The Pilot Club of Leesville will hold a Poinsettia sale on Monday, December 2, beginning at noon, at Leesville’s Dogwood Park on Belview Road.
6” plants in red or white are $12
8” plants in red or white are $20
10” plants in red or white are $30
Specialty 8” varieties (Christmas Mouse, Ice Crystal, Pink, or Picasso) are $25
The Pilot Club of Leesville has multiple civic projects going on that benefit our community. Support them and get into the Christmas spirit with lovely Poinsettias.
By Doug De Graffenried
Please pick the beep you like best.
Beep is defined as “a short, relatively high-pitched tone produced by a horn, electronic device, or the like as a signal, summons, or warning.” It is also a way of describing how some forms of media edit out unseemly words. If I were doing this on the radio you might hear, “Oh BEEP, I dropped the hot casserole dish on the floor after I removed it from the microwave upon hearing the aforementioned microwave emit a beep.” Beep is example of onomatopoeia.
I’m wondering if you have discovered that beeps have become BEEP annoying. The microwave cooks food quickly and it beeps. Mine will emit a beep until you open the door or select the stop button. I guess the microwave doesn’t want you to forget the sumptuous TV dinner you have just warmed up for your evening repast.
The oven beeps. It beeps when it is heated to the selected temperature. It beeps when there is one minute remaining for the cooking time. It beeps until you hit the shut up button and turn the timer off. The oven will beep at you all night until you do something.
The house alarm system beeps. It beeps when you turn it on or off, when the power is interrupted for more than three minutes or so. I guess if the house is burning down or being burglarized the thing will beep. If the power goes off and you don’t reset the alarm, it beeps until you reset it acknowledging the “power went off recently and stayed off a while” beep. Each button you press on the control panel beeps when you press it. That is four beeps to set the alarm which then does this chirping beep thing to let you know it is set. It then beeps to let you know you have a certain number of seconds to get out of the BEEPING house before alarm goes off.
To avoid the beeping madness, I escaped to the BEEPING car. The car has a mystery beep that I have yet to interpret. I have one of those pushbutton cars. Sometimes when I shut it off and open the door, it beeps at me. I have yet to figure out what I have done wrong or what I have left on for the car to protest my exit. Maybe the car is saying, “Bye.”
The car beeps at me when I’m too close to another car, the wall at the bank drive thru, when someone is crossing behind me in the parking lot, when I change lanes without signaling, when I change radio stations, and when I select the apps button to turn on the map functions.
This morning, I pulled into the office parking space. The car beeped at me. I sat down at my desk and my computer was doing some kind of beeping about something Bill Gates and Microsoft didn’t like. Oh BEEP!!!
Because things beep at us, we develop a BEEPING immunity. I was only paying attention because I was researching the beeps around me.
We condition ourselves to filter out the annoyances of life, such as the things that beep.
Please Lord do not allow us to filter out people, they are not annoyances but people you love for whom you died. I need to go now and spend time confessing my sins in this area, what about you?
Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.
You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com
Marettia “Rita” Anne Hale was born October 20, 1949, in Many, Louisiana and passed away October 21, 2024, at her home in Hornbeck, Louisiana, at the age of 75. Even though she traveled some with her husband for his work, she always considered Hornbeck to be her home and was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend to many there. Rita enjoyed cooking delicious meals for her family and anyone else who visited her home. When her family gathered, she would always be working behind the scenes keeping everyone happy and was a faithful caregiver to her husband Willie. Rita would often make quilts or sew items for her family, and they were blessed by her sweet personality.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Sullivan Hale Sr.; granddaughter, Kadye Cooper; and parents, Walton Trotti and Marettia Anne Allen Trotti.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Willie Hale Jr. and Michael Hale (Keran) all of Hornbeck; daughter, Dianna Cooper (Bruce) of Highlands, Texas; grandchildren, Kody Cooper, Kasey Cooper (Deuce), Cade Hale, Megan Hale, Kelsey Hale, and Cameron Hale; great-grandchildren, Hendrix, Lexie, Lane, and JR; brothers, Charles Trotti (Stewart) of New York and Jerry Trotti (Ann) of Baytown, Texas; sister, Sue Trotti (Kelvin) of Hornbeck; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Kimberly Coutee, age 39 of Boyce, Louisiana, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $3500. Coutee remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
James Jeffery Dickens, age 43 of Rosepine, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $18,500. Dickens remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Peyton Durocher, age 18 of New Iberia, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction warrant from Iberia Parish. Bond has not been set. Durocher awaits transfer to Iberia Parish.
