About Ida
Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.
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November 28, 1931 – February 15, 2026
Billy Gray Jones, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with his loving wife of over 73 years by his side. Billy was born on November 28, 1931, in Rosebud, Texas, to Gray Clarence Jones and Ethel Suggs Jones. Billy graduated from Burbank High School in 1949 in San Antonio. After graduation, he joined the United States Army where he was sent to Camp Polk for training and then stationed in Germany where he served as a field medic. While at Camp Polk, he attended a Leesville High football game and met the love of his life, Cordelia Dempsey. He was honorably discharged in July 1952. On October 11, 1952, he and Cordelia were married. He began his life long career with National Cash Register (NCR). This career took him from San Antonio to Uvalde, Monroe, Alexandria, and Beaumont, where he retired after 37 years from NCR. After retirement, Billy and Cordelia moved to Leesville where they have enjoyed life with many friends. They have traveled all across the United States of America visiting every state and also every province in Canada. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Leesville, where he served as a deacon and also was active on many committees; he also found joy in singing in the choir. Billy was involved with The Gideon’s International. He also served for 20 years as an elections commissioner in Vernon Parish. He enjoyed this position because he got to visit with everyone on election days. Later in life he took up the game of golf. He enjoyed playing with many friends and family at Leesville Municipal Golf Course. Even though he owned a full set of clubs, he only used two of them – his driver and his putter. In Uvalde, Texas, he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Dept. While in Monroe and Alexandria, Billy was very active with the Jaycees.
Billy was preceded in death by an infant child, Gary Lynn Jones, his parents, his sister Juanita and her husband, Frank Hartman. Billy is survived by his wife, Cordelia Jones, and their three children, David (Jysele), Billy Wayne (Kim), and Sharon (Robert Logan). He is also survived by grandchildren, Heather Jones, Danny Jones (Caroline) , Robert Jones (Donna), Annie Niyigena (Eric), Nicole Shively (Justin), and Mandi Logan. He is also survived by great grandchildren Dawson Jones, Olivia Soileau, Madeline Soileau, Camille Soileau, Chloe Niyigena, Caleb Niyigena, Chase Wyatt, Izaih Wyatt, Izeik Wyatt and one great great grandson, Sterlyng Wyatt.
Also surviving Billy is a brother-in-law A.B. Dempsey (Stacy), two sister-in-law’s, Billie Richard (Sherman), and Dianne Dempsey Legnon and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Billy Gray Jones will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Leesville at 2:00 pm with Pastors Darin Worthington and Jerry Penfield officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 pm to the time of the service. Burial will follow in Castor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service of Leesville.
Serving as pallbearers will be Danny Jones, Dawson Jones, Robert Jones, Eric Niyigena, Robert Logan, and Justin Shively. Honorary pallbearers will be all of the FBC deacons. A very special acknowledgement to all of their many friends that have always been there to help them; especially Gail Wagner, Pat Totten, Gene Lacaze, Dianne Council, Masel Howard, Beaver Moore, Debbie and Randall Smith, Brenda and Charlie Bealer, Jackie and Michelle Self, and Loretta Poe.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staffs of Byrd Regional Hospital, The Woodlands Healthcare Center and Passages Hospice out of Alexandria for their compassionate care and support during Billy’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to First Baptist Church of Leesville.
May 16, 1957 – February 15, 2026
Funeral services for Brenda Gail Dunn will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Hineston with Reverends Dustin “Flipper” Wilson, Eugene Williams, DeWayne Davis, and Tim Lee officiating. The burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be David Sumler, Jeremy Goodwin, Lucas Stewart, Sam Boles, Randy Hughes, and Joseph Hughes. The honorary pallbearers will be Korbyn Powell, Easton Irvin, Connor Martin, and Carter Martin.
A visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Thursday, February 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 6:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Brenda was born May 16, 1957, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away February 15, 2026, in her home in Hineston, Louisiana at the age of 68. Brenda proudly served in the U.S. Army and lived for a while in West Virginia and New Mexico before moving back to Louisiana. For many years she worked as an EMT and then as a pharmacy technician. Brenda enjoyed running the roads shopping, thrifting, or hunting for antiques. She had a green thumb and liked to be outdoors tending to her plants or creating a burn pile. She had a special place in her heart for animals and birds.
Brenda was preceded in death by her son, Jim Boles; daughter, Amanda Rachelle Dunn; parents, Leon Alexander and Gloria Alexander; brothers, Robert Alexander and Scott Simmons; and sister, Melissa Ocasio.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 30 years, Gary Dunn of Hineston, LA; children, Jamie Stewart (Lucas) of Dallas, TX, Bradley Irvin of Woodville, TX, Chris Irvin (Faith) of Woodville, TX, Sarah McDougal (Scott) of Elmer, LA; and Joshua Dunn (Jacquelyn) of Hineston, LA; sixteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; sisters, Janet Merchant (Jeff) of Leesville, LA, Tammy Sumler (Curtis) of Leesville, LA, Kathy (Jackson) of Alexandria, LA, Wanda (Alexander) of Eunice, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
January 12, 1947 – February 11, 2026
Gracie B. Shaw, age 79, of Leesville, Louisiana, peacefully passed away on February 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, laughter, and beautiful memories that will never fade. She was deeply cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the blessing of knowing her.
Gracie had a joyful spirit and loved to laugh and joke, bringing smiles and light wherever she went. She had a very strong mind, always loved staying busy and doing something meaningful, and carried a sassy attitude that everyone loved and admired. She lived with an open heart, sharing kindness, warmth, and genuine love with those around her. Her presence filled rooms with laughter, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all she touched.
She is survived by her loving children, Demetreyona Selma and Demetra Hickman, along with other devoted family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Though she may no longer be seen, her love remains near, surrounding those she loved with comfort and peace. While we grieve her absence, we hold close the memories, laughter, and love she gave so freely, trusting that her spirit will always be felt within our hearts.
Gracie’s cremation was entrusted to Jeane’s Funeral Service of Leesville.
November 6, 1930 – February 11, 2026
On the morning of February 11, 2026, Dorothy Hickman of New Llano, Louisiana, passed away at the age of 95 years, 3 months, and 5 days. She was born in Waco, Texas, on November 6, 1930, to Elmer and Beulah Gribble.
Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. As a military wife, she traveled the world alongside her husband and children. The Army brought the family to Fort Polk in 1968, and in 1973 they made Vernon Parish their permanent home. Over the years, Dorothy worked at several local shops, including Mary Lou’s Dress Shop, the PX, Nichols, Kmart, and later retired from Walmart, where she served as a department manager.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. She treasured time spent with them, especially during frequent trips to Texas. For those who lived nearby, she was a daily presence and a guiding force, teaching them strength, independence, and how to love fiercely. She often reminded her family to “pay your bills first and everything else will come,” and she never hesitated to offer firm guidance when needed. For loved ones farther away, she kept in touch, sharing stories and pictures to keep everyone connected.
Dorothy loved cooking for her family, making Thanksgiving a cherished tradition filled with laughter, food, and memories that lasted long after the weekend ended. She was an exceptional seamstress who lovingly made and altered clothing, created baby blankets and dolls that will be treasured for generations, and passed her sewing skills on to others in the family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bobbie K. Hickman; two sons, Steve Ihlenfeldt and Bobby Hickman; one daughter, Yvonne Gordon; four sisters, Billie Morris, Linda Bates, Darlene Gribble, and Kay Gribble; one brother, Clarence Gribble; and two grandsons, Danny Ihlenfeldt and Chris Bainer.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Darrell (Jacki) Ihlenfeldt of Leesville, Louisiana; two sisters, Carolyn Beene and Pam Lambert; one brother-in-law, Batsell Bates; 13 grandchildren, Stephen (Tammy) Ihlenfeldt, Melissa (Chad) Koonce, Wendy Young, Mindy Ihlenfeldt, Tom Music, Tracey Ihlenfeldt, Beverly (Aaron) Woods, Lindsey Ihlenfeldt, Gaylen Ihlenfeldt, Becky Alldredge, Kayla Betts, Chrissy (Dusty) Hickman, and Bobby Hickman II; 39 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great-grandchildren, with two on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.
