Why rural communities deserve facts and honest debate about carbon capture and storage

I am a small-business owner in Vernon Parish trying to keep my doors open and raise a family in the community I love.

Few issues facing rural Louisiana right now carry bigger consequences for communities like ours than carbon capture and storage.

Some see it as a dangerous experiment being forced on rural parishes. Others see it as an opportunity to bring jobs, stabilize struggling industries, and reverse the population decline many rural communities have experienced for decades.

Representative Charles Owen recently wrote that there are a “litany of unanswered questions” surrounding carbon capture and storage.

On that point, he is right.

There are important questions. But the reason many remain unanswered is not because answers do not exist. It is because the geologists, engineers, and industry professionals who understand the science are often shouted down before the conversation can even begin.

Major decisions that affect the future of our communities deserve more than headlines, rumors, or social media posts. They deserve careful review of the facts and the willingness to listen to people who actually understand the science and economics involved.

And when fear becomes the loudest voice in a discussion, something unfortunate happens.

The very voices we need to hear from become silent.

Representative Owen compared carbon dioxide to weed killer and suggested it should be viewed as a poisonous or carcinogenic substance.

That comparison deserves clarification.

Carbon dioxide is not classified as a poison, and it is not classified as a carcinogen.

It is also already woven into daily life. CO₂ is used in medical manufacturing, fire suppression, agriculture, refrigeration, welding, food preservation, beverage carbonation, and water treatment. It is part of the air in every breath we take; it helps preserve many of the foods we eat, and for many people it is literally in the soda they drink.

The United States has transported carbon dioxide by pipeline for more than 50 years. Today there are over 5,000 miles of CO₂ pipelines, and during those decades there have been no recorded deaths from CO₂ pipeline transportation or injection.

Even the well-known pipeline rupture in Satartia, Mississippi — while serious and deserving investigation — resulted in no fatalities.

Two concerns often raised are that a leak would contaminate soil or drinking water.

Drinking water protection is central to the regulatory process. Class VI wells inject CO₂ thousands of feet below drinking water sources into deep rock formations sealed by thick layers of impermeable caprock — essentially a natural underground lid that fluids cannot pass through.

These same formations have naturally trapped oil and gas underground for millions of years.

CO₂ also does not contaminate soil the way chemicals do. It is part of the natural carbon cycle that plants use to grow, and soil itself releases carbon dioxide as organic material breaks down.

Representative Owen has suggested enhanced oil recovery is acceptable, but sequestration is not. But enhanced oil recovery already works by injecting CO₂ underground — and after the oil is produced, much of that carbon dioxide remains trapped in those formations permanently.

If carbon capture were truly a scam, environmental groups would not oppose it so strongly. Many oppose it precisely because it allows industries like oil, gas, and LNG to continue operating while reducing emissions.

And Louisiana sits at the center of that debate. As one of the nation’s largest energy-producing states, what happens here matters. If carbon capture works in Louisiana, it strengthens the future of American energy.

I know these things not because I read a headline, but because I set aside what I thought I knew and started asking questions of the people who work with this science every day.

Growth rarely comes from a place of comfort. But discomfort forces us to learn and search for better answers.

I am a small-business owner in Vernon Parish trying to keep my doors open. I am also a parent with children in our local schools — one of which could face closure if population trends continue.

That is the math our parish is already living with.

Without the economic impact of Ft. Polk, nearly 58% of Vernon Parish households fall into the ALICE category — families who work hard yet still come up about $5,000 short of the cost of living here.

They earn too much to qualify for assistance, but not enough to make ends meet.

Those families are not statistics. They are our neighbors.

Programs like the federal 45Q tax credit are often criticized as government spending, but they work differently. Companies only receive those credits if they are operating, employing people, and safely storing carbon dioxide.

If Louisiana chooses not to pursue these opportunities, the credit does not disappear. Our tax dollars will still fund the program — the difference is that the jobs and investment will go to states like Texas instead of communities like ours.

At the same time, our forestry economy is under tremendous pressure. When markets disappear, forests go unmanaged, disease spreads, and wildfire risk increases as timber grows overcrowded.

The proposed Class VI well would allow projects like Highland Pellet and Beaver Lake Renewables to locate in our region, supporting more than 1,000 jobs while purchasing roughly 500 additional truckloads of timber each day from Central Louisiana’s timber basket.