Edgar Allen Lee, age 48 of Anacoco was arrested and charged with one count of Violation of a Protective Order. Bond was set at $3500. Lee remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Dallas Joanna Nash, age 42 of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set. Nash remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Randy Scott Gierisch, age 35 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Violation of a Protective Order. Bond has not been set. Gierisch remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Kimberly Ann Wallace Condon Alexander, age 57 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Remaining After Forbidden and one count of Improper Telephone Communication. Bond was set at $2381. Alexander posted bond and was released.
Jensen Condon, age 28 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Remaining After Forbidden and one count of Improper Telephone Communication. Bond was set at $2381. Condon posted bond and was released.
Jason Smith, age 29 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery. Bond has not been set. Smith remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Fourth District Congressman and Speaker of the U.S. House, Mike Johnson, will make his staff available for a series of meetings to assist constituents in dealing with federal agencies. If you are having issues with Social Security, Medicare, or Veterans issues, please attend and get assistance. For information and questions call the Congressman’s Bossier City office at 318-840-0309.
Local meetings: Wednesday, October 30, 4-5 p.m. at South Beauregard Rec. Center; and Thursday October 31, 9-10 a.m. at Hornbeck Town Hall
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning of an apparent scam circulating within the parish.
There has been a report of recent phone calls that are believed to be made by criminals who are posing as pharmacy representatives. In this case the criminals are spoofing a pharmacy’s phone number and posing as a representative from the pharmacy. The caller then offers the call recipient a chance to order drugs or purchase medical services. The caller had a noticeable foreign accent.
Some questions the caller is asking are:
Can you provide us a list of your medications?
Do you need any refills on your current medications?
Would you like to order Cialis or Viagra?
What drugs do you want?
What is the name of your physician?
No pharmacy will ever call and request this type of information from their customers.
Protect your personal information from fraud. Do not provide personal information to anyone you do not know. Never provide credit card or other financial information to unsolicited callers.
The Vernon Parish Police Jury held a regular monthly meeting Monday, October 21, at 10 a.m.
In public comments, a resident on a road off Vernon Lake complained to jurors about oversize trucks tearing up Ford Stewart Road. The recently-rebuilt road had a weight limit but is still used as a short cut by haulers. Jurors agreed there must be some enforcement of the ordinance. Jurors said they will look for the companies that run trucks down the road and address the issue.
Due to the Veteran’s Day holiday, the November committee meetings of the Vernon Parish Police Jury will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12.
Juror Kenny Haymon recognized and presented a plaque, on behalf of the LHSAA and LHSOA, to Mr. Joe Blake of the Police Jury maintenance staff. The plaque was in recognition for 25 years of service to high school basketball officials and coaches. Mr. Joe is a familiar Police Jury employee to many downtown workers. Publisher’s note: Blake has been at it for nearly 40 years, all with a smile and a willingness to help! Congratulations, Mr. Joe!
David Fox, chairman of the Capital Properties Committee, had no business last week but some appraisals came in after the meeting. Fox recommended the Jury send an offer to the owners of two pieces of property for sale. One property is the District 7 maintenance yard and four acres for $20,000. The other is the District 2 maintenance yard and three acres for $20,000.
The Carbon Sequestration Committee recommended the Vernon Parish Police Jury approve a request from the Louisiana CO2 Alliance, which is made up of four parishes, to hire a consulting firm to represent the area’s interests. The cost will be divided by the parishes. The present cost to the Police Jury will be $1,450 upfront and $2,475 quarterly. Jurors so moved.
Chairman of the Finance Committee, Curtis Clay, recommended during last week’s committee meetings, that the Jury approve invoices to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office for Leesville/Vernon Parish juvenile housing. The City of Leesville will split the cost. The Police Jury’s share is $35,297.92. Jurors so moved. Following the meeting last week quotes from CML Security for security cameras at the Vernon Parish Jail were received. Included in the quote is the wiring, configuration and troubleshooting. The investment is $14,430. Additional replacement costs and touchscreens would be $4,553 more. The matter is under advisement. Invoices were received from APECK Construction, LLC for overlay work on six roads in the amount of $744,865. Jurors discussed delaying payment for one of the invoices for work on Jeane-Chapel Road in District 4/Ward 4 over some concerns about the work there.
