March 31, 1925- February 6, 2017
The Good Lord blessed us on March 31, 1925, with Gerald “Jerry” J. DuBois, a man of great character, compassion and great sense of humor and brought him back to his heavenly home on the morning of Feb. 6, 2017, surrounded by his family that he loved very much.
During his almost 92 years on God’s earth, this man accomplished more than most, even though he was blinded in both eyes at the age of 19 by a mortar shell explosion during World War II in France while serving our nation under General Patton. Upon returning from the war, he met a young woman, married her, built a home and had a child. He cared for his sickly wife almost the whole 42 years they were married. After her death, the Lord rewarded Jerry and his family with an angel from heaven; even though they never married, they loved each other more than one can imagine.
Jerry loved to cook, do yard work in his garden, dance and have a good time which all the women say he was a very good dancer, go to the casino and drop a few pennies in a machine. He loved to walk to Lawrence Park with his grandchildren then on to the American Legion Home which he was a member for 70 years and have a beer or two with his legion buddies. He was an avid Saints and LSU football and baseball fan, never missing a game listening to it on his radio. He loved going to all his son’s and grandsons’ ball games when they were growing up and was known for his loud whistle when they made a good play. Most of all, he truly loved his small family.
Even though Jerry was blind and was unable to see his family and friends here on earth, we are comforted now in knowing that the light of Jesus has now opened his eyes and he can now see us from heaven.
Jerry is survived by his only child, John and his beloved daughter-in-law, Marie “Tessie” DuBois; his two grandchildren, Chadd and his wife Ashley DuBois and Jacob DuBois; and his two great-grandchildren, Riley and Kinzley DuBois. Also survived by our angel from heaven, Peggy Verret, who he loved dearly as she stood by his side during his illness; we can never thank you enough for the love you showed dad.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Amy DuBois; and his parents, Sydney and Bessie DuBois.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Clyde Mahler celebrating Mass. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, at Twin City Funeral Home with the visitation resuming from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Following Mass, Jerry will be laid to rest with military honors in the Morgan City Cemetery with honors being rendered by the East St. Mary Veteran’s Funeral Squad.

January 23, 1924 – February 5, 2017
Funeral services for William “Bill” A. Anderson Jr., a native and longtime former resident of Franklin and a resident of Baton Rouge for the past 11 years, will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, during a 12 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of the Assumption in Franklin, with Father Cedric Sonnier officiating. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the Franklin Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until Mass time.
Bill was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corp having served during World War II. He attended LSU and graduated in 1948. Following graduation he worked for Tiger Air Freight in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1956, Bill and his wife Marguerite built the Billmar Motel in Franklin, which they owned and operated until 1979. He then began a second career in real estate which he sold in 2003. In 2006 Bill and Marguerite moved to Baton Rouge where they lived until his death. Bill was a quiet man of character. His children and grandchildren have many fond memories of “Paw Paw.” Bill passed away at the age of 93 on Sunday morning, Feb. 5, 2017, at The Haven at Windermere Assisted Living in Baton Rouge. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife, Marguerite Joseph Anderson; three children, William A. Anderson, III and his wife Jayne, Catherine Anderson Neill and her husband Jim, and Karen Anderson Sanford and her husband Mahlon; his sister, Mae Anderson Thibeaux; nine grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William A. Anderson Sr. and Mamie Ecuer Anderson; his brother, John Anderson; and his sisters, Eloise Dopson and Billie Ruskoski.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Orleans World War II Museum, www.nationalww2museum.org, 504-528-1944 ext. 290, or to any military charity of choice.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

