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ERATH - While most nine and 10-year-old boys only cared about playing outside or playing video games, Robert Vincent developed a love for politics and the satisfaction of helping people through politics.
Vincent spent countless hours hanging around adults who enjoyed talking about politics. One adult who influenced his life was his grandfather from Morgan City. He stayed with grandfather, Robert LaBauve, during the summer months. LaBauve visited coffee shops in Morgan City, and Robert tagged along. Robert developed a passion for politics and political stories.
LeBauve was also good friends with then Gov. Edwin Edwards, and Robert learned who Edwards was. When he was around 11 years old and Edwards was running for governor, Robert put a Edwin Edwards’ political sign on his bike and proudly road around Erath displaying it.
Another adult he spent quality time with was his third cousin, attorney Warren Perrin, from Henry. Vincent was only 10 years old when he told Perrin he would help him start the Acadian Museum in Erath. In 1990, the museum was opened, and until his death, Robert Vincent was still a big part of the museum.
“One of the things I will remember about Robert is that he always had a positive outlook on what he wanted to accomplish,” said Perrin.
When Robert was making his lists of things he wanted to accomplish in life, Robert was thrown a curveball. At the age of 10, Vincent was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve disease known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder (CMT).
Over the next 32 years, the disorder began making it difficult to walk to point Robert had to be confined to a wheelchair. The disease also attacked his respiratory system, making it more challenging to breathe each day than the day before.
Perrin said Vincent had a strong passion for meeting people and wanting to hear their stories. Perrin remembered Vincent once had a class assignment to bring a famous person to class to speak to the students. Most people brought their parents or friends of the family to talk to the class.
“Not Robert,” Perrin recalled. “He knocked on D.L. Menard’s door and asked him to come to speak to the class. D.L. did, and the two stayed close friends from that point on.”
When Vincent was 19, he threw his hat into the political ring by announcing he wanted to run for the town’s alderman seat. Perrin remembers his other grandfather, C.B. Vincent, trying to talk him out of running. Robert went against his grandfather’s wishes, ran for the seat, and won.
John Earl LeBlanc, the former Erath mayor and alderman, served with Vincent.
“He asked me my opinion on running,” said LeBlanc. “I told him to run.”
Vincent was the top vote-getter and became the mayor pro-tem after his first election. At the age of 19, Vincent was the youngest elected official at the time.
“Robert was so mature for his age,” LeBlanc said about Robert’s first year as an alderman.
Vincent went on to serve 2 1/2 terms. He died while serving his third term.
LeBlanc and Robert stayed friends for the next 20-plus years. The two shared many cups of coffee and talked politics.
“Robert was like one of ours,” LeBlanc said. “We had a very good relationship. He will be missed, big time.”
LeBlanc said Robert was a fighter up until the end. Six years ago, doctors were not too sure how long Robert had left, so they sent him home with Hospice. He lived longer than doctors expected.
Vincent was proud to be a staunch Democrat. He served on the Vermilion Parish Democratic Executive Committee beginning in 2000, and serving as Vice Chairman (2004-2012) and as Chairman (2012 to 2019).
In Vincent’s 42 years on Earth, he met and took pictures with six Louisiana governors. He has photos with former governors Buddy Roemer (governor: 1988-1992), Edwin Edwards ( 1972-1980, 1984-1988, 1992-1996), Mike Foster (1996-2004), Kathleen Blanco (2004-2008), Bobby Jindal (2008-2016) and John Bel Edwards (2016- present).
Perrin said he had a conversation through texting with Robert days before he passed away. The two texted during the political debate between the vice presidential candidates.
“That is how much he was interested in politics,” said Perrin.
When asked how far he thought Robert would have gone in politics had he not been diagnosed with the nerve disease, Perrin responded, “He always said he wanted to be governor.”

