Leonie J. Giroir

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 18, 2006 at the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Leonie 'Jake' Giroir, 94, who passed away at his residence in Lafayette. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Lafayette, receiving Navy Honors. Jake or 'Uncle Buster' as he was often called by his nieces and nephews, was born November 14, 1911 in Gibson, La, the oldest of four children. In those days the Giroir's lived by hunting, fishing, cutting cypress trees in the nearby swamps, and farming on the Louisiana prairies. The family moved between Gibson and Morgan City twice between 1919 and 1928. 'Jake' Giroir was born into a proud Acadian family to Adio and Birdie Barras Giroir. Out of family necessity, Jake quit school in the tenth grade to help support the family. He worked in the swamp and sawmill until 1936 when he went to work for Shell Oil Company. His knowledge of the Atchafalaya Basin swamp landed him a job in the ever expanding exploration for oil. In 1942 Jake enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Boston (Pacific Fleet) and was stationed in New Jersey and California. In 1943 while on leave he met and fell in love with the girl of his dreams, Therese LeBlanc of Carencro. They married in 1945, had their only child, Paul in 1946. In 1950 Jake again served his country during the Korean Conflict while stationed in San Diego. In 1977 after nearly 41 years of service Jake retired from Shell Oil. He continued to be active in the Oil Industry by working part time until 1988 at the age of 87. In our family, Jake was the storyteller and keeper of the family history, which has kept our family connected and our heritage alive. Jake will be remembered for his wonderful outlook on life. One realizes he always saw his glass as half full, he was always more interested in what's going on in your life than in telling about his, he always showed unconditional love, long before the term became a popular distinction of character. L.J. 'Jake' Giroir was the oldest living member of the Giroir family until his death at the age of 94. He led an exemplary life, with faithful devotion to God, his family, and to his country. He was surely a national treasure and indisputably our family treasure. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Therese LeBlanc Giroir of Lafayette; one son, Paul J. Giroir and his wife, Charlotte, of Lafayette; two grandchildren, Shannon Marie Giroir of Austin, TX and Ryan Jacob Giroir of Lafayette; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adio and Birdie Giroir; two sisters, Birdie Moncrief, Beatrice Peebles; one brother, Cyrus Giroir and one nephew, Dale Giroir. Pallbearers will be Ryan Giroir, Rusty Giroir, Patrick Giroir, David Loupe, F.G. LeBlanc and Gordon Reed. A rosary will be prayed at 11:00 am, Sunday, June 18, 2006 at Delhomme Funeral Home, Lafayette. The family request visiting hours be observed from 9:00 am on Sunday until time of service. The family would like to thank the staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, especially the nurses and aides on 4 East; Dr. David Baker and Louise Frederick, CNS and staff of Hospice of Acadiana. The family also thanks his physicians Dr. Ronald Jenkins and Dr. Frank Bacque and especially his caregivers, Eva Roy, Michelle Sinegal, Louella Morrison, Mary Melancon and Linda Celestine, who became like family, who he loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston, Ste 200, Lafayette, La, 70503. Personal condolences can be sent to the Giroir family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette is in charge of all funeral arrangements.

Leonie J. Giroir

November 14, 1911 - June 15, 2006