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Rose A. Broussard

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for Rose Ashy Broussard, 95, who passed away on October 9, 2020 at her residence.
Fr. Keith Landry, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, will conduct a private graveside service for the family, with burial to take place in Calvary Cemetery.
Mrs. Rose Ashy Broussard, a resident of Kaplan, was the daughter of the late Richard Ashy and the former Cocab Mahfouz.
Rose Ashy Broussard, the daughter of Lebanese immigrants, played basketball for Brinkley High, Arkansas and for her alma mater Lafayette High. She served as a teletype operator for Western Union during and following WWII. Throughout her life, Rose was fully engaged in civic, spiritual and business organizations, striving to improve her community and the agricultural industry. She was a leader in fundraising through ALSAC, where she also served locally as secretary and treasurer in its fundraising to build and operate the St. Jude's Children's hospital. While raising her four (4) children, she co-founded the Forked Island Cub Scout Den, serving as scout leader and 4-H leader. Rose played a key role in securing funding for the Head Start program and the French Language programs in Forked Island. She supported the Church as secretary and president of the Immaculate Conception Lady's Altar Society. She served as a catechism teacher for fifteen (15) years. Rose received the Bishop's Service Award for the Diocese of Lafayette, the Raywood Mouton Service Award and the Kaplan Chapter of American Woman of the Year Award.
In politics, Rose served for many decades as an appointed elections commissioner, as a member of the Louisiana State Democratic Central Committee and as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She served as Vice Chairperson of the Farm Bureau Women's Committee and as a member of Farm Bureau's legislative board. Rose lobbied tirelessly and successfully for funding to construct the Louisiana Hwy 82 Intracoastal Waterway Bridge which changed the lives of residents of and visitors to southern Vermilion Parish. Socially, Rose served on the Yambilee Festival Court, Lions Club president officer of the American Legion Women Auxiliary and Chic a la Pie Queen Jambalaya XXIX.
Rose has been a major force in Agriculture for more than a half century. While providing continuous support to her husband Charles in the daily operations of their cattle ranch and rice farm, she also promoted the general well-being of agriculture in Louisiana. Rose served as secretary and president of the Vermilion Parish Cowbelles (now Cattlewomen) and publicity chair of the state organization. Each March, she could be found making appearances throughout the state during Beef Month. Ag in the Classroom and Beef for Father’s Day were among the many programs she actively promoted. She traveled with Charles regionally attending annual livestock shows where they promoted the qualities of their registered Brahman, Charolais and Charbray herds. She served as president of The International Relations Association of Acadiana (TIRRA) which developed their livestock export opportunities and on the board of the Beef Council. The Louisiana Cattle Festival selected Rose as Honoree of the Year.
She is survived by her children, Richard C. Broussard (Kathleen), Yvonne B. Simon (Conrad), Alan J. Broussard (Brenda) and Hal J. Broussard (Cyndi); grandchildren, Rebecca, David, John, Brady, Cynthia, Mandy, Erin, Amy, Rachel, Neil, Matthew and Sarah; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Ashy Sr (Mimi); sister, Juliet A. Colvin; brother-in-law, John Lauer; and sister-in-law, Margaret Broussard.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Charles E. Broussard; brothers, Richard Ashy Sr. (Betty) and William Ashy (Margaret); sisters, Helen Ashy (George), Barbara A. Lauer and Yvonne Ashy; brother-in-law, Dr. William Broussard; sisters-in-law, Martha B. Ramos and Myrtis B. Bourge.
The family greatly appreciates the care given by Leading Health Care especially Tim Costello, Kathy Gaspar, Susan Younger, Paulette St. Julien, Jasmine Fontenot, Amanda Johnson and Chelsea Fields over the past few years. We also would like to thank Hospice of Acadiana and Lindsey LeBlanc, RN for their help these last few months. Their attention to Mama and her needs was a great help to Mama and our family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to honor Rose Ashy Broussard’s legacy through the Charles E. Broussard and the Rose Ashy Broussard Family Endowment to support the LSU Ag Center. Gifts may be made online at www.lsufoundation.org/broussardmemorial.
Donations can be made by check payable to the “LSU Foundation” showing “Rose Ashy Broussard Memorial” in the memo line. Please mail checks to:
LSU Foundation
Rose Ashy Broussard Memorial
3796 Nicholson Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802