A visitation with family and friends will be held at Jeane’s Funeral Home, 100 East Union Street, Leesville, Louisiana, on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The family will then travel to Texas, where a celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at Bellmead Funeral Home, 809 La Clede Street, Waco, Texas, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with visitation from 12:00 p.m until the time of service. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at White Rock Cemetery in Ross, Texas, with Jeff Stinson officiating. Batsell Bates II, Eric Bates, Bradley Ihlenfeldt Hudson, Stephen Ihlenfeldt, Taylor Ihlenfeldt, and Logan Winn will serve as pallbearers. Christian Cable, Ghrayson Ihlenfeldt, Nathan Lambert and Ryan Lambert will serve as honorary pallbearers.
About Ida
Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.
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October 7, 1965 – February 9, 2026
Teresa Raymer Cherry was born October 7, 1965, in Missouri and passed away February 9, 2026, in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 60. She spent her childhood in Paris, Tennessee and was a dedicated healthcare worker practicing as a Certified Nurse’s Aid for 20 years. She retired to Leesville, LA with her adoring husband, Dennis Cherry, to be near his family. For the last several years she had kept vegetable gardens for family and friends. Then, around 2016, she began helping with the preservation and restoration of “Catalpa”, the cherished Smart Plantation house (circa 1855). Her attention to details, especially hand painted elements of the old house, was unsurpassed. She seldom complained, taking her disabilities and pains in stride. She will be remembered and terribly missed. Her’s was a simple and humble life, exemplary and sweet. She was saved by the grace of God, and her family is looking forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Teresa was preceded in death by her sisters, Tina Raymer and Marcia Raymer and nephews, Jeremy Raymer and Brandon Raymer.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, James Dennis Cherry of Anacoco, LA; sons, Chris and Wesley Paige of Paris, TN;
parents, Larry and Linda Raymer of Dover, TN; brother, Larry Don Raymer II (Daphne) of Mumfford, TN; and extended family members and friends.
Teresa’s cremation was entrusted to Jeane’s Funeral Service of Leesville.
October 14, 1975 – February 8, 2026
Michael Wayne Oates was born October 14, 1975, in Jasper, Texas and passed away February 8, 2026, at the age of 50. He could be described as a giant man because he stood 6 feet seven inches, but he was also a giant teddy bear with a big smile. Michael loved everybody, never met a stranger, and loved to talk. Watching sports was his favorite hobby – especially basketball, baseball, and wrestling. His dog, B. D., and his aunt’s dog, Flash, were important to him. Most of all, he loved his mama, and she will greatly miss her amazing son.
Michael was preceded in death by his fathers, Warren David Oates and Mack Clark; grandparents, Virginia Wilkerson Richards, Allen Richards, Myrtle Louise Oates, and Warren Durwood Oates; and cousin, Jennifer Sanchez.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Mary Lou Clark; aunts, Ruby Martinez Rodriguez and husband Ellis, Patsy Self and husband Tony, Brenda Wall, Katherine Gilbert and husband Darrell, and Rita Rye; and cousins, Christina Oates, James Sparkman, Keisha Lago, Clint Gilbert, Nathan Gilbert, Richard Wall, and Rachel Mitchell.
