Merrill Joseph Rentrop Sr., a resident of Morgan City, passed away at AMG Specialty Hospital in Houma on Monday, April 11, 2016 surrounded by family at the age of 85. He was born on January 4, 1931 in Bayou L’Ourse, the son of Alcee H. Rentrop Sr. and Telizia M. Pennison Rentrop. Merrill was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman that enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening (especially growing long-stem roses in Buras), golfing, baseball and bowling. He loved his family and always had them around for gatherings. He also had a passion for cooking, which he did well, that led him to cook for the National Guard for several years. He loved playing Pedro, wine tasting, and trying different hot sauces. He was a generous man that gave not only his time, but was an avid blood donor that donated gallons throughout his lifetime. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend that will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his two sons: Merrill J. Rentrop Jr. and wife Lori of Clark Summit, PA; and Wayne A. Rentrop and wife Mary of Bayou L’Ourse. Three daughters: Janet M. Strange and husband Alfred of Evart, MI; Veronica L. Kingsbury of Evart, MI; and Cynthia G. Kennedy and husband Thomas of Mesa, AZ. Two step-sons, JF Gasquet and wife Penny of Jesuit Bend, LA, Bruce Gasquet and wife Bonnie of Empire, LA. Two brothers: Laurie Rentrop of Vienna, VA; and Burns Rentrop and wife Evalise “Tiny” of Sulphur, LA. Two sisters, Elise Landry of Bayou L’Ourse, Manola Miller of Bayou L’Ourse. Also 10 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family. Merrill is preceded in death by his wife, Bernice G. Rentrop; parents, Alcee H. Rentrop Sr. and Telizia Marie Rentrop; son, Michael Rentrop; brother, Alcee “Plute” H. Rentrop Jr; and great-granddaughters, Aubrie Ann and Madalyn Rose Bellanger. Pall bearers will be Anthony Rentrop, Burns Rentrop Jr, Burns Rentrop III, Dean Clements, Dylan Hebert, and Jason Zimmerman. A visitation was held Wednesday, April 13 2016 at Twin City Funeral Home. Visitation resumed on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Amelia followed by a mass of Christian burial. Merrill was laid to rest in St. Andrew Catholic Church Cemetery following mass.
Merrill Joseph Rentrop Sr.
Richard Alvin Kamm
Richard Alvin Kamm passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the age of 79. Richard “Richie” was born on December 1, 1936 in New Orleans, LA. He was the son of the late Merton R. Kamm and the late Florence Sellen Kamm. He was a brother to Donald L. Kamm and the late Lucille K. Ventura. He served his country in the Navy for four years. He was a native to Metairie and Buras, LA, but has been a resident in Poplarville, MS for over 10 years. Survivors include his loving wife, Sheila Mathis Kamm; three children, Donna Kamm Bendily (Dave) Deimel, Wayne A. (Gina) Kamm, and Bryan D. (Stacey) Kamm; seven grandchildren, Bobby, Lauren, Christopher, Haley, Blair, Elizabeth and Zachary; five great-grandchildren, Abby, Austin, Jaden, Adele and Jackson. Visitation was held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Loranger Baptist Church in Loranger, LA. Another memorial service will be held at Plainview Baptist Church in Poplarville on April 23, 2016 at 3 p.m.
Ernest “Bob” E. Deshautreaux, MD
Ernest “Bob” E. Deshautreaux, MD, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the age of 86. Son of the late Dorothea Havemann Deshautreaux and Former Mayor of Kenner Emile C. Deshautreaux Sr. Brother of the late Emile C. Deshautreaux Jr. Beloved husband of Joyce Foto Deshautreaux. Devoted father of Stephanie, Eric (fiancee Sandra), Prentiss (Janice) and David Deshautreaux (Kristin). Loving grandfather of Ryan (Julie) and Jason Chalmers (Allison), Keith and Katie Deshautreaux and Bentley and Ella Deshautreaux. Proud great-grandfather of Elizabeth and Sydney Chalmers and Allie Chalmers. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. He graduated Valedictorian from Rugby High School, Summa Cum Laude Tulane University and top 10 of his class at Tulane Medical School. He was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He did his internship at Charity Hospital where he was “Intern of the Year” and his residency at Touro. He served as a Captain in the Air Force as Flight Surgeon with Air Rescue in Anchorage, Alaska. He taught at Tulane Medical School. Dr. Deshautreaux was in private practice (Deshautreaux Klein Pediatric Clinic) in the New Orleans, Belle Chasse and LaPlace areas as a pediatrician with a specialty in pediatric allergy before his retirement. He was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake in Mandeville. He loved visiting his Florida beach house, his beloved dog Lexie and eating out at his favorite restaurants. He loved his family and they loved him dearly. Dr. Deshautreaux had a private funeral on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.
