Willis Guilbeau

Funeral Services will be held at an 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 11, 2009 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church for Willis Guilbeau, 85, who passed away on May 6, 2009 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Reverend Keith Landry, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Burial will take place in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Guilbeau, a resident of Broussard, Louisiana, was the son of the late Ernest Guilbeau of Broussard, Louisiana and the former Laurence Gary of Broussard, Louisiana. Willis was employed by Southern Pacific. Mr. Guilbeau retired from Southern Pacific Railroad after 38 years of service. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. He enjoyed fishing and camping in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Bowling, gardening and coaching little league were some of his most loved hobbies. After retirement, he and his wife owned and operated several antique/flea markets. He was an animal lover. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and brother. His greatest joy was making his "Yellow Rose of Texas" happy. He was very proud to serve his country in WWII. He was a French - English interpretor. He was stationed in Casa Blanca, Africa. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce J. Guilbeau; two daughters, Sherry G. Bernard and Gerri G. McMillan both of Broussard, LA; one son, Gary W. Guilbeau and wife Michelle of Maurice, LA; six grandchildren, Justin McMillan and wife Paige of Phoenix, AZ, Eric Bernard of Houston, TX, Rianne Millikin and husband Mike of Houston, TX, Melissa Stutes, and Shannon and Leah Vice; nine great grandchildren; three sisters, Rita G. Bourque, Nella G. Miguez and husband Leroy, and Hazel G. Bourque all of Broussard, LA; and one brother, Fernest Guilbeau and wife Margaret of Broussard. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Ozeme, Roy and Joe Guilbeau. The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Sunday, May 10, 2009 from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm and on Monday from 8:00 am until time of service at the funeral home in Broussard. A rosary will be recited Sunday evening at 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Justin McMillan, Eric Bernard, Gary Guilbeau, Ray Bourque, Jr., Ronald Bourque and Robert Owens. Honorary Pallbearers will be Leroy Miguez and Fernest Guilbeau. Personal condolences may be sent to the Guilbeau family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 111 North Washington Street, Broussard, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Willis Guilbeau

January 29, 1924 - May 6, 2009