September 15, 1931 - February 6, 2017
Funeral services for Mrs. Mercedes LeBlanc Naquin were held Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at the Church of the Assumption in Franklin during an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial. She was laid to rest in the Franklin Cemetery. Monsignor J. Douglas Courville, JCL will be the Celebrant for the Mass. Serving as pallbearers were Michael Naquin, Leroy Naquin Jr., Seth Vaughn, Dylan Vaughn, Jeremy Chaisson, and Donald Naquin. Honorary pallbearers were Robert Naquin and Patrick Cameron.
A gathering of family and friends was held Wednesday at the Church of the Assumption from 9 a.m. until Mass time, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10 a.m.
Mercedes was born to the late Lloyd LeBlanc and the late Albertine Hulin LeBlanc in New Iberia, where she was raised. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Leroy Eugene Naquin and the two began raising their family. They were former residents of Patoutville, Bayou Vista, and Youngsville for various lengths of time, and have resided in Berwick for the past seven and a half years. She was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Berwick. Some of her favorite pastimes were cooking and spoiling her grandchildren. On Monday, February 6, 2017, at the age of 85, she passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her six children, Robert Naquin and his partner Marty Greeson, Michael Naquin and his wife Tina, Leroy Naquin Jr. and his wife Tammy, Catherine N. Vaughn and her husband Thomas, Cynthia N. Chaisson and her husband Joseph, and Suzanne N. Cameron and her husband Robert; 13 grandchildren, Melissa Naquin, Lauren Foulks, Donald Naquin, Miranda Jordan, Kayla Janik, Sarah Naquin, Amber Vaughn, Seth Vaughn, Dylan Vaughn, Jeremy Chaisson, Morgan Chaisson, Anna Cameron, and Patrick Cameron; eight great grandchildren, Alan, Rachel, Adam, Landon, Seth Jr., Owen, Avery, and Paisley; four brothers, Leroy, Lloyd, Allen, and Gene LeBlanc; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Eugene Naquin Sr.; her son, Thomas Naquin; two grandchildren, Joshua Naquin and Collin Cameron; two brothers, Wilson Landry and Jimmy LeBlanc; and one sister, Antonia Stiles.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

Bell Shaw Jr., 54, a native and a resident of Franklin, La. passed away on Saturday Feb. 4, 2017 at 3:45 a.m. at the Franklin Foundation Hospital in Franklin, La.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at Jones Funeral Home Chapel, 1101 Main St., Franklin, La., from 10 a.m. until funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow funeral services in the Franklin Cemetery.
Memories of Bell will forever remain in the hearts of his wife, Lori Nerve Shaw of Franklin, La., two sons, Quinton Nerve and J’Von Nerve both of Franklin, La; his stepson, Travis Lightfoot of Franklin, La; a brother, Clarence McBride Sr., of Franklin, La., two sisters, Patricia Boatmon of Morgan City, La., and Shirley Glass of Gaskin, Alabama, and a host of relatives and friends.
Bell was preceded in death by his parents, Bell Shaw Sr., and Helen McBride Shaw; a brother, Mark M. Shaw and a sister, Irene Gooden.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Jeanerette-Franklin-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

Tevin Troy Williams, 24, a resident of Franklin, La. passed away on Friday Feb. 3, 2017 at 11:18 p.m. at the Franklin Foundation Hospital in Franklin, La.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at St. Stephens Baptist Church, 305 Sixth St., Franklin, La., from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Franklin Cemetery.
Memories of Tevin will forever remain in the hearts of his parents, Norman Verrett, Jr., and Bonnie Williams both of Franklin, La.; a daughter, Islah Williams of Franklin, La.; four brothers, Malik Johnson, Larmon Skinner and Christopher Verrett both of Franklin, La; Shaun Sonia of Huntsville, Alabama, and Bryson Marks of Jeanerette, La.; six sisters, Tracy Verrett, Chance Skinner, Tia-Ashia Williams and Shauda Williams all of Franklin, La., Angelle Williams of Atlanta Georgia., and Brilney Williams of Beaumont, Texas; and a host of relatives and friends.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Houma-Jeanerette in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolence to family.

David Paul “Chicken” Fonseca Sr., 59, a resident of Patterson, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, at his home.
David was born on July 14, 1957, in New Orleans the son of Donald and Joycelyn Spanier Fonseca.
David was the rock of his family and a great provider for them. He worked for Central Boat Rentals for over 13 years, working his way up to his current job of dispatcher.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by six children, Juanita Orgeron of Mississippi, David P. Fonseca Jr. of Chicago, Illinois, John Fonseca of Texas, Donald Fonseca of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kaysi Fonseca of Berwick, Nicholas Fonseca of Kalamazoo, Michigan; nine grandchildren, T.J., Jade, Fayth, Daltyn, Nichole, Kenneth, Lucius, Zander, Benjamin; three brothers, one sister; many family members from Central Boat Rentals.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Joycelyn Spanier Fonseca; and one son, Jarrad Fonseca.
A memorial visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at Twin City Funeral Home with a memorial service being held at 2 p.m.

