Memorials

LAFAYETTE - A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette, for Walter Ray Dantzler, 81, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at his residence. Interment was in Fountain Memorial Cemetery. Reverend Mark Benge, Sr., Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church conducted the memorial service. Reverend Monsignor Charles Mallet delivered the Eulogy. Walt, as he was most affectionately known, was born in Georgiana, Alabama and lived most of his life in South Louisiana. He was the youngest of eleven siblings, four sisters and six brothers. After graduating from Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Alabama in 1950, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He was a natural born salesman, with the last 35 years of his sales career with Procter and Gamble. Walt was an active member of the Antique Auto Club of America, The Evangeline Chapter and the 54 Ford Club of America. He was also a member of "LATS" Lafayette Association of Traveling Salesman. Walt and his wife, Maxann, took part in the 1994 Great American Race, which started in Huntington Beach, California and ended in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This was one of several dozen trips across the continental United States that they took over the last 20 years. They managed to travel to all 48 continental states by car, some more than once. As a hobby, Walt, bought and sold thousands of vintage Ford parts at different events, such as: race tracks, swap meets, etc. He would package and ship these many parts across the United States. He and his cronies would meet at least once a month at The Coffee Depot in Scott, where they would tell stories, lies and general "BS". Walt will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew and loved him

Tom Guidroz, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2017. He was a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and a resident of Houma since 1938. Tom was a graduate of Terrebonne High School class of 1948, Marion Military Institute class of 1950 and Auburn University class of 1953. He was retired from the USAF, with 20 years of service, attaining the rank of Major. He was a Vietnam veteran, flying over 250 missions in F4 fighter jets. Awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, twelve Air Medals and an Air Force Commendation Medal. He was a member of Annunziata Catholic Church, serving as an usher, past member of the church council, Knights of Columbus, Council 10612 and former Grand Knight. EAA, Chapter 513 and former president, LSU Ag. Center La-Terre Master Gardeners, Lagniappe Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America and served on the board of the Terrebonne Parish Council on Aging.

LAFAYETTE - Funeral Services were held at 2:00 pm Monday, December 16, 2013 in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers Bertrand Drive Lafayette, for Maxann Duson Dantzler, 76, who passed away on December 12, 2013. Reverend Mark Benge, Senior Pastor of the First United Methodist Church will preside over the services; Msgr. Charles Mallet, retired, performed the Eulogy. Burial followed in Fountain Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Maxann, a beloved wife, friend, mother and grandmother, was born Dec. 16, 1936 in Crowley, LA. She was the grand-daughter of W. W. Duson and greatniece of C. C. Duson, founders of Crowley, LA. She was an active member of the Budwatchers Garden Club, Antique Car Club of America the Evangeline Chapter, and the Chez Amis Ladies Club. Mrs. Dantzler (Cowen) taught at St. Michael's Catholic School in Crowley, LA for several years. She retired from the St. Tammany Parish School System in 1989 after teaching at Mandeville Middle School for 16 years. Mrs. Dantzler loved being surrounded by her family, spending time with her grandchildren and the many dear friends of her and Walt. She enjoyed traveling, reading, her pets, cooking, playing her piano, and entertaining. Her bright smile and sweet and gentle ways were a blessing to all that she touched, and she will be sorely missed. She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Walter Dantzler of Lafayette; three children and spouses, Hank and Jan Cowen of Lafayette, Julie and Helmut Portmann of Covington, LA and Dr. Todd and Felicia Cowen of Thibodaux, LA; five grandchildren, Caitlin Cowen, Natalie Cowen, Emily Cowen, Max Cowen and Alex Portmann; and a sister, Florence Duson Brown of Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maxwell and Florence Duson and step-son, Sam Dantzler.

