Cooper Helmke St. Martin’s Episcopal 6-3 180 Sr.

ATH Owen Trosclair Covenant Christian Academy 5-10 160 Jr.

DEFENSE

DL Ahmad Cage Riverside Academy 5-9 250 So.

DL Javonte Williams Jeanerette 6-2 240 Jr.

DL La’Mikal Callahan Kentwood 6-0 225 Sr.

DL Germerian Williams Haynesville 5-11 230 Sr.

LB Cole Parrino St. Frederick 5-11 210 Sr.

LB Mace Melancon Ascension Catholic 5-10 200 Sr.

LB Keizavion Woods Haynesville 6-3 215 Sr.

LB Hunter Martin Logansport 5-9 165 Jr

DB Damarion Berry General Trass 5-10 175 Jr.

DB Owen O’Neal St. Frederick 5-9 170 Jr.

DB Luke McLain Vermilion Catholic 6-0 180 Jr.

DB Isaiah Washington Haynesville 6-1 170 Jr.

P Eli Bray Haynesville 6-1 200 Jr.

KR Javon Vital Hamilton Christian 5-10 185 So.

ATH Trevoris Norman Southern Lab 5-7 180 Sr.

OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Jonathan Dartez, Vermilion Catholic

OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: La’Mikal Callahan, Kentwood

COACH OF THE YEAR: Jesse Turner, Covenant Christian Academy

HONORABLE MENTION

Austin Paine, Ascension Catholic; Alijah Hardy, Basile; Makelin Lemoine, Elton; Rory Lambert, Catholic-Pointe Coupee; Landyn Ramagos, Central Catholic; Tate Fontenot, Central Catholic; Russel Mandenbourg, Centerville; Jaden Carter, Covenant Christian Academy; Brennan Champagne, Covenant Christian Academy; Patrick Williams, Covenant Christian Academy; Tyrin Singleton, Delta Charter; Marcus LeBlanc, Elton; Ahmoniee Williams, General Trass; Josh Hopkins, General Trass; Chris Rideau, Hamilton Christian; Derwin Rankins, Hamilton Christian; Andrea Brooks, Haynesville; Isaiah Washington, Haynesville; Jayden Bokemeyer, Oberlin; Kyle Horde, Westminster-Opelousas; Henry Summerlin, St. Edmund; Rowen Bergeron, Opelousas Catholic; Andre Abshire, Ascension Episcopal; Matthew Thompson, LaSalle; Ayden Gongre, Montgomery; Mason Jordan, Montgomery; Jacorian Shepherd, Montgomery; Atlas Hicks, St. Mary’s; Haiden Nelson, St. Mary’s; Braylon Normand, St. Mary’s; Cenario Wilson, Lincoln Prep; D’Tavion Wright, Lincoln Prep; Eli Carr, St. Frederick; Armyrian Asberry, Southern Lab; Jerry Bottley, Southern Lab; Jukadynn Carter, Logansport; Tonashton Bland, Logansport; Andrew McCormick, Ascension Episcopal; Kenric Johnson, Riverside; Kaleb Brumfield, Riverside; Mekell Toussaint, North Iberville; Jon’Quinn Charles, Jeanerette; Wyatt Dubois, St. Edmund; William Patrick, St. Edmund; Joradae Grows, West St. John; Chance Bovie, West St. John; Bryce Guillory, Grand Lake; Brooks Capps, Catholic-Point Coupee.

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Vermilion Today

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