Obituaries

Veterans Spotlight

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - As the Veterans Day holiday nears, Sergeant First Class (retired) James Louis “LG” Poullard is remembered, who passed away earlier this year, at the age of 86.

ROSE M. FONTENOT

Rose M. Fontenot, a beloved and devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, in Lafayette, at the age of 72. Funeral services took place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte. Burial followed in the M.B.

SYBIL THIBODEAUX LANDRENEAU

Sybil Thibodeaux Landreneau, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving children and granddaughter on November 4, 2025.

MARY MANUEL DEROUEN

Mary Manuel DeRouen, a cherished mother, beloved grandmother, loving great grandmother and dear sister peacefully passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the age of 86.

WAYLAN PAUL SMITH

Waylan Paul Smith, born on January 15, 1956, in Ville Platte, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in his beloved hometown of Ville Platte. He left Ville Platte as a young man and resided in the New Orleans area until his later years.

GLADYS COLLINS

VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Gladys Collins, 66, will be held on Saturday November 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. with wake service beginning at 9 a.m. at Victory Millennium Ministries in Ville Platte. Burial will be in the St John Memorial Cemetery. Pastor Russell Kaough will officiate the service.

MARY ETHEL SAVANT

Mary Ethel Savant, a loving housewife and devoted mother, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Ville Platte, at the age of 93. Born on Saturday, March 5, 1932, in Beaver Creek, Mary lived a life filled with love and creativity that touched the hearts of many around her.

MARSHALL JOSEPH VIZINAT

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marshall “Marty” Joseph Vizinat, who departed this world on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the age of 57. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

JOSEPH ANTHONY “MR. JOE” DESHOTEL

Joseph Anthony “Mr. Joe” Deshotel, a beloved resident of Reddell, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Mamou, at the age of 86. Born on Thursday, August 3, 1939, Mr.

Local artist passes away at 86

By: TONY MARKS Editor Gary Richard Steckler, well known for his art, passed away on September 23, at the age of 86. Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 27, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Visitation was held at 11 am, followed by the Rosary at 12 p.m. and Mass at 12:45 p.m.