September 15, 1931-February 6, 2017
Funeral services for Mrs. Mercedes LeBlanc Naquin were held today, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at the Church of the Assumption in Franklin during an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial. She was laid to rest in the Franklin Cemetery. Monsignor J. Douglas Courville, JCL was Celebrant for the Mass. Serving as pallbearers were Michael Naquin, Leroy Naquin Jr., Seth Vaughn, Dylan Vaughn, Jeremy Chaisson and Donald Naquin. Honorary pallbearers were Robert Naquin and Patrick Cameron.
A gathering of family and friends was held today at the Church of the Assumption from 9 a.m. until Mass time, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10 a.m.
Mercedes was born to the late Lloyd LeBlanc and the late Albertine Hulin LeBlanc in New Iberia, where she was raised. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Leroy Eugene Naquin, and the two began raising their family. They were former residents of Patoutville, Bayou Vista and Youngsville for various lengths of time, and have resided in Berwick for the past seven and a half years. She was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Berwick. Some of her favorite pastimes were cooking and spoiling her grandchildren. On Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at the age of 85, she passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her six children, Robert Naquin and his partner Marty Greeson, Michael Naquin and his wife Tina, Leroy Naquin Jr. and his wife Tammy, Catherine N. Vaughn and her husband Thomas, Cynthia N. Chaisson and her husband Joseph, and Suzanne N. Cameron and her husband Robert; 13 grandchildren, Melissa Naquin, Lauren Foulks, Donald Naquin, Miranda Jordan, Kayla Janik, Sarah Naquin, Amber Vaughn, Seth Vaughn, Dylan Vaughn, Jeremy Chaisson, Morgan Chaisson, Anna Cameron and Patrick Cameron; eight great-grandchildren, Alan, Rachel, Adam, Landon, Seth Jr., Owen, Avery and Paisley; four brothers, Leroy, Lloyd, Allen and Gene LeBlanc; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Eugene Naquin Sr.; her son, Thomas Naquin; two grandchildren, Joshua Naquin and Collin Cameron; two brothers, Wilson Landry and Jimmy LeBlanc; and one sister, Antonia Stiles.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, 337 828-5426.

Patricia Gash Brown, age 57, a native of Jeanerette, La., and a resident of Morgan City, La., passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at her resident at 3:54 p.m.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at the Siracusaville Recreation Center from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will following funeral service in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Memories of Patricia “PAT” will forever remain in the hearts of her father, Joseph Sidney Gash of Morgan City, La; five daughters, Mrs. Gary (Obea Brown) Bartley, Jr. of Dallas, Texas, Treanisha Lashaun Brown of Carencro, La., Jaquita Allonna Brown of Morgan City, La., Mrs. Rondell (Shara S.) Dugan of Houston, Texas, and Mrs. Sabashan (Annika Lewis) Prevot of Lafayette, La; two brothers, James Gash Sr. and Charles Gash all of Morgan City, La; fifteen grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law.
Patricia was preceded in death by her mother, her husband, two sisters, and a brother.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Houma-Jeanerette in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