Personal condolences may be sent to the Broussard family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

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Alvin Mark Vallot

March 17, 1944 ~ October 8, 2020

Abbeville — A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday October 17,2020 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Alvin Mark Vallot who transitioned from this life on Thursday October 8, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Father Donald Bernard officiating the services. He had battled pancreatic cancer for a year.
Alvin was born a twin with his sister Evelyn to Peter and Melder Vallot, both now deceased. He began his schooling at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and completed his education at James A. Herod High School. Alvin was a retired sugarcane farmer. His farming years began before he was out of school and became a member of the farm with his father and brothers in 1963.
Alvin married his teenage sweetheart on October 12, 1963 and would have celebrated 57 years. To that union they were blessed with four beautiful daughters. He was well liked by many. Over the years he had many different interest; drag racing, horse racing, trail riding and then came the antique vehicles. He drove his daughter and many other young ladies in parades. He loved socializing and watching people zydeco dance. His family was his greatest joy. He was a hard worker and great provider for his family.
Alvin will be missed and forever cherished by his wife Virgis S. Vallot of Abbeville; his two daughters Latrelle Alicia Vallot (Jamie) of Abbeville; and Iris Nichole Lastrapes (Brooke) of Abbeville; two siblings Mary Mitchell (L.C.) of Abbeville; his twin Evelyn Broussard of Houston, Texas. Alvin has four grandchildren: Braxton Bourque who was raised by he and his wife; Brooke Anthony Lastrapes II, Nila Elise Lastrapes, and Cane Evan Lastrapes and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Peter and Melder Vallot; three brothers Peter Vallot Jr., William Vallot Sr., and Anthony Vallot Sr., and one sister Lou Emma; his two daughters Paula Ann Vallot and Deidre Renee Vallot; one brother -in- law Leander Charles St. Julien; one sister -in- law Katheryn S. Young.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at David’s Funeral Home, 2600 Charity St., Abbeville, on Saturday October 17, 2020 beginning at 9:00AM, with a rosary being prayed at 11:00AM, until 12:45PM when the procession will depart for the church.
In observance of the current mandate, Alvin’s family request everyone in attendance to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Condolences may be sent to the family 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.”
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by David’s Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-3777.

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Crowley Woman Dies in Two-Vehicle Crash in Acadia Parish

ACADIA PARISH – At approximately 1:00 p.m. on October 15, 2020, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a two-vehicle crash on LA Highway 13, south of Wilder Road, in Acadia Parish. The crash took the life of 63-year-old Pauline Martha Faulk of Crowley.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed Faulk was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Prism when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic as she entered LA 13 from a private lot. Faulk’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s door in southbound travel lane by a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Faulk was restrained at the time of the crash but suffered fatal injuries. The driver of the Mercury was not injured and seatbelt usage was unknown. The driver of the Mercury did submit a breath sample which indicated no alcohol in his system. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash but toxicology samples were taken for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that, while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

