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ERATH — A Mass to celebrate the life of Gerald Don Touchet, 85, will be held at 1:30PM on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, Louisiana with Father Clinton Sensat officiating.  He will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum following his cremation. 
Visitation will be at the Church Hall from 9 a.m. until the time of services with a rosary at 11 a.m.
Gerald, a resident of Erath, passed away on October 24, 2023.  Gerald was born on September 9, 1938, to Stanley and Artha Touchet.  He was a 1958 graduate of Abbeville High School.  Gerald was employed for 33 years by Odeco, Incorporated which was later bought out by Murphy Oil Company. He was a proud member of the Erath Volunteer Fire Department for many, many years and loved the comradery and brotherhood that he found there.  His greatest joy was watching his family grow and thrive.  He loved spending time with his sons and their families, and he was at his happiest when he was visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sue Landry Touchet, his brother Timothy “Tim” Touchet of New Iberia, his two sons Joe Don Touchet and wife Yvette of Erath, and Michael James Touchet and wife Theresa of Erath, his seven grandchildren, Rynn (Annalise), Payne, Rylee, Austin, Rhett, Nathan, and Kathryn, and three great grandchildren, Aurora, Adela, and Anna Touchet. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Artha Touchet, and two of his siblings Carrie Touchet Powers and Larry Touchet.    
Serving as pallbearers will be Rynn Touchet, Payne Touchet, Austin Touchet, Rhett Touchet, and Nathan Touchet. 
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Kathryn Touchet, Rylee Touchet, and Eddie Langlanais.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Catholic Daughters or the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath is handling the arrangements - (337) 937-0405.

It’s fascinating to think that many people know the name “James A. Herod” because of a school in Abbeville, but very few are aware of the significant impact that Rev. James A. Herod had on education, particularly in the black community of Abbeville.
Thankfully, Pastor Walter August, an Abbeville native and current pastor in Houston, is changing that.
With the help of the Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana, more and more Abbeville citizens are learning about the remarkable life and legacy of Rev. James A. Herod than ever before.
It’s remarkable to think that Rev. Herod passed away in 1948 at the ripe old age of 88 years old, but his influence still reverberates today.
Rev. James A. Herod and his wife, Josephine Robinson Herod, were both passionate educators who wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.
Rev. Herod served as the second pastor at St. Mary Congregational Church in Abbeville, which also happened to be the first building where he taught.
In 1955, a new school facility for first through 12th graders was built on Martin Luther King Drive and named James A. Herod High School in honor of Rev. Herod’s contributions to education in the region.
Then, in 1991, when the old African-American high school closed, the school board renamed East Abbeville Elementary to James A. Herod Elementary as a way to continue honoring Rev. Herod’s legacy.
This past Friday, Pastor August, members of the Nehemiah Projects, and city and parish officials gathered together to open a new residential museum that’s dedicated to Rev. James A. Herod.
The museum is located at the Abbeville house where Rev. Herod and his wife lived in the early 1900s. This 100-year-old wooden house has been beautifully restored and is situated at 601 East St. Victor, just near the Abbeville library.
During the ceremony, Pastor August shared his gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in such a meaningful project, saying, “Out of all of the things I am a part of in Abbeville, this is the most significant thing I can ever do as a contribution back to the city. I am grateful.”
He also reflected on Rev. Herod’s remarkable story, noting that he attended James A. Herod High School and had seen Rev. Herod’s name countless times, but didn’t know who he was until a few years ago.
The Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana completed the renovations of Rev. James A. Herod’s former home, and that artifacts from town history that Rev. Herod himself created are now lining the walls in memory of a truly remarkable man.
Rev. Herod journeyed down to Louisiana many years ago, where he met an Abbeville woman and settled in the community with a mission to empower individuals through preaching and teaching. This would become his enduring legacy.
According to the Vermilion Parish archives, Rev. James A. Herod was a well-respected figure who was known as the Father of African-American Education.
He devoted his life to teaching and ministering to African American students in Vermilion Parish, working tirelessly to create a sense of pride and equality throughout public education. It’s clear that his contributions to the community and to education have left a lasting impact that continues to inspire and uplift individuals to this day.
Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White noted that it’s high time to celebrate all of the cultures and history within the community. She, like many others, attended Herod in elementary school, but had no idea just how much Rev. James A. Herod had impacted education in the city.
