Leonce Paul GAUTREAU

GAUTREAU JR., LEONCE PAUL "L.P." A native and resident of Duplessis, he died at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales. He was 87 and a retiree of Ormet Corp., Burnside. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ina Marie Braud Gautreau of Duplessis; two sons and daughters-in-law, Byron and Gayle Gautreau and Daniel and Ruby Gautreau; a daughter and two sons-in-law, Patsy and Connie Stafford, and Virgil Ruiz; a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Gayle Gautreau; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Onedia Melancon, Nela and Rex Callicot, and Gadys and Jan Peavy; sisters-in-law, Belva Gautreau, Catherine Gautreau, Mayola Brown, Leona Egan, Elgie Mae Braud, Viola Braud and Delcie Braud; brothers-in-law, Harold Braud and wife Vera, and Robert Babin; 13 grandchildren and spouses, Darrin and Diane Ruiz, Chad and Carla Ruiz, Dawn and Robbie Sholmire, Manuel and Rachel Ruiz, Alden and Charlene Gautreau, Jennifer Gautreau, Clay and Aurora Stafford, Scotty and Pamela Stafford, Brett and Lindsey Stafford, Nicole and Robert Wray, Michelle Gautreau, Cherie and Justin Knox, and Clint Gautreau; 17 great-grandchildren, eight stepgreat-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nezida Rose Gautreau Ruiz; parents, Leonce Paul Sr. and Rose Bercegeay Gautreau; brothers, Stanley, Norris and Frelen Gautreau; and a sister, Lura Norris. He was a 1936 graduate of Dutchtown High School, a World War II combat veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was a member of American Legion Post 81, a former Boy Scout leader and a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Visiting at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, on Friday, Dec. 23, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at St. John the Evangelist Church, Prairieville, on Saturday from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Eric Gyan, celebrant. Entombment in Prairieville Cemetery Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Prairieville Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 531, Prairieville, LA 70769. Published in The Advocate on 12/23/2005.