Bell Shaw Jr., 54, a native and resident of Franklin, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at Franklin Foundation Hospital.
Visitation will be Saturday at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Franklin from 10 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the Franklin Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Nerve Shaw of Franklin; two sons, Quinton Nerve and J’Von Nerve, both of Franklin; his stepson, Travis Lightfoot of Franklin; a brother, Clarence McBride Sr. of Franklin; two sisters, Patricia Boatmon of Morgan City and Shirley Glass of Gaskin; and a host of relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Gash Brown, 57, a native of Jeanerette and resident of Morgan City, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at her residence.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Siracusaville Recreation Center. Burial will follow in the Morgan City Cemetery.
She is survived by her father, Joseph Gash of Morgan City; five daughters, Obra Bartley of Dallas, Teranisha Brown of Carencro, Jaquita Brown of Morgan City, Shara Dugan of Houston, and Annika Prevot of Lafayette; two brothers, James Gash Sr. and Charles Gash, both of Morgan City; 15 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, her husband, two sisters and a brother.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Donald “Rod” Rodriguez, a former resident and oilfield pilot in Morgan City, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, at the Hospice of West Alabama.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at St. Joseph Church in Centerville. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m.
He is survived by his wife, Beryl Rodriguez; stepdaughter Toni Jones; and children Cathy, Debra, Donnie and Gail.

March 30, 1936-February 9, 2017
Funeral services were held today, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, during a 10 a.m. graveside service in Ibert’s Memorial Park Cemetery in Patterson for Mr. Creighton J. Olwell, a native of Bayou L’Ourse and a resident of Patterson for the past 33 years, who passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at Teche Regional Medical Center. Father Bill Rogalla conducted the service.
A gathering of family and friends was held Sunday at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. Visitation resumed today at 9 a.m. at Ibert’s. Serving as pallbearers were Ebb, Shawn, Patrick, Trey and Garrett Olwell, and Steve Bell.
Mr. Creighton is survived by his wife of 54 years, Polly Oxidine Olwell; four children, Kellie Bell and her husband Steve, Ebb Anthony Olwell and his wife Allison, Shawn Olwell and his wife Angie, and Patrick Olwell and his wife Cindy; eight grandchildren, Katie, Jordan, Jacob, Trey, Garrett, Nathan, Jacey and Jude; and one sister, Mazie Landry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Olwell and Lydia Barras Olwell; two brothers, Jim and Norbert Olwell; and two sisters, Joyce Chaisson and Carolyn Theriot.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Mr. Creighton’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, 985-395-7873.

March 10, 1943-February 10, 2017
Lanny Ray Ross, 73, a native and longtime resident of Morgan City, passed away Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, after a lengthy illness, while surrounded by loved ones.
Lanny leaves to cherish his remarkable memory, his loving wife of 10 years, Donna Blanchard Ross of Morgan City; his son, Chad Allen Ross Sr. and his wife, Katherine, of Berwick; his daughter, Fallon Hardaway Mason and her husband, Matthew, of Youngsville; seven grandchildren, Justin, Samantha, Chad Jr., Aaron, Arianna, Garrett and Gabrielle; two great-grandchildren, Colin and Joshua; his mother-in-law, Ouida R. Blanchard of Morgan City; and business partner and dear friend, Arthur Espenan.
He joined in heaven his parents, Irvin and Grace Chaisson Ross; two brothers, Wayne and Donald Ross; and father-in-law, Allen A. Blanchard.
A time of visitation for Lanny will be held today, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, from 9 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home. Following services, Lanny will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Lanny will always be loved and forever missed by those who were blessed to have him in their lives.

Leonard Dugar Sr., 67, a native of Patterson, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma Dugar of Patterson; three sons, Ronald Dugar and Delvin Dugar, both of Patterson and Leonard Dugar III of Morgan City; and four daughters, Deidra Darby of Centerville, Michelle Schexnayder and Sherry Dugar, both of Patterson, and Ursala Dugar of Lafayette.
MK Dixon Funeral Home of Baldwin is in charge of arrangements. The funeral will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 at Good Hope Baptist Church in Patterson. Viewing is at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m.

Carol Robinson Lallande, 62, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at the Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital of Lafayette.
Visitation was today from noon until dismissal services at 1 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home. Entombment followed in the Morgan City Cemetery.
She is survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a stepmother and four brothers.
Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

January 28, 1940-February 10, 2017
Ryan Blanchard, a native of Cottonport and long-time resident of Berwick, passed away Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at Morgan City Health Care. He was 77 years old.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Genevieve “Gen” Armond Blanchard; his sons, Larry Blanchard of Berwick, and Craig Blanchard and his wife, Jessie, of Golden Meadow; his daughters, Liz Mooney Blanchard of Berwick, Gloria Causey and her husband, Jeff, of Patterson, and Michelle Sweetsers Blanchard of Patterson; and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Blanchard; his mother, Isabell Blanchard; one brother, Clarence Blanchard Jr.; two daughters, Debbra B. Savoie and Sharon Clair Adams; and one granddaughter, Melissa Berger.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, from 11 a.m. until time of services at 2 p.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home with dismissal following services.