David Brister, Chairman of the Road Maintenance and Construction Committee, reported that two items had come in since the committee meetings. The Vernon Parish Health Unit asked the Police Jury to dispose of two burned-out mobile homes in District 6/Ward 6. The Vernon Parish School Board asked that a bus turnaround on Bachelor Hollow Road in District 1/Ward 1 be maintained. Jurors will consider the items.
Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Kenny Haymon had two items that came following committee meetings. The first was to appoint Mrs. Jessica Shell to the Fair Board to represent District Four. The Vernon Parish Animal Shelter will experiment with some new hours beginning October 28: Mondays through Fridays/8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturdays/8 a.m. – Noon; closed on Sundays. This is being done on a trial basis.
Final business of the Police Jury was to adopt a resolution approving and accepting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Special Operators Civil Affairs units training at the Joint Readiness Training Center to conduct Civil Survey and Infrastructure Assessments. Police Jury President, Jim Tuck, will be authorized to execute the MOU on behalf of the Vernon Parish Police Jury.
There will be a public hearing Monday, November 18, at 10 a.m. to hear two proposed ordinances. The first would abandon Pat Roberts Drive in District 12/Ward 2 in its entirety of 1,056 feet. The road no longer serves a public purpose. The second ordinance would abandon 930 feet of Scroggins Lane in District 12/Ward 1. The first 210 feet of the road will remain in the Vernon Parish system.
The next meeting of the Vernon Parish Police Jury is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, at 5 p.m.
To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE
Congratulations to local Football Fanatic Kenny Haymon for his tiebreaker win in Week 7 of the High School football Pick em Contest. His record of 7-3 was declared the winner of a date with Ben Franklin. Every entry comes with a free subscription to the VPJ. Click the link above this article to play and win. Entries must be received by the VPJ by Friday at 4 p.m. We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 20.
Thanks to our inaugural sponsors: The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Bud’s Auto and Towing, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports, and Dairy Queen of Leesville.
Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results. Call 337-208-9253 and get started.
HAPPY PICKING!!
Vernon Parish Journal historical contributor, Rickey Robertson, has been a member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association for over 40 years. The MVPA has convoys that travel the United States.
The historic military vehicle convoy of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will arrive
in Sabine Parish on Thursday October 24, 2024. The convoy is traveling over 2500 miles on the route of
the Jefferson Highway. The convoy will make a detour to Sabine Parish so that they can travel the
Louisiana Maneuvers Highway (La 118) on this 83rd Anniversary of the 1941 Louisiana Maneuvers. The
convoy will stop at Mount Carmel Church for lunch. Local historian, Rickey Robertson, will speak to the
convoy members and to the public who are very welcome to attend , about the Louisiana Maneuvers.
There will be displays of items and photographs from the Louisiana Maneuvers to view and also the
public is invited to look at these historic restored military vehicles dating from World War II, Korea,
Vietnam and current War on Terror. Also the historic Addison’s Store will be opened by the owners for
the public to tour. This store was right in the midst of the Battle of Mt. Carmel and had such visitors as
General Patton, General Bradley, and General Eisenhower during the maneuvers. The public is invited to
attend and there is ample parking at the church and Masonic Lodge across from the church. Come and
relive the history of this great event with us ! Bring your camera and enjoy this event !
Interested persons are invited to attend and view this display of living history.
This week the Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA) went on record against Carbon Capture Sequestration and storage in Louisiana. Over 300 municipalities signed off on the resolution. Leesville Mayor Rick Allen is the current President of the LMA. Following is a copy of the resolution:
Vernon Parish has big events for the public to enjoy this Halloween season.
Mayor’s Women’s Commission – The MWC invites you to view the entries in the Scare The Crows Off Main Street Contest. This family-friendly, fall-themed event will feature beautiful decorative works on Third Street in downtown Leesville. The Main Street (3rd Street) has been recently re-lit by CLECO. You may drive around day or night to view the displays.
Village of Simpson – The Village of Simpson, Simpson Volunteer Fire Department, and the Simpson Community Events Committee will host a Trick-or-Treat event on Saturday, October 26, from 6-8 p.m. in front of the Simpson School. Costumes welcomed; fun and candy!
Vernon Council On Aging – The VCOA will host a Fall Festival for area seniors Thursday, October 31, at 9:30 a.m. Come enjoy fellowship, meet old friends, snack a little, and see the colors of the fall. VCOA is located at 200 N. Third Street in downtown Leesville.
Dairy Queen of Leesville – A spook-tacular offer for your trick or treaters. Thursday, October 31, from 5-9 p.m., you can get a kids meal for $1 with the purchase of adult meal from the menu. Happy Halloween from Dairy Queen at 190 Highway 28 E.
