MELVIN EUGENE SIMONEAUX SR.

Nov. 24, 1927 ~ Feb. 9, 2016
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charenton during a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial for Melvin Eugene Simoneaux Sr., a native and lifelong resident of Charenton, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88, at his home on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, surrounded by his family. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery Mausoleum with full Military Honors rendered by Keesler Air Force Base Honor Guard. Father Cedric Sonnier will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m., led by Fr. Sonnier. Visitation will resume Saturday at the church beginning at 8 a.m. and continue until time of Mass.
Mr. Simoneaux was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served his country and fellow man during the Korean Conflict as well as the Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant on February 1, 1971, after over 20 years of faithful and dedicated service. Following his military career, Mr. Melvin went to work for Columbian Chemicals, where he retired in 1989 after 20 years. After retiring for a second time he was then able to pursue his true passion, which was fishing, crawfishing, crabbing and anything else to do with being on the water.
Survivors include four children, Debra Simoneaux Louviere and her husband, Gary; Melvin Eugene Simoneaux Jr. and his wife, Jeannine; Michael Joseph Simoneaux and his wife, Donna; and Mark John Simoneaux Sr. and his wife, Anna; his sister, Lucinda S. McElfresh and her husband, Wallace; five grandchildren, Renee Louviere, Sean Louviere, Joseph Simoneaux, Mark Simoneaux Jr. and Jacob Simoneaux; three step grandchildren, Billy Galey, Aaron Galey and Nicole Phillips; 15 great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Bourliea; his parents, Wibry and Ludy Landry Simoneaux; his brothers, Harvey Simoneaux, Wibry Simoneaux Jr. and Norris Simoneaux; and two grandsons, Gary Louviere Jr. and Melvin Eugene Simoneaux III.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Melvin’s devoted caregivers, Shannon, Karen, Jessica, Cherie, Joy, Hope and Tasha.
Memorial contributions can made in Mr. Melvin’s name to Heart of Hospice -Bayou Region, 14777 Highway 90 West Frontage Road, 337-828-2678, www.heartofhospice.net.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.