Without healthy markets, landowners may eventually clear forests for other development or solar projects. But when timber markets exist, forests are thinned, land remains productive, and rural jobs stay local.

The real question for rural Louisiana is simple: which future makes more sense for our communities?

When jobs disappear, families leave.

When families leave, schools lose students — and the difficult conversations about consolidation begin.

We invest years educating our children, but when opportunity disappears, those same young people often must leave to build their careers somewhere else.

Louisiana helps educate them — and other states benefit from the talent we lose.

Representative Owen and I both care deeply about the future of our communities. We may not be as far apart as it sometimes feels.

But the stakes for rural Louisiana are too high to allow fear, rumors, or division to guide the outcome.

The future of our parish — and rural Louisiana — deserves to be decided by facts, careful consideration, and the shared desire to do what is right for the people who call this place home.

Robert Haymon is a small-business owner in Vernon Parish.

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Dialog and debate are important, and I welcome the opportunity to engage on the sequestration of carbon waste in western and central Louisiana. I offer these words with respect and seriousness.

On 27 Feb 2026, Ms. Lemoine criticized the “what-ifs” being raised by concerned citizens in Vernon and Rapides parishes and suggested we are short-sighted for not embracing the promised jobs and growth. Fair enough.   Wrong, but I understand the point she is trying to get across. No one is rejecting industry or jobs.   Here are a few of my own “what-ifs” for consideration by Ms. Lemoine and by all who ae paying attention to this debate.

What if the author of the 2009 legislation that opened the door to carbon burial (Rep. Jim Morris) had known then what we know now? In his floor speech, all he told colleagues was, “We’re putting carbon in the ground,” and “This is complicated.” He did not appear fully informed. He didn’t explain anything.    He certainly didn’t seem to know this day would be coming.

What if the legislators at that time had perfect knowledge of where we would be today? I believe many members — including my own — would have asked much harder questions.

What if the industry sponsors who pushed Senator Sharon Hewitt’s 2020 bill had told her about the Satartia pipeline rupture? What if they had admitted the true intent was not to bury carbon only in depleted oil fields, but in unmapped subsurface zones with no definable traps like in Vernon Parish?

What if the special interests that backed these bills had done real due diligence on the risks — including potential damage to our water supply, family land, and the second-largest Army training range in America — instead of hoping the details would slip through under cover of darkness?

There are real risks here. This is not like betting on a product that might or might not sell, where the only but serious downside is bankruptcy. Much more is at stake — our groundwater, our land, our way of life, and our national security infrastructure.

What if the industry Ms. Lemoine speaks of would maybe consider another place to send their captured carbon?   No one from around here is fighting the production and sale of wood products (biomass).   We want wood pellet and other timber producers to come here.   It’s what they do with carbon that is the consternation.  We are voracious users of pipelines in Louisiana, right?  What if they pipe the carbon to the Gulf and put it under the ocean floor?   No one EVER thinks of that or even addresses it.  It appears to be ALL OR NOTHING in the CENLA HUB—in Vernon Parish.    What if we think outside the box?

A full, transparent debate has never taken place on these issues.  One side or the other always feels like discussions are slanted or one-sided.    Why not have a public debate?  I extend this public invitation: I will bring a geologist, an environmental scientist, and an engineer, and you can bring who you wish.  Maybe we can get Moon Griffon and Brian Haldane to be the moderators.   Let’s sit down in Vernon or Rapides Parish and have an honest discussion — no spin, no slogans, just facts.

The people of Central Louisiana deserve nothing less.

PS  What if people stop lying about the Sierra Club being behind the efforts in CENLA?  They’re not.  They came to a meeting.  They might have visited with some folks, but the opposition to carbon burial is not funded by leftists and most of us want nothing to do with the green scam they still relish.   Opposition is organic and local and it’s NOT left wing.  No one around here is fighting oil and gas, timber or progress.

Very respectfully,
Charles A. Owen
State Representative, District 30

Member, Central Louisiana Delegation, Louisiana Rural Caucus, Louisiana Freedom Caucus

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“How do I take our money off ‘subscription auto‑pilot’ and put it back under family control?”
 See what Ida says 

By Journal Staff

A federal law now allows workers to take a limited emergency withdrawal from their 401(k) retirement accounts without paying the traditional 10% early withdrawal penalty.