October 18, 1940 – February 8, 2026
Linda Estelle Larson Westeen was born October 18, 1940, in Roseau, Minnesota and passed away February 8, 2026, in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 85. She was one of ten children born to her parents, Oscar Larson and Edith Mattson Larson, and when she was young her family traveled through many states for her father’s employment. After marrying Loyal Odell Westeen, she became a devoted wife and mother who cared for her family as they followed Loyal throughout the south as he oversaw various construction projects. Linda had a strong Lutheran Faith and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Leesville where she volunteered for many offices. She had a friendly personality and wanted to help people which she did while being a member of the LWML organization at her church and in her everyday life. Being outside in the sunshine working in her yard or watching the birds and squirrels was something she enjoyed. The greatest joy in her life was caring for her family, and they will be blessed by the legacy of love and faith she left for them.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and numerous siblings.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Andrew James Westeen (Elaine), Lesa Westeen Perkins (Perry), Libby Holmes (David), and Laurie Holt (Russell); sister, Loretta Grothe; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held for Linda at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Leesville.
October 27, 2025 – February 5, 2026
A memorial service for Athena Faith Quintana-Pearman will be held on February 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Jeane Funeral Service. A visitation be held an hour before the service.
Athena Faith Quintana-Pearman was born on October 27, 2025 to Billy and Maria Pearman. She passed from this life on February 5, 2026. Though her life on this side of heaven was brief, she was a warrior princess and fought hard through any diagnosis she may have faced. She was loved immensely and will be missed by all her family.
Preceding Athena in death are her grandparents Donald and Eva Pearman, and great-grandma Rafeala Quintana.
Those left to cherish her memory are her parents Billy Pearman and Maria Pearman; brothers Trevor Pearman and Alexander Pearman, and a host of family members.
Cremation has been entrusted to Jeane’s Funeral Service of Leesville.
August 5, 1966 – February 4, 2026
Funeral services for Russell Alan Austin will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Hornbeck First Baptist Church with Reverends Jason Lupo and Jack Bell officiating. The burial will follow in Prewitts Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Austin, Cody Austin, Logan Hughes, Eric Beverly, Bobby Hooks, Joey Williams, Thomas Gaskin, and Jody Browning.
A visitation will be held at Hornbeck First Baptist Church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Alan was born August 5, 1966, in Zwolle, Louisiana and passed away February 4, 2026, at his home in Hornbeck, Louisiana at the age of 59. He spent most of his life living in Converse before moving to Hornbeck.
Alan was a man whose presence felt like home to everyone who knew him. He carried joy as if it were his first language — effortless, genuine, and freely given. His smile could light up a room before he ever spoke, and his hugs had a way of making people feel safe, valued, and deeply loved. He fit into the lives of others so naturally that even a few short years of friendship felt like a lifetime. Alan never asked for anything in return; his kindness, generosity, and sweet spirit were simply who he was. He was a steady rock for his wife Stacy and a constant source of love and encouragement for their children and grandchildren, offering unwavering support through every season of life.
Alan dedicated more than 30 years of hard work to the oil field, a career that reflected his strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to serve others without complaint. Most recently, he worked as a service technician with Apeck Construction, where his skill, dependability, and friendly nature left a lasting impression on coworkers. Those who knew him describe a man with a heart larger than himself — someone whose laughter made heavy days lighter and whose goodness never felt complicated.
Alan gave his life to Christ and was baptized at Hornbeck First Baptist Church, a decision that guided his final months with a willingness to share his faith. Even during his recent stay at MD Anderson, he continued to share his faith by praying with nurses and doctors. Above all titles and accomplishments, the role he treasured most was being “Pappy” to his grandchildren, a name that brought him his greatest joy and pride.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Joan Austin; daughter, Brittany Hughes; and brother-in-law, Stoney Raborn.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Stacy Austin of Hornbeck, LA; sons, Christopher Austin (Christina) of Converse, LA, Cody Austin of Converse, LA, and Logan Hughes (Alex) of Pace, FL; grandchildren, Kayden, MaKenlie, Lynleigh, Skylynn, Haigen, Harper, Waylon, Caralynn, Felcity, and Dinah; brother, Rodney Austin (Cheryl) of Converse, LA; sister, Kari Raborn of Converse, LA; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Funeral services for Verla Mae Burleson Micale will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at East Leesville Baptist Church with Reverend Gil Arthur, Reverend Doug Dixon, Dr. Tommy Kiker, and Chaplain William “Bill” Tisdale officiating. The burial will follow in Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be D.J. Brown, Donald Roy Perkins, Ben Iles, Roy Sons, Rick Jones, and Michael LeJeune. The honorary pallbearers will be Robert “Bob” Westmoreland and Donnie Perkins.
