Merlin J. JUNEAU

JUNEAU, MERLIN J. God took him home and blessed him with His mercy. He was a retired master carpenter, having worked with Barksdale and LeBlanc for 20 years and Fortech and Zemmei for 26 years. He was a resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Mansura. He passed away on Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, at his home. He was 87 and a U.S. Army veteran. He served in World War II for four years and fought in five major battles. Visitation on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, at Greenoaks Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with recitation of the rosary at 6 p.m. Visiting on Thursday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church from 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Irene B. Juneau of Baton Rouge; two daughters, Chris Gutweiler and husband John and Esther Gomez and husband Mike, all of Baton Rouge; sister, Annie Desselle of Mansura; four grandchildren, Jack Gutweiler and wife Beth of Katy, Texas, David Gutweiler and wife Melissa of Port Allen, Wendy Champton and husband Daniel of Gonzales, and Crystal Gomez of Baton Rouge; great-grandson, Brent Meliet of Gonzales; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. Pallbearers will be Mike Gomez, John Gutweiler, Jack Gutweiler, Daniel Champton, Mike Gutweiler and Pete Desselle. He was a master carpenter and craftsman and an artist in his field. He was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Carpenters Local Union 1098, UTC, and Woodman of the World. Published in The Advocate on 12/20/2005.