Obituaries

Former editor of Ville Platte Gazette passes away

Carissa Ann Hebert January 11, 1966 — May 21, 2025 Carissa Ann Hebert, born on Tuesday, January 11, 1966 in Eunice, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in Lafayette, Louisiana at the age of 59.

SAMMYE SANFORD SESSIONS

Sammye Sanford Sessions was born on August 17, 1943, in Winters, Texas. Her mother, Neta Sanford, traveled from Ville Platte, to Winters specifically so her daughter could be born in West Texas.

Dr. Wayne LaHaye

Dr. George Wayne LaHaye, a cherished physician and beloved family man, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the age of 86, in Reddell, Louisiana.

Billy Joe Foreman

Billy Joe Foreman, a beloved resident of the Ville Platte community, passed away in his hometown of Ville Platte on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the age of 49.

DEMPTY WILFRED MANUEL

Dempty Wilfred Manuel, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Ville Platte, at the age of 90.

RICHARD WAYNE JOHNSON

Richard Wayne Johnson, age 80, passed away March 31, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Richard grew up and lived most of his life in Ville Platte and graduated from Ville Platte High School. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Martha H. Johnson, for 51 years.

ETHEL FONTENOT

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Ethel Vidrine Fontenot, 93, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following a brief illness, at Mercy Regional Medical Center.

LAURA MARIE FONTENOT

FAUBOURG - It is with heavy hearts that the family of Laura Marie Fontenot, 66, announces her passing on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Laura was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was an extraordinary testament to service, love, and faith.

ROGER LEE SMITH

EUNICE - The family of Roger Lee Smith announces his passing on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Oak Lane Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, at the age of 88. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, in Chataignier.

JAMES “BRENT” FONTENOT

James “Brent” Fontenot, age 62, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025. He was born on May 25, 1962, in Ville Platte, to Ronald Fontenot and Mary Ann Thompson Fontenot.