A visitation will be held at East Leesville Baptist Church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Verla was born and raised in Kistachie, Louisiana and graduated from Kistachie High School in 1952 then earned a degree from a business college in Lake Charles, Louisiana in bookkeeping. During her career as a bookkeeper, she worked for Transit Bus Company, Roger Auto Parts, and Holicer Gas Company all of Leesville, Louisiana.
Verla was a Godly lady who loved her church, family, and everyone she came in contact with. You would always find her doing embroidery projects, word searches, and playing cards with family and friends. Also, she loved working in her yard and garden, and you would often see her sitting on her porch in her rocking chair.
Those preceding her in death were her husband of 50 years, Samuel C. Micale; daughters, Cindy Salvatore, Debra L. McWhirt, and Sandra K. Lewis; parents, James and Lula Burleson; brothers, Lester Burleson and Homer Burleson; sisters, Tru Dell Mullen and Exie Burleson; nephew, Donald Ray Burleson; and niece, Diane Brown.
Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Denise L. Waddell of DeRidder, LA and Anne Marie Micale of Leesville, LA;
grandchildren, Christina Feldkamp (Tom), Shannon Willis (Greg), Ashley Cushing, Kyle Waddell Jr., Notley Mark Lewis II (Sarah), Shane H. Waddell (Dustie), Samantha Haymon Marker (Kyle), James Lewis, and Chelsea McWhirt Elsey (Nathan);
great-grandchildren, Aubree Marker, Paulyanna Lewis, Notley Mark Lewis III, Kayden Willis, Bentley Willis, A.J. Feldkamp, Amelia Waddell, and Hadley Mae Waddell; brother-in-law, James Eugene Micale of Liverpool, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Verla’s family would like to thank The Compassionate Care of Alexandria Hospice team and all the nurses, aides, doctors, and social workers for their love and support during the care of their mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Verla’s memory to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries (www.lbch.org).
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria (the “Diocese”) filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on October 31, 2025, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
By order of the Court, the following deadlines (the “Bar Dates”) have been established for filing claims against the Diocese:
Governmental Unit Claims Bar Date: April 29, 2026
General Claims Bar Date: June 8, 2026
Sexual Abuse Survivor Claims Bar Date: June 8, 2026
Any person or entity that holds a claim against the Diocese that arose before October 31, 2025—including individuals alleging sexual abuse by clergy or other persons affiliated with the Diocese—must file a proof of claim by the applicable Bar Date or risk losing the right to receive any recovery.
Individuals who allege sexual abuse in connection with any parish, school, charitable institution, or other entity or activity associated with the Diocese are required to file a claim, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred, whether the abuse was previously reported, or whether a lawsuit was previously filed.
The Bankruptcy Court has approved a confidential and sealed claim form for abuse survivors, and all information submitted using that form will be protected from public disclosure.
Claims may be filed:
Electronically:
https://cases.stretto.com/dioceseofalexandria
By Mail or Delivery:
Diocese of Alexandria Claims Processing
c/o Stretto
410 Exchange, Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92602
Claims must be received by the Claims Agent by the applicable deadline. Mailing alone does not satisfy the requirement.
Claims cannot be filed by email or facsimile.
Claim forms, instructions, and additional information are available at
https://cases.stretto.com/dioceseofalexandria
Questions regarding the claims process may be directed to the Court-appointed Claims Agent, Stretto, toll-free at (855) 655-5795.
Failure to file a claim by the applicable Bar Date may result in the loss of any right to receive compensation from the Diocese through the bankruptcy process.