Age 89, died peacefully at home on September 25, 2012. He is survived by his grandson, John Carson Copes, V, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Estelle Givens Copes and his son, John Carson Copes, IV. He graduated LSU and helped liberate France as a Second Lieutenant, Company C, of the 14th Armored Division Engineer. He was wounded in the war while pulling other soldiers to safety and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. For his heroism, France awarded him its highest military honor, membership in the French Legion of Honor. He was a charter member of the National World War II Museum, where his oral account of his military experience is recorded. John was a member of the Founders of the City of New Orleans and a direct descendent of General Jumonville who defeated and released a young British officer, George Washington, at the Battle of Fort Necessity during the French and Indian War. After the war, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from LSU and was a member of the alumni association. He was honored by Louisiana Engineering Society's "James M. Todd Technological Medal" and the ASME Centennial Medal and is listed in Who's Who in Science and Technology. As a self-employed consultant, he held numerous patents for industrial technology. He was a native and longtime resident of Baton Rouge who also lived in New Orleans and Denham Springs, where he was a founder of St. Francis Episcopal Church. He served on the vestry board at St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. He served as national president of the 14th Armored Division Association, was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Linn-Wood Ionic Masonic Lodge #167 F&AM, Jerusalem Shriners in New Orleans, a charter member of Acacia Shriners in Baton Rouge, and a charter member of the Shriners Legion of Honor. He was a lifelong member and held numerous offices in the York and Scottish Rite Bodies of Masonry. He served as Commander of AMVETS.

A Going Home Celebration for James W. "Jim" Thompson, was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 9, 2010, in the chapel of John Kramer & Son, with Rev. Clifford Stewart officiating. Interment was in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, with Barksdale Air Force Base providing Military Honors. James W. Thompson "Jim", 68, of Alexandria, went home on Saturday, October 30, 2010 in Rapides Regional Medical Center, after a short illness. He is preceded in death by parents, Roy and Esther Thompson. Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois and was raised in Bloomington, Illinois. He joined the Air Force in October 1960 and retired after twenty years of service. He served two tours in Vietnam. He came to Alexandria in September of 1977after serving six years at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. He retired from England Air Force Base in October 1980. He was the owner and operator JWT Appliance Repair. He was active in the Cenla Antique Car Club, Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, and Lions Club. One of his many passions were flying his hot air balloon, which he designed and named "Hugs Not Drugs", in order to help keep children active and off of drugs. He was very active with handicap children and took part in the Gumbo Games every year. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 40 years, Pat Thompson of Alexandria; one daughter, Cherrie Frantom and her husband, Dwane of Friendswood, Texas; one sister, Marjorie Scott and her husband, Leon of Charleston, South Carolina; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Military pallbearers were provided and honorary pallbearers were Dwane Frantom, Justin Archer, Fred Kensie, Leon Scott, Mike Mote, James Farris, Clarence Filipi and James Spice.

James W. "Fip" McDaniel, age 77, of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2015, at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and son. James was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He worked in the engineering field for over 50 years. In the past, he was a partner in FJM Engineers, Inc. He worked for Gabriel Chemicals and most recently was employed by Ford, Bacon and Davis. James was a member of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America and The Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. Besides classic cars, he enjoyed photography, traveling, music, Cajun dancing, LSU and Saints football and spending time with family and friends. James is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty McDaniel; son, Charles McDaniel and wife, Deborah; the joy of his life, his granddaughter, Isabella Faith McDaniel; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Maude McDaniel; sisters, Zada Moore, Ethel Broussard and Helen Trichel; and his brothers, Elmer, Muriel and Samuel McDaniel. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, February 19, 2015, at 10:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, officiant was Father Matt Dupre. Interment took place at Resthaven Gardens of Memory Cemetery. ---------------------------------------- Jim and Betty Joined the Baton Rouge Chapter, Louisiana Region and AACA 21 years ago in 1994 and have been outstanding members. Jim owned a 1929 Model-A Ford Sedan, 1949 Mercury, 1957 Chevy 2 dr Sedan and a 1960 Corvette. Jim served as President of the Baton Rouge Chapter in 1997 and 1998 (2 yrs). He served as Treasurer in 1999, 2000 and 2001 (3yrs). Jim was Secretary/Treasurer/Editor of the Louisiana Region AACA in 2001 while I was the President. Jim and I devoted a lot of hours collecting information to compile the Louisiana Region AACA OFFICERS PROCEDURE MANUAL and amended the LOUISIANA REGION BYLAWS with the approval of the Louisiana Region Board and National AACA. We printed copies and gave to all Region Officers and Chapter Presidents. During 2001 to save a Chapter in the Region, Jim and I called some members and set up a meeting in Houma, La. to form the Lagniappe Chapter. During that year Jim and I were Co- Directors for the 2001 Central Divisional Tour Headquartered in Baton Rouge, La. We presented an award to the AACA National President "Doug Drake" that attended the tour. Jim served as Louisiana Region President in 2003. Many years Jim and I were Co-Directors of the Baton Rouge Fall Tours with the help of Eula and Betty. I remember in 1998 during our Fall Tour Jim was picking up the order of fruit that I had paid for and when the guy was loading it in Jim's truck, Jim told him that he must have made a mistake on the bananas, and very indignantly the guy said to Jim, No Mister, I know how to count! So Jim being the easy going, nice guy that he was, said well okay then. The guy had loaded 3 cases of bananas instead of 30 bananas that I had paid for. Some of you remember he gave out bananas at every stop, at lunches, Friday night, breakfast, Saturday Banquet and Sunday morning, it was never ending trying to get rid of all those bananas. From then on Jim was called "The BANANA MAN". The next year a lot of Louisiana Region Members were attending a National Tour in Pennsylvania Jim gave out bananas to us each morning with him being 'THE BANANA MAN". John Copes passed on the Sponsorship and Management of the Jean Ballintine Award to Jim and Betty in 2003, which they have handled every since. Jim was a very close friend of mine. We worked on some of his cars as well as mine together and shared a lot of good times together. I will miss him. Charlie Matthews