Annetta Renee Neal Conrad
Annetta Renee Neal Conrad departed this life on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at West Jefferson Medical Center at the age of 49. She was a native of Peoria, Illinois and a longtime resident of Venice, LA. Beloved Daughter of Dianne Neal and the late Larry Neal. Devoted and Loving Wife of William Conrad. Devoted Mother of Heather (Mike) Lord, Jessie (Mindy) Dauzet, Megan Dauzet and Gabrail (Jonathan Guidry) Dauzet. Deceased is also the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren (grandchild number14 is due to arrive soon), two brothers, four sisters, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and devoted friends. Friends and family members were invited to attend Annetta’s funeral service on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Buras, LA. Entombment followed at Our Lady of Good Harbor Cemetery in Buras. Please visit www.robinsonfamilyfuneralhome.com to sign guestbook.
Dr. Harold Asevedo, Jr.
Jackie Jones Autin
Patsy Lizette Pichon Cossé
Wanda Jenette Mazarac-Kirk
Simon "Speedy" Murville Landry
Lana “Meme” Barras Strong
Lana “Meme” Barras Strong, a native of Port Sulfur, LA and resident of Thibodaux, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the of 58. Private services will be held. She is survived by her daughter, Danielle Strong; granddaughter, Kenley Folmar; mother, Patricia Barras; sisters, Janel Ryan and Jan Barras Blanchard; brother, Rene Barras; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Barras.
Arthur Lee Isidore
Arthur Lee Isidore departed this life on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at West Jefferson Hospital a the age of 75. He was a lifelong resident of Plaquemines Parish. Beloved son of the late Herman P. Isidore and Antionette Encalade Isidore. Beloved Father of Kyle B. Isidore (Ranada), Demetria Isidore-Trufant (Kerry), Emery Tinson (Joyce), Rodney Encalade, Lisa M. Duplessis (Alex), Stephanie Mack (Keith) and Alisha Isidore. Loving and devoted fianc of Laverne Jaye Black. Brother of Patricia Isidore Jones, Ronald, Francis, Blaze, Mark and the late Herman Isidore. Deceased also survived by 13 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 1 uncle, 5 aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family were invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at St. Thomas Catholic Church 17605 Hwy 15 Pointe A La Hache, LA. Father Michael Labre Officiated. Interment will follow at St. Martins Cemetery Davant, LA.
Phyllis Laura Johanna Candela Benoit
On April 20, 2016, an angel gained her wings as she said goodbye to this world at the age of 68. Phyllis Laura Johanna Candela Benoit passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and loved ones. Phyllis did not “lose” her battle with cancer...she lived graciously and courageously with it until the very end. Phyllis was born in Algiers, LA on October 2, 1947. She was raised in Metairie, LA and was a resident of Belle Chasse, LA for the past 46 years. She graduated from Riverdale High School in 1965. Phyllis retired from Southern Flow Co./Zedi after 43 years. She was the daughter to the late Phillip and Betty Candela. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 46 years Bobby L. Benoit, eldest son Derreck L. Benoit (daughter in law, Adriana Carvajol Benoit), daughter Shelly A. Benoit, youngest son Matthew J. Benoit (daughter in law Ali Gautreaux Benoit), and “adopted” daughter Holly Landry. Grandmother of Dawson Benoit, Peyton Benoit, Mia Betigheimer, Markus Betigheimer, Mason Benoit and Landon Cormier. Sister to Millie Cousins, Lydia Barras, Mona Wharton and Betty Hayden. Sister in law to Linda and Ron Dore. She is also survived by a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Phyllis’s greatest joys were her children and grandchildren and lived her life for them. She was the strength of life, the rock of her family, the gentle heartbeat to her children, the joy to her soulmate, the inspiration at her work, the support and love of her friends. “She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings.” Her services were held on Tuesday April 26, 2016 at The First Baptist Church in Belle Chasse, LA located at 8828 Highway 23 Belle Chase, LA.
John Helmers, Jr.
Ryan Joseph Henderson Sr.
Calvin Collidge "Mr. Coffee" Jones, Jr.
Calvin "Cal" Frank Tozel
Sherry Bourg Raffo
Sherry Bourg Raffo peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the age of 61. Beloved wife of Doug Raffo of 34 years. Beloved daughter of the late Lucien Bourg and Selma Lepine Bourg. Loving mother of James Frazier (Kelly), Doug Raymond Raffo (Theresa) and Nicole Raffo Tuschl (Kevin, Sr.). Loving Grandmother of Taylor Frazier, James Frazier, Ross Frazier, Kellen Frazier, Isabella Raffo, Kevin Tuschl, Jr. and Mya Tuschl. Sherry is also survived by 1 expectant great grandchild, Forrest Freeze. Sister of Shirley Rice, Lena Poirrier, Lucius “Jay” Bourg and the late David Bourg. Sherry is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was born in Westwego and resided in Belle Chasse for the past 30 years. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Westwego. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the family to help with funeral expenses. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Funeral services were held at the funeral home on Wednesday. Interment will be privately held at a later date. Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www.mothefunerals.com.