The provision, included in the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, took effect in 2024 and is intended to help Americans address sudden financial emergencies without facing penalties normally associated with early retirement withdrawals.

Under the law, eligible workers may withdraw up to $1,000, depending on account balance, per year from their 401(k) accounts for qualifying emergency expenses.

Workers under age 59½ who face an immediate financial need may qualify. Eligible expenses include unexpected medical costs, urgent home repairs, transportation problems and other sudden personal or family financial hardships.

Plan participants are allowed to self-certify that the withdrawal qualifies as an emergency expense, meaning plan administrators generally do not require detailed documentation.

Penalty waived, taxes may apply

The law eliminates the 10% early withdrawal penalty that normally applies to retirement distributions taken before age 59½. However, the withdrawal may still be subject to regular income taxes depending on the individual’s tax situation. Financial professionals often advise workers to consult a tax adviser before taking a withdrawal.

Repayment option available

Workers who take the emergency distribution may repay the withdrawn funds within three years. Repayment restores the funds to the retirement account and limits the long-term impact on retirement savings.

Workers who do not repay the withdrawal generally cannot take another emergency withdrawal under the provision until the three-year window has elapsed or the amount is repaid in full.

Not all plans required to offer it

Although the provision is part of federal law, employers are not required to adopt it. Some retirement plans may choose not to offer the emergency withdrawal option. Workers interested in the program should contact their employer, human resources department or plan administrator to determine whether the option is available.

A limited safety valve, with caveats

Supporters of the change say the provision offers workers facing sudden expenses a narrow financial lifeline while avoiding the full penalties normally tied to early withdrawals. Financial advisers caution that tapping retirement savings should still be considered a last resort, as early withdrawals can reduce long-term retirement income.

What workers should do now

As employers update their retirement plans to comply with new federal rules, more workers may gain access to the emergency withdrawal option. Experts recommend reviewing plan details and consulting a financial professional before making any decisions about withdrawing retirement funds.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional before making retirement account decisions.

November 24, 1945 – March 1, 2026

Jerry Bolton, 80 years, 98 days, was born November 24, 1945, and passed away March 1, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was raised in Leesville, Louisiana and graduated from Leesville High School. Thereafter, he drove a gas truck for Jeter Oil Company, and he drove a school bus until he retired from the Vernon Parish School Board. After his wife of 38 years, Rosemary, became sick, they moved to Prairieville, Louisiana. Following the death of his wife, he went to work at Cubic at Fort Polk. Later, he went to live with his daughter, Dana Bolton. Every year he really enjoyed following his passion of deer hunting with his son. They hunted all over North America. Jerry loved rodeoing in his early life and thereafter loved watching it.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary Bolton; father, JL Bolton; mother, Edith Bolton; and brother, Michael Bolton.

He is survived by his son, Dwayne Bolton (Michelle); daughter, Dana Bolton; granddaughter, Morgan Bolton; brother, Malcolm Bolton; sisters, Judy Ward, Janet Jeane, Janice Meloon, and Cathy Bolton Littleton along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, 3255 Belview Road, Leesville, LA 71446. The burial will follow in Mt. Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Jeane, Michael Jeane, Jody Littleton, Joshua Peek, Jimmy Ward, and Tim Ward. The honorary pallbearers will be Elton Herring, Melvin Haymon, Anthony Jeane, and Malcolm Bolton.

BATON ROUGE — State Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier have both expressed concern about a spate of bills that might give communities veto power over carbon capture projects in their areas.

The push for a local option follows growing concerns of residents, landowners and environmentalists in Louisiana about the possible health implications of having the carbon capture and storage projects nearby.

Carbon capture is the process of capturing carbon dioxide at emission sources, transporting it and then storing or burying it in a deep, underground location.

DeVillier, R-Eunice, said more than 20 bills have been filed in the House that he would consider “anti-carbon capture.” DeVillier said he wants to ensure that the new technology is handled safely but also in accordance with guidance from the Supreme Court, “that says states nor local governments should interfere with interstate commerce. I mean, that is exactly what local option is,” he said.

Henry, R-Metairie, said that “when you’re talking about an industry that’s going to come in and change not only a parish but could possibly change the face of Louisiana, I think having a group of five people go in and say, ‘Under no circumstances will I ever allow this here,’ that’s not practical,” Henry said.