Johnny Delatte was a member and former Officer of Lagniappe Chapter of AACA, based in Houma, La. Johnny was also a member and Officer of The Wanderers, also based in Houma. Johnny and his wife Eula were very active in both organziations. Johnny was a Vietnam combat veteran and an active member and officer of The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), serving in various capacities in local land state veterans groups. Johnny was an affable and capable man. He was never afraid to raise his hand when something needed to be done and a dedicated hard worker for his chapter. A dedicated family man, Johnny is sadly missed by his family. Johnny passed away on April 25, 2013.

LAFAYETTE - Henry Adams, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2014. A resident of Broussard since 1967, he was born on December 5, 1936 in Kaplan to the late Henry Adams, Sr. and Ava Meaux. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Adeline "Bee" Adams; one daughter Melissa Gail Adams of Mandeville, his son Henry Adams, III and daughter-in-law Janet ll all Soprano Adams; four grandchildren: Leah Michelle Couvillon of Baton Rouge, Andrew David Immanuel Aceves of Mandeville, Kate Victoria Adams of Lafayette, and Julia Elizabeth Adams of Lafayette. He is also survived by three sisters: Mable Adams Vercher of Youngsville, Hazel Adams Feverjean of Nunez, and May Adams Peltier (Lorgie) of Abbeville along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Adams, Sr. and Ava Meaux; three sisters Watsana Adams, Lillian Adams Farris, and Mildred Adams; one brother, Watson J. Adams; and two nephews, Carson Dale Vincent and William Decuir, Jr. Pallbearers are Andrew Aceves, Henry Adams, III, Dale Decuir, Alex Feverjean, Dalton Feverjean, Jr. and Ronald Trahan. Honorary pallbearers are Emmanuel Lange, Wesley Marceaux, Jr., and James Vercher. A class of 1955 graduate of Kaplan High School Henry was devoted to his family, antique cars, and performing Cajun music professionally for over 62 years with many accomplished musicians in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and Cajun French Music Association Hall of Fame.