Melissa Gainey
Melissa Marie Gainey passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016, at Lafayette General Medical Center at the age of 53. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at The Bridge Fellowship Church in Breaux Bridge, Pastor Brandon Trott officiated at the Funeral Service. Interment followed at St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2 in Breaux Bridge. A former resident of Plaquemines Parish, Ms. Gainey was a member of New Beginnings Fellowship Church in Breaux Bridge and a worship leader at many different Evangelical churches throughout the area. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend, and cherished moments spent with the people she loved, especially her granddaughter, Grayce. Ms. Gainey always tried to make Jesus the center of focus of her everyday life, and lived to help and restore others who were struggling with their faith in Christ. Melissa’s family enjoyed listening to her sing for her family and friends around the house. She will be loved and missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her son, Brandon R. Gainey and wife Destiny Thompson Gainey of Baton Rouge; father, Marion Alesich, Sr. of Breaux Bridge; brothers, Marion “Puggy” Alesich of Carencro and Morris Dale Alesich of Breaux Bridge; granddaughter, Grayce Gainey; two aunts, Maryellen Treadway Gandy and husband Sid of Sealy, TX and Margie Treadway of Plaquemines Parish; godchild, Megan Alesich; nephew, Joshua Alesich; and two nieces, Summer Harveston, Michelle Howington. She was preceded in death by mother, Mildred Treadway Alesich; maternal grandparents; August and Beatrice Martin Treadway; and her aunt, Margaret Treadway Howington. Pallbearers will be Marion “Puggy” Alesich, Morris Dale Alesich, Brandon R. Gainey, Joshua Alesich, Frankie Howington, and Russell Gainey Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Marion Alesich Sr. and Skyler Brumley. Memorial contributions may be made to the “Go Fund Me” account established to help her family cover medical and funeral expenses. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com
A.B. Croft
A.B. Croft, was as unique as his name. A.B. passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at West Jefferson Medical Center peacefully with his family by his side at the age of 75. He passed after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A.B. was born, July 16, 1940 in Crossville, Alabama. He moved to Buras, LA in his twenties to work in the Oilfield. He remained in Buras even after Hurricane Katrina. Buras is where he met his wife, Marie Marinovich Croft of 50 years. They had a large family to include their children, Teresa (David), Shayne, Chris (Crystal), Angela (Chuck), Melissa (Allen), Michael (Stephanie); their Grandchildren; Tiffany, Craig, Christopher, Ashlyn, Angelle, Allen Jr., Mikey, Alex, Alden and a brand new Granddaughter, Alissa born the day before his passing and his 2 great grandchildren, Ashton and Madalyn. He leaves them all behind with fond memories. He retired from Chevron after 35 years of service. He was an active member of the Buras Volunteer Fire Department since 1968 where he fought many fires and volunteer many hours as Chief A.B. Croft since 1979. He made many friendships and mentored many young men and women through his time there. He loved being in the bayou trawling and fishing then eating what he caught. He loved his “cans of coffee” and talking with people. Don’t think he never met a stranger. He was a strong, dedicated and respected man of his community. He will be missed by many and missed for his many sayings. He is preceded in death by his father Berley Franklin Croft, his mother Dollie Estelle Wilkerson Croft; his brothers, M.H., James, Estel and J.C. Simmons. He has one surviving brother, C.B. Special thanks to all his family and friends for the support and benefit, Staff at the Cancer Center and the West Jefferson ER and CCU Staff who helped him through his last days. All family and friends of Chevron, Buras Volunteer Fire Department, Plaquemines Parish Government, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemines Parish EMS, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, D-Now, Belle Chasse Academy, NAPA, all Fire Departments and members of the community are invited to the visitation which was held at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Visitation resumed at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Funeral services were held at the funeral home on Wednesday. Interment was held at Our Lady of Good Harbor Cemetery, Buras, LA. Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www.mothefunerals.com. A gathering after the funeral was held at his “second” home, the Buras Volunteer Fire Department. As in the famous words of A.B., “That’s it!!”
Russell “Rusty” Gerald Buras
Russell “Rusty” Gerald Buras departed his earthly life on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the age of 57. He was born on May 2, 1958. He has joined our parents and other loved ones in heaven. Rusty was born in Port Sulphur, Louisiana and was raised in the Boothville-Venice area. As a young man he lived in Buras and Jesuit Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred Gerald Buras and Reva Elaine Beck Buras; his Sister-in-law, Michelle Maire Boyte Buras; and nephews: Clinton Charles Buras, Harold Allen Wallace, Dewayne Keith Buras, and Josh Dale Cleckler. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Brown Buras; three children: Becky Gremillion, Brandi Ragas, and Randall Fortmayer; Siblings: Patricia Susan Buras Wallace (Harold), Gary Keith Buras (Penny), William Owen Buras, Timothy Eugene Buras (Norma), Johnathan Clinton Buras (Diana), and Todd Beck Buras (Betty); grandchildren; nieces; nephews; great nieces; and great nephews.