William Emile LASSALLE

William Emile Lassalle, a U.S. Navy veteran, a retired fixed-wing and helicopter pilot, and one of the original 30 employees of Higgens Boat industry, died on February 10, 2005 at the Hospice Homeplace of Tyler, Texas. Cause of death is leukemia. He was born March 7, 1918 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Lassalle resided in Texas since 1957 and as a pilot he worked throughout the United States, Central America and the Mid-East. He is survived by his beloved wife Josephine Conand Lassalle of Chandler, Texas; his only child and her spouse, Patricia Lassalle Pilgrim and C. W. Pilgrim of Lindale, Texas; grandchildren and their spouses, Michael and Jodi Pilgrim of Lindale, Texas, Anne and Roy Martinez of Flint, Texas; Brent and Nicole Pilgrim of Fort Worth, Texas. Also his only sibling, Margianna Lassalle Koepke of Memphis, Tennessee. He has five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia Seguin and Emile Jean Pierre Lassalle. Lester Conand, Marvin and June Ackermann of Metairie, Louisiana, and all of his friends, nieces and nephews will also sadly miss him. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family between 9-11 am on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA. Graveside services and burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. If desired memorials may be made to Hospice Homeplace of Tyler, Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701. Family guest book may be signed on line under Current Family Services at www.schoencanalstreet.com