Richard Thomas Gibbens, III, 72, a native of Baton Rouge and resident of Schriever, LA, died peacefully at his residence on Saturday August 4, 2012. Dick and his wife, Brenda, were very active members of the Lagniappe Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. ------------------------ Last Saturday, several of us from Lagniappe and Wanderers went to the "Dick Gibbens Yard Sale." Following Dick’s passing, his family worked hard to sort, organize and assemble about 50 years of collected and refurbished automobiles, boats and vintage engines. The green Model T Ford was for sale, but the family will retain the ’23 McLaughlin Buick. There were a few pieces of equipment like presses, compressors, tanks and sand blasters, but most of the sale was related to the turn-of-the-century "put-put" engines familiar to fishermen and factory workers a hundred years ago. As I thought about the event, I realized what a tribute this was to Dick. Dozens of friends rummaging through this vast collection of stuff. Some of us had direct connections to machines, engines or equipment there. It was just a few months ago that Dick and I used his old press to remove and replace some universal joints for my Studebaker. Many of his wooden boat or vintage engine friends were there with friendships that went back decades; even from childhood. Every visit to Dick included at least one story of his growing up or adventures. Now here we were, standing around telling stories about Dick and what a great guy he was. What a nice tribute that was. Dick was one of my favorite story tellers. Dick and Brenda’s home is about a mile from mine - just the right distance and toward an open highway ideally suited to testing my latest car repair. I’d stop in and chat with Dick. Brenda usually had lemonade or tea and Dick always had a story - mostly about growing up on a farm, but sometimes about his military years in Germany, things mechanical or his career as a helicopter mechanic. In his retirement he focused on repairing and collecting turn-of-the-century boats and gasoline engines, but he could fix anything. He was a gifted machinist, woodworker, builder, mechanic... and storyteller. He was a man you immediately felt comfortable with. Unfortunately, he developed Parkinson’s disease and it increasingly affected his productivity. Nevertheless, he plodded and shuffled on, staying productive until a final Parkinson’s related fall took his life. His death was peaceful and work related, probably as he would have preferred. Dick had charisma - quiet and gentle, kind and generous, he always had time to help a friend or loan a tool. A story usually went with it. Dick and friends were the prime movers and contributors to Center for Traditional Louisiana Boat Building at Lockport in central Lafourche Parish. He spent many hours there in meetings, collecting boats and equipment and assembling displays. It was he who built the rounded "Pilot House" desk that sets off the entry to the museum. Dick and Brenda were members of Lagniappe Chapter for many years. Both were active, energetic contributors serving in various roles, never hesitating to raise a hand when something needed to be done. Good people. Good role models. Fred Duplechin

Gerald Joseph Duplantis, 75, a native of Dulac and resident of Schriever, went home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2017. A visitation will be held in his honor on Saturday, July 1, at Samart Funeral Home of Houma, West Park - Houma, from 11 a.m. until the Religious Service at 1:30 p.m. The burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery, Houma. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandra Branigan Duplantis; four daughters, Nedra Links and husband, Robert, Shaun Higgs and husband, Barry, Angelle Button and husband, Ronald, and Ashleigh Duplantis Chabert; son, Shane Duplantis and wife, Jacquelin; brother, Brian Duplantis; grandchildren, Dr. Travis Links, Candace Bruney, Joshua Links, Matthew Links, Ryan Higgs, Kody Button, Alexis Button, Halie Voison, Avah Chabert, Landon Graham, Kade Duplantis, Kimi Duplantis, Becca and Molly Duplantis; and seven great-grandchildren. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; Davidson and Bessie Boudreaux Duplantis. Gone yet not forgotten. Although we are apart, your spirit lives within us and forever in our hearts.

Frank Merlin Duncan, 75, died Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 03:45 AM. He was a native of Philadelphia, MS and resident of Gray, LA. He is survived by his, Sons: Janson A. Duncan and wife Azalea, Ricky R. McKee and wife Susie, Daughter: Frankie Ann Duncan and Fiance’ Jerry Marcel, Brother: Jimmie Duncan and wife Althea, Sister: Jackie D. Dunn, Grandchildren: Sierra A. Duncan, Noah McKee, Lylah G. Marcel and Companion: Linda Milligan. He was preceded in death by his, Parents: Joseph Jansen Duncan and Dorothy Faler Duncan, Brothers: Charles Duncan and Robert "Bobby" Duncan. Frank was a charter member of the Lagniappe Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America based in Houma. He greatly enjoyed antique cars, parades and the friendships he enjoyed with the chapter. Frank owned a 1925 Model T Ford and a 1940 Ford coupe. Frank was a people lover and always in a pleasant mood as described by club friends. Frank Duncan, after losing his battle with with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and dementia, passed quietly at home.