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Leeon Ray Middleton

June 3, 1949 ~ October 7, 2020

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Lighthouse for Jesus Church, honoring the life of Leeon Ray Middleton, 71, of Abbeville, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana with his loving family at his side. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Donnie Bolden, Jr. officiating the services. Active pallbearers include Kenneth Broussard Sr., Calvin Broussard Jr., Corey Hawthorne, Larry George, Michael Broussard, and Errol Romero. Honorary pallbearers include Randy Green, Dale Thomas, Kenneth January, Ronald Darby, Douglas Sampy, Robert Tolbert, James Johnson, and Elton Wiltz.
Leeon was born on June 3, 1949 in Evansville, Indiana to Ethel Harris Middleton and Ralph Middleton Sr. Leeon was a jet engine technician in the United States Air Force. He retired in 1989 as a Senior Master Sergeant after 20 years of service. He was an avid hunter and bass fisherman most of his life. He had a great love for sports, especially college football. Leeon so loved the LORD and served HIM with all his heart and soul. He was a faithful elder and minister in his church, Lighthouse for Jesus Ministries. He enjoyed spending time with his church family for dinner and a fun game of dominos and fellowship. He was very involved with all church activities and was so loved by every church member. Leeon loved to visit his sister, brothers, and extended family at reunions over the years and play lots of games and sharing laughter. He was very competitive. He was also a caring father who loved his children and grandchildren so much.
He is survived by his sons, John Middleton and fiancée, Charlotte Quinn of Savannah, Georgia, and Thomas “TJ” Middleton of Houston, Texas; his daughter, Erica Novich and fiancé, Wesley Roy of Nederland, Texas; his brothers, Michael Middleton and wife, Sally of Ventura, California, Steve Middleton and wife, Anna of Susanville, California, and Paul Middleton and wife, Jackie of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; twin sister, LeeAnn McGahey and husband, Bill of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his grandchildren Patrick, Katey, Jacob, Destiny, Tiffany, Shannon, Shirley, Landon Neil, Lane, Jordynn, Payton, and Landon Cade; along with many nieces and nephews.
Leeon was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Ralph Sr; his brothers, Ralph Jr. and Greg; his daughter, Carrie Brady; along with maternal and paternal grandparents.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Lighthouse for Jesus Church, 6526 Chaisson Rd., Abbeville, LA on Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 10:00 AM until time of services.
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.

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36 hours after storm rips off part of roof at LeBlanc Learning Center, community helps put make-shift roof back on and clean up pre-school

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Volunteers were busy Sunday, removing the ceiling tiles and boxing toys and books from the school.

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When Holly LeBlanc walked into The LeBlanc Learning Center in Abbevlle the day after the hurricane, she saw major roof damage and stuff scattered all over.

Volunteers get it done

36 hours after storm rips off part of roof at LeBlanc Learning Center, community helps put make-shift roof back on and clean up pre-school

There is something special about living in South Louisiana. The people here love to help when someone is in need.
Holly Hebert LeBlanc is the owner of The LeBlanc Learning Center in Abbeville. The Center, which is just over 30 years old, sustained roof damage from the strong winds of Hurricane Delta Friday evening.
Almost half of the metal roof peeled off like the top of a sardine can. Hebert’s family traveled to Houston the day before to escape the strong winds.
The roof was torn off at 5:24 Friday evening, and she learned of the disheartening news 10 minutes later.
The next morning her family drove back to Abbeville to survey the damage.
When they arrived at the school, work to make the repairs had already started. Her father-in-law, Brent LeBlanc and volunteers, were on the roof replacing the torn off metal roof with used metal roof material.
There was also a tractor on location pushing the torn metal pieces off to the side.
Less than 24 hours after the roof was gone, volunteers had a make-shift metal roof back on the school.
On Day two, 20 volunteers showed up to help clean the inside and outside of the school.
Gabe Sanner of Mako Restoration had fans and dehumidifiers on location on Sunday.
With help from parents and former students, toys, books, furniture and other items were cleaned, placed in plastic containers, and put in a rented pod in front of the school.
Kristin Locantro Hebert and Danielle Dubois Fontenot organized getting extra help on Monday. The VC cheerleaders finished cleaning the inside of the school.
Within 36 hours after the storm, the LeBlanc Learning Center was patched up and cleaned.
“The Vermilion Parish community is amazing,” said LeBlanc. “We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support, well wishes, the countless offers to help, and offers of donations from the parents and families of our current students, past students, area business owners, and many, many others.
“Please keep our LCL family in your thoughts and prayers as we continue through the rebuilding process. We plan to reopen very soon and can’t wait for our center to be filled with children, love, Learning, and laughter once again.”
LeBlanc was not 100 percent sure when the school will reopen. It will depend on insurance.
“We will be opening soon,” LeBlanc said.
She has worked at the center for 17 years & been the owner of the LeBlanc Learning Center for five years.