Brittany Simone Richard, of Erath, LA and Brennan Lloyd Berard, of Loreauville, LA, were united in a nuptial ceremony on Friday, October 16, 2020, at St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church in Abbeville, LA. Father Louis Richard, cousin of the bride, officiated the 6:30 p.m. ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Benny and Debra Richard of Erath, LA and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Berard and his mother is Lisa Berard.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore an elegant, sleeveless trumpet style ball gown crafted with ivory lace with a round sheer neckline, accented with center frontal beading made out of pearls and crystals. The back of the gown was adorned with beading and lace with exposed button closures throughout the chapel length train. As a final touch, Brittany wore a fingtertip length veil trimmed with lace secured with an elegant pearl and rhinestone comb.
The bride carried a cascading bouquet made up of Shimmer Rose and Cream Vendella Roses enhanced with rose colored leaves, pearls and lace.
Serving as Maid of Honor was Kristine Bauer, friend of the bride the bridesmaid was Brittany Leblanc Glover, friend of the bride and Leighton Duhon, friend of the bride, served as the junior bridesmaid. They wore an elegant off-the-shoulder mesh dress featuring a flattering ruched crisscross bodice in a beautiful shade of blush called “ballet”, they carried a smaller version of the bridal bouquet.
Attending as flower girls were Annalise Garret, godchild of the groom and daughter of Brooke and Tim Garret, Elia Ronsonet, niece of the groom and daughter of Brai and Dustin Ronsonet, and Briella Berard, daughter of the bride and groom, Briella was carried by the groom as he escorted his mother.
Tim Garrett, brother-in-law of the groom served as Best Man, the groomsman was Bryant Labbie, friend of the groom and Brad Garrett, Godchild of the groom served as the junior groomsman. Ring Bearer for the ceremony was Jhett Ronsonet, nephew of the groom and son of Brai and Dustin Ronsonet.
Ushers included Benjie Richard, brother of the bride and Charlie Berard, father of the groom.
Music for the ceremony was provided by Organist, Tommy Guidry with Vocalist Jennifer Melancon.
A rehearsal dinner, hosted by the groom’s parents, Charlie and Rhealeen Berard, took place at La Chambre in Abbeville, Louisiana.
After the ceremony, a formal reception took place at Magdalen Place in Abbeville, LA.
The bride’s cake was a four tiered, white almond flavored wedding cake filled with strawberry cream cheese with buttercream icing. Fresh Shimmer Rose and Cream Vendella Roses adorned each tier and a rhinestone B letter cake topper added the finishing touch to the top of the cake.
The groom’s cake was a german chocolate cake filled with pecan filling. Representing his love for hunting, the cake was topped with a beautifully crafted edible mallard duck.
The couple will reside in Erath, LA.

February 9, 1929 ~ October 16, 2020

ABBEVILLE—Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Lydia Choate Perry, 91, who died Friday, October 16, 2020 at her residence. She was laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Pastor Chris Jeffus officiating and Rev. Wallace Primeaux assisting with the services. Pallbearers were Mark Simon, Jeff Cart, Clayton Choate, Derrel Choate, Wade Choate, and Anthony Choate. Luke Cart served as honorary pallbearer.
She is survived by her two daughters, Sonnia Perry of Abbeville, and Dianne P. Simon and husband, Mark of Abbeville; granddaughter, Christy Cart and husband, Jeffrey; great grandchildren, Amelia Cart and Luke Cart.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley Louis Perry; parents, Jules Choate and the former Teresa Guidry; sisters, Naomi Hebert, Gladys Wright, Imay Wright, Euna Faye Morgan, and Agnes Choate; and brothers, Lloyd Choate, Milton Choate, Fulton Choate, and Wilfred Choate.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 9:00 AM until time of services.
The family would like to thank the staff of Bridgeway Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to our mother. The family wishes to express their gratitude to her caregivers, Nina, Micah, Karen and Tina.
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.