The lawmakers made those comments at a lunch at the Baton Rouge Press Club on Monday.

“Why do couples fight about the same things over and over?”
 See what Ida says about breaking the cycle.

Rapides and Vernon Parish both have a great opportunity to begin transforming their economies by creating new jobs and developing the infrastructure to bring additional businesses to the Central Louisiana region. For this to happen, local elected officials and other stakeholders should support the development of the Beaver Lake Biofuels project and the Capture Point CO₂ sequestration site in Vernon Parish.

The posts being delivered mainly through Facebook about both these projects have been so full of misinformation and fear mongering that it is comical at times.

The new attack tactic is posting “CCS what-ifs.” The anti-CCS activists are attempting to place doubt and fear in the minds of people with “what-ifs.” It is a very common approach of many environmental activist groups across the nation. The “what-ifs.” It is hard to argue against what might happen. Imagine using this approach in other instances. You can fight against any kind of development with the “what-if” approach. Any industrial site could have an accident or something. What if this pipe leaks? What if someone gets hurt? What if I slip and fall on my way out the door? What if I wreck my car on the way to the store? There is a “what if” for everything in life.

It is precisely because of the “what-ifs” that there are rules and regulations surrounding industrial facilities and pipelines. Everyone must follow the rules and regulations regarding safety and construction, and they are substantial. As a testament to these rules and regulations, there has never been any deaths from CO₂ asphyxiation around a U.S. CO₂ pipeline or sequestration site or an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) field. Remember, CO₂ pipelines and EOR have been around for 50+ years. Can you say the same about other activities? Of course not. But the “what-if” crowd says they support industry and new jobs, but they make you believe someone is going to “take your land” or “poison your water” or scare you into believing that people near these sites are in danger. This is a pure, tried-and-true “what-if” approach used by environmental activists for decades. Take a kernel of information and blow into a “what-if.” If businesses and communities took that approach to every project, big or small, nothing would ever be built.

The Sierra Club and other groups use the exact same tactics. This is how we know some of their leaders are engaging with the “local” anti-CCS groups. They say they’re not affiliated or aligned but they took down the Zoom call from the internet that proved that some of their leaders were meeting with the Sierra Club.

I encourage you to read https://dcjournal.com/sierra-club-quietly-teams-with-conservative-groups-to-block-louisiana-energy-projects/

We know that in early 2025, some of the first anti-CCS meetings in Central Louisiana were sponsored by the Sierra Club. Sierra Club has been all over the country working to fight CCS in every state because they know that CO₂ sequestration could be a life extender for the oil and gas industry depending on future global and domestic rules surrounding carbon dioxide. In the near future, if the US wants to be a major producer of fuels and products to sell abroad, then carbon sequestration may be necessary for many markets.

Again, the anti-CCS groups in Louisiana say they are pro-oil and gas, but you can’t say you support a specific industry when you are fighting something that industry is supporting and may need to thrive in the future. You can’t have it both ways.

To be clear, if local elected officials are pressured into ensuring these two projects fail, the economic downturn will continue in Central Louisiana. Why is it that the forestry industry, business organizations, logging groups, Chambers of Commerce, and regional economic development organizations all support these two projects? Because they understand how they will positively impact the region now and into the future.

These projects will help bring prosperity to the area and no one is going to “take your land” or “poison your water!” That is the “what-if” crowd trying to scare you.

Don’t let them ruin this opportunity for Central Louisiana.

Desiree Lemoine
Executive Director, Industry Makes

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February 12, 1928 – February 24, 2026

Idell Haymon Hunter of Anacoco, LA made her journey to heaven on February 24, 2026, at the age of 98. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Idell was born on February 12, 1928, to Azzie and Jeannie McKee Haymon. Her family lived on land known as The Range which later became Fort Polk during WWII. At 12 years old, Idell and her family relocated to the Canaan Community as the army base expanded. The Haymons are recognized as a Heritage Family by Fort Polk’s Heritage Days- a project that honors families who were displaced by the base. Idell was a graduate of Evans High School.

In 1953 she married A.L. Hunter, her husband of 65 years. They were blessed with three children and a lifetime of love and happiness.