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Gov. John Bel Edwards

Gov. Edwards Requests Major Disaster Declaration Following Hurricane Delta; Vermilion Parish is included

BATON ROUGE — On Wednesday, Gov. John Bel Edwards requested a Major Disaster Declaration, formally requesting direct assistance to those people and communities impacted by Hurricane Delta.
“Hurricane Delta made landfall around six weeks after and 13 miles from where Hurricane Laura hit, devastating many of the same communities twice over. The people of Southwest Louisiana are strong and resilient, but they need our help to rebuild their communities and recover their livelihoods,” Gov. Edwards said. “I also met with the FEMA administrator this week and discussed the need to address the complications and financial challenges following these back to back storms.”
A Major Disaster Declaration can only be requested following a disaster. The Governor previously declared a state of emergency and requested a Federal Disaster Declaration, which President Trump approved. Louisiana also has a declared federal Major Declaration for Hurricane Laura, which impacted many of the same communities as Hurricane Delta.
Hurricane Delta made landfall in Louisiana on Friday, October 9, as a strong Category 2 hurricane, bringing with it severe storm surge and damaging winds. In addition, Louisiana is still recovering from Category 4 Hurricane Laura and is in the midst of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor is requesting FEMA Public Assistance (for governmental and public entities) Categories A and B for debris removal and emergency protective measures and FEMA Individual Assistance (for people impacted by the storm) for the five parishes directly in path of Hurricane Laura and their residents. After further assessments are completed, additional parishes will be requested.
The five most impacted parishes are: Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vermilion.

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Photo from lsusports.net

LSU AT FLORIDA FOOTBALL GAME POSTPONED

BATON ROUGE – The LSU at Florida football game of October 17 has been postponed due to positive tests and subsequent quarantining of individuals within the Florida football program, consistent with Southeastern Conference COVID-19 management requirements. The game is tentatively rescheduled for December 12 in Gainesville.
The SEC’s COVID-19 management requirements, as developed by the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force, are available on SECsports.com.
“Our priority is the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff,” LSU Director of Athletics Scott Woodward said. “The decision to reschedule the game comes as a result of close coordination and cooperation with the University of Florida and SEC officials and we are in full support. It is disappointing for everyone, but prudent. We wish all those at Florida who may be impacted the very best.”

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Mrs. Hazel Agnes Breaux Broussard