During the museum’s opening ceremony, three graduates of Herod High School took a walk down memory lane as they thumbed through the 1954 yearbook and reminisced on their wonderful times in school. It’s clear that Rev. Herod’s legacy continues to inspire and connect individuals from all walks of life.
Vermilion Parish School Superintendent Tommy Byler also shared some news, noting that James A. Elementary School students in Abbeville will soon have the opportunity to go on field trips to the James A. Herod Residential Museum.
If you’re interested in learning more about Rev. James A. Herod, taking a tour of the Herod House, or dedicating a brick to build the Legacy Walk in honor of those who attended a Herod school, taught at a Herod school, or were impacted by the life of Rev. Herod, be sure to visit the website www.thenpai.org, email l.trahan@thenpai.org, or call the Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana office at 337-740-6724. Do note that tours require 24-48 hours notice to plan the best possible experience, and some restrictions may apply.
Lastly, Pastor August shared some poignant words about Rev. Herod’s legacy, noting that his name, family, and history will never be buried again. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Rev. Herod’s contributions to the community, particularly for black men who came to Vermilion Parish.
“When comparing apples to apples, no one has had the same impact on African Americans like Rev. James A. Herod did,” said Pastor August.

December 2, 1931 – October 19, 2023

Dr. Fred Wesley Thomas, of Abbeville, died Thursday, October 19, 2023, at home, each hand being held by a loving daughter and stepdaughter. Born December 2, 1931, in Orange, Texas, Dr. Thomas lived an extraordinary and fascinating life, having a positive impact on countless people for almost 92 years. His memory will be treasured by thousands of patients, many business partners, more friends that can be counted, and a devoted and loving extended family. A calm and dignified man, he also possessed a gentle and lively sense of humor. He had that rare and precious gift of listening, a critical trait for his career as a physician, but also for his relationships with people from all ages and walks of life. He was always curious about everything and everyone he met. The only child of Dr. Fred Williams Thomas and Luella Parker Thomas, Dr. Fred had an unusual childhood. His mother having died when he was 9, his father serving as the dentist at Jackson State Mental Hospital and Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, Dr. Fred was raised at those institutions. Perhaps that is why he was so accepting of all people, regardless of their circumstances. His father’s illness left him on his own as a teenager, and he worked his way through high school in St. Francisville, finding time to serve as editor of the school newspaper that he founded, and to share honors as the class co-valedictorian. He attended McNeese State University, where he excelled academically, again serving as the editor of the college newspaper.
In 1953 he married Gladys Cockerham of Dequincy, with whom he was married for 42 years. He entered Louisiana State Medical School in New Orleans and during those years, Fred and Gladys started a family, with the birth of their two daughters, Christy and Cindy. Dr. Thomas was a standout student, ranking 5th in his medical school class of 101 students in 1957. Joining the U.S. Army while still in medical school, Dr. Thomas served his country for 5 years, stationed at military hospitals in Denver, New Orleans, and El Paso. Dr. Thomas was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Captain in June, 1961.
Dr. Thomas began private medical practice in Bridgeport, Alabama, for two years, before he moved to Many, Louisiana, where he enjoyed over 20 years at a busy family practice. In addition to his medical career, Dr. Thomas found time to serve his community in various roles, including as chairman of the Sabine Parish Water Works District and as elected member of the Sabine Parish School Board. He was a member of the Many First United Methodist Church, the Lions Club, the Civil Air Patrol, the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Louisiana State and American Medical Associations, and the American Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Thomas did not limit his energy to just work. He was enthusiastic about his hobbies too, which included flying his airplane, fishing, boating, and water-skiing with his family on Toledo Bend Lake. He enjoyed gardening, antiquing, and was a voracious reader, and whether it was world events, or a jingle from his childhood, his memory was extraordinary. In 1983, Dr. Thomas moved to Baton Rouge, where he practiced medicine at the LSU Student Health Center, serving as Chief of Medicine. He loved being a doctor, but was also engaged in various medical, nursing home, and business pursuits, with which he was actively involved until the end of his life.
