Joseph Gary

Funeral services will be held at a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, for Joseph Gary, 75, who died Sunday, October 15, 2006 at his residence. Rev. Floyd Calais will be Celebrant of the Mass and conduct the funeral services. Interment will take place in Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery. Mr. Gary, a native of Broussard, was the son of the late Leon Gary and the former Ozile Romero. At the age of 7, he began working mules in the pepper farming industry. He then continued to farm cotton, sugarcane and corn. After work, Joseph would tend to his large garden for his own personal use. He had also been a cement finisher for one year. At the age of 42, the landowner discontinued his farming and Walter Comeaux helped Joseph get employment as a custodian at the courthouse. He ran many errands for the Lafayette Parish Government offices. He was known to cook meals for the judges, government officials and sheriffs in the basement of the courthouse while Blackie, his co-worker, played the accordion. He retired at the age of 62 after 20 years of service with the Lafayette Parish Government. Joseph, also known at 'Percy' was well liked and known to purchase many of the fresh vegetables at the farmer's market, picked and shelled pecans, and cut okra. He also helped his wife cook, can and spread her famous fudge. He even cut the fudge in even pieces with a ruler. Survivors include his wife, Margie Sonnier Gary, one daughter and her husband, Melissa Gary Viator and her husband, Ophe Jay Viator; two sons and their wives, Ray Allen Gary and wife, Dawn Renee' Gary, Glenn Joseph Gary and wife, Jacqueline Romero Gary; seven grandchildren, Crystal, Misty, Toby, Justin, Danae', Jake, Jaret; one step-grandchild, Raven Brasseaux Hargrave; four great grandchildren, Ty, Brittany, Nicole, Graci; three step great grandchildren, Lacey, Ali and Caymon; two sisters, Nola Gary Touchet, Shirley Gary Segura; four brothers, Leonie Gary, Nezip 'Joe' Gary, James 'Wilson: Gary, and Vinton Gary. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Gary and Ozile Romero Gary; one brother, Wilfred Gary, and two sisters, Agnes Gary and Alga Gary. The family requests that visiting hours be observed Monday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Tuesday from 8:00 AM to time of services. A rosary will be recited Monday evening in the funeral home. Pallbearers will include Glenn Gary, Justin Gary, Jay Viator, Toby Viator, Allen Touchet and Wilson Gary. Honorary pallbearer will include Russell Sonnier. Personal condolences may be sent to the Gary family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 111 N. Washington, Broussard, LA, is in charge of all funeral arrangements.

Joseph Gary

April 19, 1931 - October 15, 2006