Shelia Perro Booker, 50, a native and resident of Franklin, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at her residence.
Visitation will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 307 Second St., Franklin. Burial rites will be read at the church at 1 p.m. and interment will follow in the Franklin cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Manuel Booker of Franklin; a son, Jeremy Perro of Lafayette; three daughters, Alex Perro, Shaquita Clark and her husband Terrence and Keandra Perro, all of Franklin; five brothers, Charles Perro, David Dougles and Willie Douglas, all of Patterson; Gregory Levine of Portland, Maine; and Benjamin Douglas of Tallahassee, Florida; nine sisters, Ada Lightfoot, Billie Douglas and Emily Perro, all of Patterson; Alberta Williams of Houma; Alma Shields of Baldwin; Mary Douglas of New Port, North Carolina; Patricia English of Lanham, Maryland; Deloris Brooks and Joyce Fine both of Franklin; and 11 grandchildren.
Otis Mortuary of Franklin is in charge of arrangements.

A Celebration of Life for Douglas “Dimpsy” Madison Jr. will be Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, 1 p.m. at House of Prayer and Christian Fellowship, 491 Oneal Chube, Franklin, La. Rev. Billie Mae Phillips, Pastor, will officiate the service.
Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, 11 a.m. until the commencement of the funeral service at the church.
He will be interred in Franklin Cemetery, Franklin, La.
Douglas “Dimpsy” Madison Jr. gained his wings on Feb. 7, 2017 at 8:59 p.m. His work here on earth was done well, and now he is retired in his heavenly home. Douglas was one of four children born to Idell Foster Madison and Douglas Madison Sr., on April 25, 1938 in Franklin, Louisiana where he remained for his glorious 78 years of life.
Mr. Dimpsy had an infectious laugh that could make anybody smile. He was a graduate of Willow Street High School in Franklin, La. and from there he went on to become a dedicated, hardworking and longtime Welder at Avondale Ship Yard. He didn’t stop there, he later worked at Sterling Sugar Mill, J B Tally and St. Mary Parish School Board where he ultimately retired as a custodian. After retirement he continued working as a Custodian with the St. Mary Community Action Agency and Head Start Program (Peter Pan Center) until his health begin to fail.
His spirit and willingness to help others will always be remembered and cherished in the hearts of his ten children: six daughters: Constance Hawkins, Deborah (Jessie) Brown, Rachael Randle, all of Franklin, La.; Tracey (Larrian) Phillips of Baldwin, La.; Shirley (Granderson Jr.) Hamilton and Avis Clemons, both of Atlanta, Georgia. Four sons: John Madison, David (Mona) Madison, both of Franklin, La.; Douglas Madison III of Atlanta, Georgia, Dimpsy (Latoya) Tinsley of New Iberia, La.; one brother: Allen Madison of Franklin, La., and three sisters: Lilly Madison of Brooklyn, New York, Carolyn (John) Matthews and Faye (James) Bolden both of Franklin, La. He was the proud grandfather of twenty three grandchildren: Kenneth Hawkins, Shamira Johnson, Summer Francois, Granderson Hamilton III, Kendrick Madison, Shannon Lowe, Shaina Haynes, Mikie Madison, Christian Henry, Larriana Phillips, Larrian Phillips, LaZoria Phillips, Mykai Maxie, Grae’son Tinsley, Charles Randle, Jessyceyna Brown, Deborya Bob, Adyn Smart, Kayden Randle, Kali Randle, Lauren Brown and Janae Brown and two step grandchildren: Quintya Freeman and Edlyria Wilson; seventeen great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Idell and Douglas Madison Sr., his wife: Alberta Madison, one sister: Peggy Madison James, and one great grandson: Garieon Haynes.
MK DIXON Funeral Home is in charge of final arrangements, 337-940-9253, 211 Main Street, Baldwin, La. 70514, www.mkdixonfh.com.