This notice is provided pursuant to an order entered by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana in In re: Diocese of Alexandria, Case No. 25-31257.
About Ida
Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.
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A funeral service for JoAnn Moore Coon will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville with Reverend Jeff Phillips officiating. The burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Eden Cemetery on FM 225 West, Nacogdoches, TX under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Aaron Coon, Jayson Mitchell, Austin Wilcox, Sean White, Danny Alfaro, and Preston Alfaro. The honorary pallbearer will be Kyle Dean.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6th at First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
JoAnn was born February 25, 1947, in Pittsburg, Texas and passed away January 31, 2026, in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 78. She was a Department Manager at Walmart where she worked for twenty years. JoAnn was a gifted artist who loved to crochet and make elaborate wedding cakes. You could often find her in the kitchen cooking and baking for her family and friends. She used her talent for singing to praise God with her beautiful voice. JoAnn loved her family so very much, and they meant the world to her.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Moore and Edna McIlvain Moore.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, JoeDon Coon (Elanor) of Copperas Cove, TX and Wesley Coon (Salina) of Leesville, LA; seven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Jane and Brenda; and extended family members and friends.
December 2, 1986 – January 27, 2026
A celebration of life for Joshua James Petrillo will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Christian Living Fellowship at 1:00 PM, with Pastors Bobby Ganaway and Caleb Ganaway officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Those serving as pallbearers will be Scott Cushing, Ryan Boudreau, Ryan Robinson, Troy Boudreau, Sam Fertitta, and Butch Stevens. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Tony Gibbs.
Joshua James Petrillo was born in Las Vegas, NV on December 2, 1986 to his loving parents, Lora Fulton and Mike Petrillo.
Joshua was born with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. At 15 months old Joshua got spinal meningitis which made him lose his hearing and later in life he became a type 2 diabetic.
Despite all these challenges Joshua faced he never saw himself as different or challenged. In fact he thought of himself with so much confidence and love. He could do anything with no fear. He never met a stranger, and everyone became his new best friend. Joshua had a fabulous memory, even as a young child he would never forget a person or name or places he went or the years he did them. Whatever Joshua put in his mind to do he would do it. He had so much joy in him, he always woke up in a good mood eager to start the day and he never wanted to miss out on anything.
Joshua’s favorite thing and passion was karate, he became a black belt under his instructors Ric and Josh Quayhagen, they were his mentors, he called Ric his Sensei and Josh his brother. He received many trophies and medals that he is so proud of but most importantly was the many “new best friends” that he made and honored throughout his karate journey.
Joshua graduated from Leesville High School in 2006, he was a Wampus Cat through and through. He served in JRTC and was so proud of our military, whenever he saw a soldier he would stop and salute them no matter if he was on Ft. Polk base or walking through the airport, he always saluted and honored them. Joshua was so excited that he was going to celebrate his 20-year school reunion this year in October, but the Lord had a bigger homecoming planned for him on the streets of gold and the roar of a Lion.
Joshua started working at Wagon Master in November of 2017. He loved his job and was so proud when he hit his 8-year mark there. He loved all his co-workers and seeing and visiting with people that came through the door always making new best friends.
Joshua loved playing sports, he loved to swim and play incrediball with his church and play pickleball. He attended all Special Olympic events and looked forward to them every year. He attended the Leesville Lions Camp as a child for many years and as an adult he got to meet and greet all the new campers coming in on Sunday’s and work the carnival on Wednesday nights. He always looked forward to every June when he could serve at the camp and see all his friends, especially Mr. Ray Cecil whom he loved very much. Joshua loved all kinds of music and if you asked him to freestyle rap on the spot he could do it, and he didn’t have a shy bone in his body. Josh truly was the life of the party.
Most importantly Joshua loved hard and had so much compassion for others. He loved his mom, they did everything together, they truly were two peas in a pod, and he knew if he wanted something momma would get it even if step daddy Jeff said no. But oh, how he loved his step daddy, and the two together were always a bright light.