October 18, 1978 – October 08, 2020

ERATH – Erath community leader and town historian died at his home peacefully with his devoted parents at his side following a blessed and fortunate life filled with love.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert B. Vincent, 41, will be held at St. John the Evangelist’s Church in Henry, Louisiana with Fr. Emmanuel Fernandez officiating. The funeral mass will be on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be at David Funeral Home of ABBEVILLE on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with recitations of the rosary at 7:00 PM. Visitation will resume on October 19, 2020 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Erath.
Vincent was a lifelong resident of Erath. He had a passion for his hometown that burned deep in his heart. He worked tirelessly for the betterment and preservation of Erath. He spent countless hours scanning and preserving Erath’s history. Robert participated in numerous civic and cultural affairs of his hometown. At the time of his death, he was serving his third term on the Erath City Council. Robert strongly believed that fulfillment of a complete life could not be achieved without service to others.
At age 19, he was elected to serve his first term on the Erath City Council. He was selected to serve as Mayor-Pro Tem by his fellow councilmen for the Town of Erath from 1999 to 2003. He was re-elected and began serving on the council in 2015 to present.
The Erath 4th of July Association was an organization that had a special place in his heart. He began serving on the Board of Directors in 1996, and was proud to have served as the President of the organization longer than any previous President. He began serving as its President in 2003 and served until 2019. At age 10, he helped his cousin, Warren Perrin, to co-found the Acadian Museum in Erath. He served on the Board of Directors of the Museum since it was founded in 1990. Vincent also served on the Board of Directors of the Erath Backers Club and Erath Community Building, having served as Treasurer for both organizations. He began serving on the Board of Commissioners for the Erath Housing Authority in 2011until his death. He was a member of the Henry Volunteer Fire Department and the Erath Knights of Columbus, and was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. Vincent served as prosecutor for the Town of Erath from 2011 to 2014. He was a member of the Louisiana Bar Association. He served his parish as a member of the Vermilion Parish Board of Election Supervisors, beginning in 2012 to 2015.
As a child, Robert loved spending time with his maternal grandfather, Robert LaBauve from Morgan City. He spent hours in coffee shops listening to the banter of old men. He inherited his love of politics and compassion of people from his grandfather. He had an easy going nature and an incredible memory for history, people and their stories. He was the first to tell a humorous story of politicians past and present.
Robert was proud to be a full blooded Acadian. He loved anything Cajun: the culture, the music and the food. He loved DL Menard; his Mamere’s Cajun cooking and Ms. Dot’s famous rice dressing. Robert’s intelligence; his unselfish ways and humility; his soothing counsel and steadfast integrity; his love of history and politics; his sense of humor and contagious laugh made him the finest of friends. He uplifted all of those around him.
Vincent was a staunch Democrat. He served on the Vermilion Parish Democratic Executive Committee beginning in 2000, and serving as Vice Chairman (2004-2012) and as Chairman (2012 to 2019). Vincent was happiest when he was campaigning for his chosen candidate. He was proud to be a Democrat and was quick to share with others why he supported the party.
A 1997 graduate of Erath High School, he spearheaded the effort to raise funds to build a new all-weather track for the school. The track was constructed in 1996, replacing the antiquated cinder track. He was an ardent supporter of Erath Bobcats, and rarely missed a Bobcat football home game. By 2019, he was unable to attend his beloved games due to declining health.
Vincent obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration for UL Lafayette in 2002 and Master of Business Administration from UL Lafayette in 2004. While a student at UL Lafayette, Vincent was selected as a member of Who’s Who on the UL Campus. In 2010, he graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. He enjoyed practicing law in a small town in his law firm, the Law Office of Robert B. Vincent. He proudly served as “Of Counsel” with the law firm of Perrin, Landry, and deLaunay.
Vincent was honored by several organizations for his dedication to his community in spite of all obstacles placed in his way. He was very proud to have been named as a Louisiana Young Hero by Louisiana Public Broadcasting in 1996 and inducted into the Order of Living Legends by the Acadian Museum in 2015. It was with great joy that he served as the 2015 Grand Marshal of the Erath 4th of July Parade. He was inducted into the Erath High School Athletic Hall of Fame as an honorary in 2015 in recognition of his devotion to alma mater.
He was honored to receive Southern University Law Center “Distinguished Alumnus Award” in March, 2020. In June, 2020, he received The John A. “T-Jean” Hernandez III Memorial Award for the perpetuation and enhancement of the Francophone Legal Tradition by the Louisiana State Bar Association.
A life-long Catholic, his life was driven by his devotion to God. Vincent stated, “I had a wonderful life. It was full and complete with great loves and great endeavors that made it worth living. I am sad to leave, but I leave with the knowledge that I lived the life that was intended. I leave this world with no regrets.”
Vincent was the devoted son of Douglas and Jackie Vincent of Erath and a loving brother to Joseph Vincent and his wife Heather of Lake Charles. He is also survived by his Godmother, Mary Michelle Reggie of Berwick, his Godfather, Donald Vincent and his wife Ann of Erath, and his aunt, Gwen Melancon and her husband Leo “Skipper” of Morgan City.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert and Maridel LaBauve; his paternal grandparents, C.B. and Edez Perrin Vincent; and his first cousin, Angelique Renee Melancon.
Proclaimers of the word will be Mary Michelle Reggie and Joseph Vincent. Serving as gift bears will be Kathryn, Angelique, and Katie Taylor; and Mary Catherine Reggie.
Honored to serve as pallbearers will be: Joseph Vincent, Jonathon Melancon, Leo “Skipper” Melancon, Donald Vincent, Christopher Reggie, Sean Dronet, and Maureen Alfred.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Warren Perrin, Dustin Vincent, Mark Poche, Ray Reggie, Chance Thomas, Martial Broussard.
Robert was blessed with the unbelievable support and outpouring of love from family and friends. Special thanks to: Dr. Kemp Coreil, Lauren Dehart, RN, Angie Mitchell, RN, Karen Smothers, CNA, of Hospice Compassus and caregiver Gabbie Sanford for helping Robert in ways too numerous to count. They were kind and compassionate and became family friends.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation be made in Robert’s memory to the Acadian Museum of Erath, 203 South Broadway Street, Erath, LA 70533, or the Erath Schools: Dozier Elementary, Erath Middle School, and Erath High School.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
“In order to help keep the community safe we will honor the July 13, 2020 Louisiana Mandates.  All families and their guests are required to wear a face covering while at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.” 
St. John the Evangelist’s Church in Henry, LA is also requiring face covering.
David Funeral Home of Abbeville is in charge of arrangements 2600 Charity Street., Abbeville, LA 70510, (337) 893-3777.