(1920 - 2013) LAFAYETTE - Ellen Leontine (Jacqueline) Mouton Coussan, 93, passed away at her residence in Lafayette on Monday, December 2, 2013. She was the daughter of the late former Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, Dr. Marc M. Mouton and Alice Campbell Mouton. Her maternal grandparents were the late Judge and former Mayor of Lafayette, illiam Campbell and Ellen Esteen Campbell. Her paternal grandparents were the late Frank Gardener Mouton and Leontine Doucet Mouton. A ninth generation Louisianian and native of Lafayette, Mrs. Coussan loved her city and state and was very knowledgeable about the history of Lafayette. She enjoyed recounting the accomplishments of her Mouton and Campbell ancestors, which included public service and commerce on both the state and city levels. In 1936 she graduated from Mt. Carmel Convent School. She married Doucet F. (Pappy) Coussan in 1940, and shared 71 years of marriage with him until his death in December 2011. She is survived by their daughter, Ellen C. Coffin of Houston, TX; her first cousins, Ellen Campbell Resweber of Scott, LA, Charles Campbell of Jackson, MS and Marilyn Mouton Spence of Houston, TX and their families. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, George B. Coffin of Houston, TX. The family would like express their sincere gratitude to Vicki Cormier, long-time housekeeper and friend, Velma Lilly, loving care-giver, and to Agnes Kilchrist and her staff of caregivers, especially Delores Melancon, whose compassionate care enabled her to remain at home.

Edward Ray Thompson passed away on March 12, 2014 at the age of 86. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Sylvia Thompson of Livingston County, Kentucky, and survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Sandefur Thompson. They were married in Smithland, Livingston County, Kentucky in 1948. Edward is lovingly remembered by his children: Cynthia Thompson Morin and husband Tom, Gail Thompson Curry and husband Tim, and Janet Thompson; his grandchildren: Lane Edward Downs, Scott Curry, Brian Curry, Chris Spears and wife Sarah, Stephen Spears and Roxanna Madere, and Haley Spears and fiancé Cameron McDermitt; and great-grandchildren: Kade Spears and Sage Spears. Edward Thompson was born in Bayou, Livingston County, Kentucky, March 13, 1927 and graduated Hampton High School and joined the Army Air Corp, proudly serving in Germany. Moving to Louisiana in 1957, Ed was employed by H.E. Weiss Construction and Jacobs Engineering before establishing his own industrial construction company, Thompco Inc., in 1978 which continued until his retirement 20 years later. Ed had a wide variety of interests which he always pursued with passion. As a young man he enjoyed playing baseball and shared his love of the game many years later by coaching a girl's softball team. His love of airplanes led to a pilot's license and also restoring small aircraft in his backyard. In the late 1960s a new passion took hold as Ed and family established the Thompsons Arabian Ranch. Ed enjoyed many years of breeding, raising and showing Arabian horses and was President of the Louisiana Arabian Horse Association. His interest in motorcycles led to founding of the La. Chapter of MotoGuzzi National Owners Club, establishing Denham Springs Cycle Center as a MotoGuzzi dealership, and participation in the Christian Motorcycle Association. Ed always loved old cars. After his retirement, he began collecting and restoring antique cars and participated in shows and events of the Kaiser Fraser Owners Club and the Baton Rouge Antique Auto Club of America. Another highlight of his retirement life was traveling and camping trips with the Winnebago Winnies group.

Billy Cressione died February 5, 2005. A fun and loving guy, practical joker and lover of cars. His wife, Sharon pledges to keep his cars in the family.

Allen "Slim" Guidroz passed away 10-10-07. He and his wife Eleanor, have been members of Evangeline Chapter AACA since 1960. Many of you will remember him as the tall man in the wheelchair. He was a native of Carencro and a resident of Broussard. Mr. Guidroz was Chief Dispatcher with Halliburton Services and retired in 1984 after 36 years of service. He was also one of the oldest members of the Evangeline Chapter of Antique Automobile Club of America and served two terms as President. He was known to his friends in the club as the "Model T Man." He was past owner and operator of The Small Engine Shop in Broussard. He was also crew chief of "Mash On It / Racing Team." Mr. Guidroz was described by his family as being "The Best Poppa Ever." He was much loved and will be sadly missed.