Idell was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church. She loved to sew, embroider, read, and work through an endless supply of wordsearch puzzles. She found joy in the simple things in life such as watching reruns of The Waltons and feeding her donkeys, Doc and Kate. Idell loved spending time with her family and friends who will remember her for her great generosity, sharp memory, and unyielding faith. Her life was a true testament of our Lord and Savior.

Idell is preceded in death by her husband, A.L. Hunter; son, Michael Hunter; son-in-law, CJ Wilson; sisters, Dois Hagan, Ruby Thornton, Adell Wilbanks, Faye Littleton, Vivian Ray Haymon, Lois Smith, Beulah Howard, Nona Franklin, Ola Carlock; and brothers, Hester, Scott, Mitchell, Manuel, Hubert, Harold, and Jack.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra Wilson and Donna (Brian) Pemble of Carthage, TX; grandchildren, Kim (Tony) Sheffield of Carthage, TX; Jason (Alison) Wilson of West Hollywood, CA; Miranda (Jose) Garcia of Texarkana, TX; and Emily Pemble of Carthage, TX; great grandchildren, Caroline and Natalie Sheffield of Carthage, TX; and Talia and Alejandro Garcia of Texarkana, TX; sisters-in-laws, Joy Haymon, Charlene Jeane, and Pat Bennett (Gene); bonus daughter, Karen Moore; and bonus sons, Ed (Sarah) Bryant and Craig Farrell.

The family would like to give special thanks to Vera Miers for all the visits and food, Cathie Haley for keeping the bookshelf stocked, Shelly and Kaelin of Allegiance Healthcare for their care, and the people of Good Hope Baptist Church who always went out of their way to honor and cherish Idell.

Funeral services honoring the life of Idell Hunter will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Good Hope Baptist Church at 11:00 AM with Reverends Michael Goins and Tinker Hillman officiating. Burial will follow at Beech Grove Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be James Hagen, Rickie Littleton, Ed Bryant, Doug McNeely, Mike Thornton, and Brett Wellman.

July 8, 1954 – February 23, 2026

Ronnie Ray Addison Sr. was born July 8, 1954, in Merryville, Louisiana and passed away in his home in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 71. He spent his youth in Merryville and then moved to the Burr Ferry/Evans area before settling in Leesville. He worked in the Leesville Sawmill in maintenance and sharpened saw blades before working offshore and ended his career for Amentum on Fort Polk as a mechanic. Ronnie enjoyed hunting, working on four-wheelers, gardening, and fishing back in the day. He spent many hours riding his motorcycle and visiting with friends and family.

Preceded in death by: His mother Ruby Murray, Father Glenn Addison, Wife Tommy Jeane Gainey Addison

Ronnie is survived by his children, Ronda Addison Wright, and husband Cody Wright, Ronnie Addison Jr., and wife Christy Addison; his grandchildren, Victoria, Savannah, Cresten, Coleman, Ashley, Alyssa, Abby, Andrew; his sisters, Glenda Breaux, Alice Greumberg, Gail Calhoun, Pam Jenssen; his long time friend and family: Gwen Martin; her children; Tabitha Vasquez and Samantha Stanly and husband Eric Stanly; her grandchildren: Caleb Wright, Kyley Lindsey, Kobe Stanley, Rylee Stanley, and McKenize Malone

Tommie Jeanine Merriman (Husband Charles), Jerry Gainey, Theresa Jeter (Husband Mark), Tommy Gainey, Steve Gainey

A memorial service for Ronnie will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation towards the cremation expenses by contacting Jeane’s at 337-238-1700.

May 13, 1961 – February 24, 2026

Funeral services for Joseph Michael “Mike” Johnson will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Pitkin with Reverends Arlen Smith and Joey Rudisill officiating. The burial will follow in Drakes Fork Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Joey Johnson, Payton Johnson, Austin Johnson, Matthew Doyal, David Johnson, and David Shepard. The honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Pelt and Sonny Striedel.

A visitation will be held at Gravel Hill Baptist Church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Mike was born May 13, 1961, in Oakdale, Louisiana and entered eternal rest on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at UTMB Health in League City, Texas at the age of 64. He quit school at an early age, but he never let that stop him. He immediately went to work. Mike worked in the oil field working his way up to the highest ranks until the oil field fell off. He left there and then started his own logging company. When he decided that wasn’t what he wanted, he started working as an Instrumentation and Electrical Technician. He traveled to many oversea countries working until cancer came calling. He beat it two times, but it took its toll.