Joshua loved his church family, and he loved God and loved to praise and worship with both hands lifted high. There is so much more to Joshua’s life, but if we all could just be a little more like him what a beautiful world it would be!
#LiveLikeJosh
#lovelikeJosh
Preceding Josh in death is his grandpa’s Robert Nelson, Jim Petrillo and Jim Lichtenthaler; grandma Mady Fulton; uncle Steven Petrillo and uncle David Petrillo.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother Lora Fulton and step-daddy Jeff Fulton of Leesville, and father Mike Petrillo of Las Vegas; brother Brad Fulton (Tracy) of Ocean Springs, MS; papa Sam Fulton of Leesville; granny Marge Lichtenthaler of Leesville; nana Peggy Petrillo of Port St. Lucie of FL; aunts Candy Tovar of Leesville, Dawn Boudreau (Troy) of Waterford, MI, Kathy Petrillo (Noel) of Jupiter, FL, and Carmen Fulton-Froggatt (Jim) of Destin FL; uncles Bob Nelson of Reed City, MI, Sam Fulton (Donna) of Leesville, Paul Petrillo of Las Vegas, NV; nieces Hannah Overstreet (Austin) and Averie Fulton; nephew Hunter Fulton; great-nieces Hallie and Mallory Overstreet; host of cousins Amanda, Melissa, Ryan, Breanna, Leif, Angela, Nick, Danielle, and Robbie; slew of adopted brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, and best friends
About Ida
Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.
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About Ida
Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.
Paid Content
A funeral service for Francis Marie Curtis will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville with Reverend John Lewing officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Francis was born February 15, 1947, in Many, Louisiana and passed away January 21, 2026, in Alexandria, Louisiana at the age of 78. She lived in Louisiana all of her life mostly in the Hornbeck area but also in Keithville. She worked for a while in role play at Fort Polk and then was the owner of Crinnon’s Corner Restaurant in Hornbeck. Francis enjoyed shopping and tending to her flowers and being outdoors fishing or camping.
Francis was preceded in death by her parents, Jack Robert Spears and Mary Alice Gordon Spears; grandson, Justin Brooks; and sister, Barbara Spears.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Robert Brooks of Hornbeck, LA; daughter, Barbara Davis of Hornbeck, LA; grandchildren, Haley Brooks, Austin Brooks, Brooks Bridges (Brandy), and Jacklyn Thompson (D.J.); great-grandchildren, Carter, Averi, John Austin Jr., Braylon, Dawson, Presley, Elisha, Justlynn, Ezekiel, and Roman; brother, Jack Robert Spears Jr. (Kathy) of Dubach, LA; sisters, Charlotte McCain (Danny Patterson) of Keithville, LA and Patricia Johnson of Catawba, SC; and extended family members and friends.
About Ida
Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.
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May 26, 1948 – January 16, 2026
Funeral services for Margaret Darlene LeFeat were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Middle Creek Baptist Church in Florien, Louisiana with Brothers John Lewing, Lynn Lawrence, and Dacota Glover officiating. The burial will followed in Mount Carmel Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Dustin Bell, Brady Bell, Tyler Thaxton, Gary Westfall, Bradley Thaxton, and Gordon Canady. The honorary pallbearers were Landon Bell, Lee Glover, Shaylee Glover, Kayden Glover, RaeLynn Bell, Palin Burlison, and Kylene Thaxton.
Darlene was born May 26, 1948, in Sabine Parish and passed away January 16, 2026, in Alexandria, Louisiana at the age of 77. She was a creative person who enjoyed making crafts and flower arrangements. Her son, Derick, was the center of her life, and they enjoyed going on hunts together and attending the races.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Dale Parks; parents, Bobbie Joe Bell and Geneva Bell; and brother, Scotty Bell.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Derick LeFeat; daughter, Daphne Clark and husband Joe;
brothers, Wade Bell and wife Valarie and Terry Bell and wife Trena; grandchildren, Matthew Clark and Brandy Clark; and extended family members and friends.