St. Mary CAA Chief Executive Officer Almetra J. Franklin has announced that Howard and Darlene Castay, owners of KBZE 105.9-FM and KFRA 1390-AM, will serve as the Grand Marshals for the 2017 Krewe of Head Start Parade.
The Castays will lead the agency’s 23rd annual parade Saturday, Feb. 18.
“This January marked 24 years on the airwaves for us, and it is folks like Mrs. Franklin and her staff that always seem to keep me going, especially when our business climate gets to be so challenging because of oil prices,” Castay said. “However, first and foremost, the people of St Mary Parish are a gem. We’re a big small town because almost everyone knows everyone, and that’s what makes the 337 and the 985 area of Highway 90, so special.”
Howard Castay is a native of New Orleans and a graduate of De La Salle High School and Loyola University, both in New Orleans. Darlene Castay is a native of Morgan City, a graduate of Central Catholic High School and the founder of Standing in the Gap Ministries, a Christian Mentoring Organization. They married in 1993, and reside in Morgan City where they dote on their two sons, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Prior to arriving in St. Mary Parish, Howard worked at Q-93, KHAA 106.7-FM, and WRNO 99.5-FM, in addition to WCCL-TV, WDSU-TV, and Cox Cable. Previously, he wrote for the Tri-Parish Times, The Advocate, The News Examiner, The Enterprise and the Louisiana Weekly. The Louisiana Press Association has presented him with numerous awards for his work in the media. Castay also serves as a board member of Teche Action Clinic and the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce. He is an honorary member of the St. Mary Parish Chapter 100 Black Men as well as a freelance writer locally with The Daily Iberian.
Castay in 1992 purchased Oldies Radio Station KVPO from Guidron Broadcasting and renamed it KBZE 105.9-FM. As Castay began revamping his new station, and after hiring a consultant and conducting research, he changed the format to rhythm & blues, and “has been blessed by our clients and listeners since,” he said.
The Castays especially appreciate St. Mary Parish residents, who he said have supported and shown love to them from the beginning. “Being honored as Grand Marshals from one of the parish’s finest organizations is just icing on the cake,” Darlene Castay said. “We want everyone to have a good time, and let you know that we love you—so look for us, I’ll be handing out special surprises.”
The Krewe of Head Start Recruitment Parade will stroll through the streets of Franklin beginning at 1 pm. The recruitment parade began in the early 1990s as a major recruitment tool for Head Start’s pre-school children aged 3-5, and also allows the agency to market other services available to Head Start families and individuals. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Fifty Years of Covering Children and Families with Quality Service.” Line up begins at 11 a.m. at the Franklin Senior High School parking lot.
The parade route is approximately two miles and leaves from Cynthia Street, (behind the school), turns onto Main Street and proceeds downtown Franklin, then turns onto Willow Street and turns right onto Third Street where it will end.
Entry forms may be retrieved at the St. Mary CAA Central Office, located at 1407 Barrow St. in Franklin. Any one completing this form must also provide a copy of your driver’s license and your own insurance. For more information, please contact David Teno or Jeffery Beverly at 337-828-5703. Fees are: Floats and flatbeds, $35; Trucks and cars, $25; Dance/Drill Teams, $10; motorcycles/4-wheelers, $10; and walkers $5.
Immediately following the parade, the St. Mary Parish Early Childhood Network will host a Coordinated Enrollment Event in front of the Franklin Senior High School Football Field. Parents are welcome to early-enroll their pre-school children for any of the following St. Mary Parish schools:
—A Child’s Place Learning CenterBarney & Baby Bop #2
—Chitimacha Tribal School
—Glencoe Charter School
—Joslyn’s Fun Learning Center
—Pam’s Personal Touch Child Care
—St. Mary CAA Head Start St. Mary Parish School Board (All schools serving Pre-K)
—Verdunville Outreach Daycare
—Yaamahana Child Development Center.
For more information, please call the Family Service Department at 337-828-5703.