Mike was the kindest person you could ever meet. He would do anything for you and never ask for anything in return. If you were his friend, you knew it. Spending time with his family and friends was so important to him.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend James W. Johnson and Faye Potter Johnson and brother-in-law, Randy Sweat.

Those left to cherish his memory are his siblings, James Anthony Johnson (Gayle), Janet Johnson Sweat, Johnny Johnson, and Joanne Doyal (DeWayne) all of Pitkin, LA and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

December 9, 1932 – February 19, 2026

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Julian Gonzalez Arce, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and friend, who departed this life peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by family and love.

Julian was born on December 9, 1932, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to Florentino and Angela Gonzalez Arce. From childhood, he radiated kindness, strength, and grace. He carried these qualities throughout his life, touching the hearts of everyone he met.

At the age of eighteen, he moved to the United States, where he met and married Aida Luz Gonzalez, the love of his life and the mother of their four children.

Julian worked in a hamper factory before becoming self-employed and opening his own grocery and liquor store. He was a hardworking and dedicated provider. In his free time, he enjoyed doing word searches, watching wrestling, gardening, and carpentry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Florentino and Angela; his beloved wife of 60 years, Aida Luz Gonzalez; their firstborn son, David Gonzalez; two brothers; and eight sisters.

Julian was the proud father of four children and three sons-in-law: Angela (Daniel) Diaz, Nancy (Edward) Rollis, and Elizabeth (Eugene) Rollis.

He was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren: Javine Aida Arroyo, Ricardo Julian Diaz, Christopher Martin Rollis, Daniel Michael Diaz, Daniella Christine Ganaway, AidaLynn Lopez, and Jonathan Matthew Rollis.

He was also a devoted great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren: Abriel Cadence Arroyo, Michael Angel Arroyo, Lucy Evangeline Ganaway, Leah Avery Arroyo, Julian Xavier Diaz, Kyle Anthony Ganaway, Logan John Diaz, Jude Joseph Ganaway, Anthony Julian Rollis, and Charlotte Julia Lynn Ganaway.

Julian’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

March 24, 1942 – February 18, 2026

March 3, 1963 – February 17, 2026

Funeral services for Cynthia “Cindy” Lee Kay will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Freedom Rest Baptist Church with Brother Travis Kay officiating. The burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Austin Billeaud, Sean Billeaud, Jace Billeaud, Caden Billeuad, Leeroy Blackmon, and Jayce Corbett. The honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Lindsey, Joel Hennigan, Javis Hennigan, Eli Sawyer, Mayson Kay, and Justin Sawyer.

A visitation will be held at Freedom Rest Baptist Church on Friday, February 20th from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday.

Cindy was born March 3, 1963, in New York, New York and passed away February 17, 2026, in Alexandria, Louisiana at the age of 62. She worked a variety of jobs including working for Cubic, as a waitress at Bobby G’s Restaurant in Merryville, LA, and at the office of Dr. Lubbos, but her most important job was making a loving home for her family. Some of her hobbies included reading, crocheting, shopping, and enjoying some time at the casino. Most of all, Cindy loved spending time with her family and friends.

Cindy was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Lee Kay; mother, Velda Mae Rundle Wilburn; and brothers, Donny Grettner and Sean Grettner.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Payton Kay of Anacoco, LA; daughters, Amanda Martin of Anacoco, LA, Alicia Hennigan (Javis) of DeRidder, LA, Keshia Hennigan (Joel) of Merryville, LA, and Tiffany Sawyer (Justin) of Rosepine, LA; grandchildren, Austin Billeaud, Sean Billeaud, Jace Billeaud, Caden Billeaud, Jaylin Shirley (Jeremiah), Jerra Corbett (Jayce), Gracie Hennigan, Ashlynn Hennigan, Madalyn Sawyer, Eli Sawyer, Ayla Kay, Nevaeh Kay, Mayson Kay, Odie Kay, and Adlee Kay; great-grandson, Winston Corbett and one on the way; father, Gordon Lindsey; brother, Brandon Lindsey of Delta, CO; and numerous extended family members and friends.