William Henry Bodker,II

After a courageous battle against cancer, William Henry Bodker, II, age 84, died on Monday, December 17, 2007. Surrounded by his family, Bill entered heaven as his loved ones sang hymns and prayed around his bedside. He was the beloved husband of Virginia, and father of three sons and three daughters: Yvette, David, Shelia, Michael, Ruth, and William, III. Bill (Mr. 'B' or Billy) was born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, on November 24, 1923, the son of John William Bodker and Georgiana Stein. He served in World War II as a coast guard gunner on the LST-24 Landing Ship Tank in the Pacific. He met his beloved wife of 54 years, Virginia, and romance blossomed. The two were married on December 31, 1952. As an active Southern Baptist and member of the community, he proudly served as a Deacon of Westside Baptist Church in Lafayette. Later, he became an active member of First Baptist Church in Lafayette. With a life long interest and love for traveling, Bill started HALBO Tours and arranged many trips for friends and family. He sought out and enjoyed all life had to offer, no matter where he found himself, and always entertained with his unique and engaging personality. He enjoyed his weekly lunches with 'the gang', Richard D'Aquin, Greg Poteet, John Daigle, Charlie Landry, Jimmy Ardoin, Jim Reeves and Dr. Mehmood Patel. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Chiasson Bodker; three sons, John David Bodker and his wife Diane of San Antonio, Texas, Michael Scott Bodker of Scott, and William Henry Bodker, III, of Lafayette and his companion Theresa Frederick; three daughters, Yvette Frazier of Abbeville and her husband Scott, Shelia White of Sugarland, Texas, and her husband Jim, and Ruth Gaspard of Lafayette and her husband Cleve. He had 14 grandchildren: John Bodker,II, Steven Frazier (deceased), Jason Bodker, Nathan Frazier, Jared Bodker, Matthew Frazier, Lindsey Bodker, Ashly Gaspard, Joel Bodker, Gabriel Frazier, Caleb Gaspard, Elizabeth White, Daniel White, and Victoria Gaspard. He had 2 great grandchildren: Dylan Bodker and Dean Bodker. The family would like to thank Dr. Mehmood Patel, Dr. John Bolin, Dr. Don Langford and Theresa Frederick, R.N., for all the love and support shown to Bill during his illness. A private burial service will be held on Wednesday, December 19. Pallbearers will be his three sons, and his three son-in-laws. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to: The Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, Hospice of Acadiana, or the Jacob Crouch Foundation for the awareness and prevention of suicide. Personal condolences may be sent to the Bodker family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette is in charge of funeral arrangements.

William Henry Bodker,II

November 24, 1923 - December 17, 2007