Edward Joseph Dominique

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday August 21, 2006, at St. John's Cathedral for Edward Joseph Dominique, 88, who died at home on Friday, August 18, 2006. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Lafayette. The Reverend Keith J. Derouen, Rector, of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist will be the Celebrant of the Mass and conduct the services. Edward Dominique was born in St. Martinville, Louisiana on May 12, 1918, was raised in Lafayette and attended Cathedral High School. Edward would later pursue a career with his brother at Dominique's Stockyard but prior to that he spent five years in the Army. Anyone who knew Eddie realized how proud he was of his service and the many friendships and memories he gained during those years. During his lifetime he would work primarily as a cattleman but also performed services in food and legal related fields. He spent all of his life, though, entertaining others through semi-professional appearances as a self-described 'song and dance man'. This avocation was perhaps his most beloved endeavor and the one that would win a place in the hearts of family, friends and patrons. Eddie was a larger than life type of man due only in part to his 6'2' frame. It was his great love of life, his magnificently strong voice, his love of a good joke or a great song, his love of cooking, and, most importantly watching others enjoy his song or his cooking that made him such a memorable person. But what mattered most to Eddie were his family and what a family he has. Elaine Koury would be the love of his life. Although they fell in love much earlier and planned to marry, his service in the Army would delay their marriage until 1946. They had six daughters, the first being born one year later in 1947. Elaine and Eddie would build a home that was envied by all who visited there. When he worked at the stockyard a visitor might be treated to one of his midnight steak extravaganzas. But anyone who visited at any time would be treated to something great to eat and entertained with elaborate directions on how to recreate the dish in their own kitchens. While the food and entertainment made you feel at home, it was the open and tremendously warm and compassionate heart that made you want to return. Eddie was so proud of his family. He was compelled to tell listeners about his wonderful siblings, Joseph, Alcide, Florida, Victoria and Eva. No husband spoke more fondly or respectfully of their wife than he did of Elaine. They were great partners and together they provided a life of unconditional and limitless love for their daughters, their husbands, and their grandchildren. In fact, all relatives and friends knew that they were welcome in their home at any time. Even in-laws were revered by Eddie. He is survived by his six daughters, Charlotte Giroir and her husband Paul, Linda Dominique, Elizabeth Dominique, Maxine Voorhies and her husband, Michael, Louise Molbert and her husband, Pat, and Veronica Hamilton and her husband, Dwight; his grandchildren, Shannon and Ryan Giroir, Roxanne and Mikey Voorhies, Natalie and Sarah Molbert, and David, Stephen and John Paul Hamilton; his sister Florida D. Petro; numerous nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. He was predeceased in death by his beloved wife, Elaine; his parents Catherine and Paul Dominique; his brothers and sisters, Joseph and Alcide Dominique, Victoria Ashy and Eva Venable. His pallbearers will be her son-in-laws Paul Giroir, Michael Voorhies, Pat Molbert, Dwight Hamilton and his grandsons Ryan Giroir and Mikey Voorhies. Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons David Hamilton, Stephen Hamilton, and John Paul Hamilton. The music will include songs performed by his granddaughters Natalie and Sarah Molbert and his niece, Connie Koury. His grandsons Ryan Giroir, Mikey Voorhies and David Hamilton will share readings and participation in the liturgy. Gift bearers will be Shannon Giroir and Roxanne Voorhies. A rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. on August 21, 2006, at Delhomme Funeral Home. Visitation hours will be that same morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral services. The family would like to thank the many people who assisted them during Eddie's last illness; Dr. Frank Bacque, Dr. David Baker and Louise Frederick, CNS, Dr. Ernest Kinchen, Dr. Ed Lyons, Dr. Luis Meza, and Dr. James Trahan, their longtime caregiver, Ms. Arlene, as well as Theresa, Terry, Rebecca, Faye and Ms. Lilly. They especially thank the Veteran's Administration and Hospice of Acadiana. Personal condolences may be sent to the Dominique family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, (337) 235-9449, is in charge of all funeral arrangements.

Edward Joseph Dominique

May 12, 1918 - August 18, 2006