In 1997, Dr. Thomas and Nancy White Herpin were married at First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, where they remained members for the rest of their lives. In 2004, he and Nancy moved to Abbeville, where they made their home a beautiful and peaceful place where their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren loved to gather. As busy as Dr. Thomas’s life was, he never seemed to be in a rush, always having time to devote to his family. Dr. Fred and Nancy enjoyed traveling the world, spending time with family and friends, and most of all, being together. It was obvious to anyone who knew them how deeply they were in love. Dr. Fred and Nancy celebrated 26 joyful years of marriage until she passed away May 22, 2023, with Dr. Fred by her side holding her hand.
Dr. Thomas is survived by his daughters; Christine Thomas Dowden, Cynthia Thomas Gates and her husband Jim; stepson Daniel Herpin and his wife, Gay; stepdaughters, Shannon Herpin Kimble and her husband, Alvin, and Stephanie Herpin LeBouef and her husband, Cobb; grandchildren, Michael Dowden (Amy), Julie Dowden Nally (Tom), Rachel Gates Hebert (Kenny), Mollie Gates, Kate Herpin Trahan (Trae), Ross Herpin (Brittany), Chip LeBouef (Elizabeth), Leah LeBouef Servat (Ryan); fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild on the way.
In lieu of a formal funeral service, the family will have a private memorial Saturday, October 28, 2023.

There are still two games left in the regular season, but the Vermilion Catholic Screaming Eagles are treating Thursday’s game against Central Catholic in Morgan City as the District 7-A championship game.
VC and CCHS are the only two teams without a loss in the district.
“They’re always formidable,” VC head coach Broc Prejean said. “That’s a very proud program over there. They got a big win over their rival Hanson last week. They’re 6-2, they’re just a team that’s steady and consistent. They’re always going to be in the mix, and really and truly I think the dstrict title’s on the line this week. It’s going to be a big matchup.”
VC is 8-0 overall and 4-0 in district after a 57-14 win over Centerville. Central Catholic is 6-2 and 4-0 after beating parish rival Hanson Memorial 29-8.
“Defense did a great job,” Prejean said. “They forced a lot of turnovers and then did some damage once they got the ball in their hands. Really and truly, it led to three scores, so we’re very pleased with that.
“We’ve done a great job of late of forcing turnovers and winning that battle.”
That resulted in a short field for the offense for much of the night.
“The offense was very efficient and explosive,” Prejean said. “I think four of the first five drives were one-play offensive drives, so that’s always a great thing.”
Prejean said cornerback Jyrin Bessard did a great job covering a really good wideout for Centerville.
“And then I thought our linebackers did a great job of making the pass game really tough on them,” the coach said. “Will Simon stepped in front of one (pass), but our whole second half that defense did a really good job Friday.”
Thursday’s game will be played at Morgan City’s Tiger Stadium starting at 7 p.m.
CCHS All-State running back Damondrick Blackburn graduated last year and signed with UL Lafayette, leading to a change in offense for the Eagles.
“They’ve got some great players,” Prejean said. “I think they were a little bit more feature-oriented last year with Damondrick Blackburn (running the ball frequently), but it’s kind of forced them this year to distribute the ball more and get a lot more guys involved (since Blackburn’s departure), and they’ve done a good job of that. You can’t really key on one guy, which is what makes thing a little bit tougher.”
CCHS is about 50-50 running and passing the ball on offense, he said.
Vermilion Catholic also has been a strong team with both the pass and the run this season.
Quarterback Jonathan Dartez leads the parish with 846 yards passing and 11 touchdowns, and also leads the parish with 1,152 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing.
Though he’s put up big numbers, several of his offensive teammates also have been shining.
Running back Tyjh Williams is third in the parish with 702 yards and a dozen touchdowns on only 74 carries, averaging 9.5 yards per run.
Receiver Ross Dartez tops the parish with 349 yards and three touchdowns on 17 catches. Williams has 123 yards and a TD on nine catches, while Jonathan Dartez has 11 yards and a TD on five catches and Dane Richoux has 104 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. Bessard adds 94 yards and two TDs on six receptions with Ethan Landry (6-78) and Andrew Prejean (2-72, 2 TDs) also over 70 yards on the season.
Dartez is first in the parish in scoring with 98 points and Williams is third with 74. Richoux, who also is the placekicker for the Eagles, is fifth with 54 points.
“We’ve been blessed and fortunate to remain as healthy as we have so far,” Prejean said. “That’s a credit to the offseason program and a credit to our trainers and our staff, so we’re in a good position right now.”