A Mass of Christian Burial for Hazel Agnes Breaux Broussard will be held at 10:00AM on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Andre’ Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Our hearts are broken with the loss of our family matriarch, Hazel Agnes Breaux Broussard. She entered eternal rest at the age of 99 years on October 9, 2020 at the St. Joseph Carpenter House of Lafayette.
Hazel retired from the Louisiana Health Department in Vermilion Parish at the Erath Health Unit branch after many years of dedicated service. She was the first Clerk to be employed at the Erath Branch. She enjoyed gardening. traveling throughout the United States, dancing with her Cajun Culture friends. She enjoyed visiting with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren great-great grandchildren, as well as other family and friends who popped in on a regular basis. Hazel was an excellent cook who shared her delicious meals and recipes. Most of all, she was a loving wife, Mother, and Maw Maw who cherished her beloved family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Hazel is survived by her daughters, Claudette and husband Mike Patin and Brenda and husband Hubert Trahan; grandchildren, Justine and husband David Langlinais, Michelle and husband Joey Richard, Raquel Harris, Amy and husband Gary Thibodeaux, Al and wife Nikie Patin; great-grandchildren, Heather and husband Jeremy Broussard, Andre and wife Jessica Langlinais, Katie Langlinais and fiance` Brent Gauthier, Erin and husband Bailey Borel, Alyssa Richard, Tanner Harris, William Patin, Julianna Thibodeaux, Elise Patin, and C. C. Patin; great-great grandchildren, Sarah, Emily and Gracie Langlinais; one sister, Isabelle Ellender; godchildren Nell Touchet, Patricia Ellender, and James Bourque.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Alcide “Red” Broussard, her parents, Nicholas and Evie Breaux, her sisters Eunice Bourque and Enid Hebert, as well as her goddaughter, Deanna Falgout.
Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Andre Langlinais, Tanner Harris, William Patin, David Langlinais, Joey Richard, and Gary Thibodeaux.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Patin, Hubert Trahan, James Bourque and Robert Ellender.
A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Broussard family to the Nurses, doctors, and Staff of Heart of Hospice and Concepts of Care for the kindness and warmth provided to Mrs. Hazel and her family in their time of need. Additional gratitude is bestowed upon Dr. Lahasky and his staff, Father Andre` Metrejean, Mr. Boniface “Boni” Suire and the Town of Erath Employees. A special thank you goes out to her “Angels” who cared for her with such love and compassion, Angela, Vera, Chloe, Sabrina, Elaine, Terry and Regina.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Heart of Hospice in Lafayette, or St. Joseph Carpenter House in Lafayette.
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 church. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.” 
David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, Erath, Louisiana 70533, (337) 937-0405 is in charge of arrangements.

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Wilfred Lee Broussard

January 6, 1945 ~ October 10, 2020

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Wilfred Lee Broussard, 75, who died Saturday, October 10, 2020 at St. Agnes Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. He will be laid to rest at a later date. Deacon Frank Cormier will officiate the service. Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Broussard, Chase Romero and Jack Toups.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Julie Gayle Broussard; two sons, Chet M. Broussard and his wife Frances, and Brodie J. Broussard; daughter, Stacy Byler and her husband, Tommy; grandchildren, Whitney B. Armentor and her husband, Nick, Grace Byler, Britt Byler, Lily Byler, Blayklie Broussard and Kodie Broussard; great grandchildren, Ellie Armentor and Ezra Armentor; and brother, Jeff Broussard and his wife, Sam.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Murphy J. Broussard and the former Rita Begnaud; and brothers, Gerald J. Broussard and Mark M. Broussard.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 9:00 AM until time of service. A rosary will be prayed at 10:00 AM.
The Broussard family would like to thank the staff of Lamm Hospice for the excellent care they provided. A special thank you to brother-in-law, Jude Lege for the loving care and compassion he showed.
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.

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Abbeville High cancels football game against Eunice

Abbeville High head football coach Roderick Moy has decided to cancel Friday night’s home game against Eunice because some players live in areas that don’t currently have electricity.
While most of the city has electricity, there are areas in the city that did not, as of Tuesday afternoon. Many Wildcat football players live in those areas and are not home due to no electricity.
Moy held football practice Tuesday morning to see who would attend. Half of his team was missing. That is when he knew there was no way to play football on Friday.
“Some of the kids are not back in town,” said Moy. “I would not have returned to Abbeville if my neighborhood was without electricity. It is not fair to a kid to ask him to come back for football. I could not look at the player with a straight face and pretend I don’t care.”
The Wildcats (1-1) are coming off a 30-point win over Beau Chene last Wednesday. Many players evacuated Abbeville on Thursday because Hurricane Delta was expected to make landfall on Friday. Moy said uniforms from Wednesday’s game had not been washed because many are without electricity.
Moy said, “We have no tickets printed. We can’t get ready.”
As far as other schools in the parish, everyone is playing, as of Tuesday.
Vermilion Catholic travels to Erath for a parish rival game.
Kaplan will entertain Notre Dame on Friday.
North Vermilion will be on the road Saturday to battle Iota. Kick-off is at 5 p.m.
Gueydan entertains East Beauregard on Friday.
Franklin travels to Delcambre on Friday.

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548