Friends of Main Street – The annual Witch Way to Main Street WILL NOT BE HELD ON Thursday, October 31 in downtown Leesville due to expected severe weather. Friends of Main Street apologize for any inconvienence.
City of Leesville – Trick or treaters will be permitted within the city limits Saturday November 2 from 6-8pm…expected bad weather has forced this change
If you have other events from civic groups, churches and organizations that you would like us to list in the Vernon Parish Journal, e-mail us at VPJnewsla@gmail.com.
Ken Hughes, Chairman/President & CEO of Merchants & Farmers Bank, is proud to announce the promotion of Carissa Sharbeno as Assistant Vice President and Manager of the New Llano office, 3002 Colony Blvd in New Llano.
“Carissa is a great community banker! She is always customer driven. Our customers can look forward to great service at our New Llano location,” states Hughes.
Sharbeno has been with the bank since May of 2021, and during that time has been a Teller at the Anacoco branch.
Carissa was born in Lafayette, Louisiana and graduated from Church Point High School in 2001. She has resided in Anacoco, Louisiana for the past 10 years with husband, Ricky. Together, they have five children—Jordon (26), Haileigh (18), Khamron (15), Brenyn (11), and Westyn (8).
“I appreciate the diverse responsibilities that come with the role of Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager. Leading a team allows me to foster a positive work environment. I enjoy building relationships with customers and helping them with their banking needs. We have great people at our bank, and it makes it a very pleasant place to work. I look forward to providing fabulous customer service to our customers,” states Sharbeno.
In operation since 1928, Merchants & Farmers Bank is an independent community bank headquartered in Leesville, with eight full-service locations in seven cities. Among the first of Louisiana banks to establish online banking, Merchants & Farmers offers a variety of banking products and services.
Improvements to the offenses at Pickering and Rosepine were noticeable in losses last week, while Leesville rebounded from the district loss to Iowa with a four touchdown thumping of DeRidder in the annual Hooper Trophy battle.
PICKERING
Pickering broke a long losing streak to open the season with promise, but key injuries have limited success for the Big Red. Pickering lost to Vinton last week 43-14, falling to 1-6 on the year. QB AJ Berry returned from a hand injury and shook off the rust to complete 4/12 passing for 31 yards. He also ran for 76 yards on 20 carries, including a touchdown. Israel Araiza scored the other TD for Pickering. Bryan Dedios kicked both PAT’s.
Ladarius Privitera, who filled the QB slot for several weeks, went to the defensive side of the ball and picked off two passes.
Pickering will play their last three games at home, hosting Pine Prairie from District 4-3A on Friday. The Panthers are 1-6/0-4. They fell to Crowley last week, 44-12. Gametime is 7 p.m. at O’Banion Stadium.
ROSEPINE
Rosepine fell to 0-6 with a 34-8 loss to Mansfield (3-4) last week but showed flashes of much needed offense. QB Gabe McKee hit three passes for 78 yards but also had two interceptions. Brynnum Chaney had two catches and rushed for 103 yards on 12 carries. His longest run of the evening was 58 yards. Gabe McMurtry had 44 yards rushing on the night, and Barrett Coody had 32 yards rushing, including a three-yard score. McKee hit Chaney for a 2-point conversion pass.
This was the best offensive output of the year for the Eagles, with 10 first downs, 190 yards rushing, and 78 yards passing.
Rosepine opens District 4-2A play Friday night, hosting Vinton (4-3). Game time is 7 p.m. from McKee-McCain Stadium.
ON THE RADIO-KVVP-FM/105.7 Leesville
LEESVILLE
The history of quality running backs at Leesville High School is well documented. Senior Xavier Ford is having his years of hard work pay off. Ford scored four TD’s in a 62-35 win over DeRidder, notching 97 career scores and breaking the mark of the legendary Cecil Collins, who finished with 93 career rushing scores. Collins will be inducted into the LHS Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies Friday night for Homecoming 2024.
In that 28-point win for the Hooper Trophy, sophomore QB Trel Broom continued his season long improvement, tossing 5 TD passes. Three of them were to WR Mike Davis, one to WR Ju-Ju Brown, and a 74-yard fling to Ford. Broom finished the night 8/16, passing for 224 yards and one interception. His season totals include: 72/129 passing for 1290 yards, 18 TD’s, five interceptions, and a QB rating of 113.7.
Ford churned out 306 rushing for the two-headed monster that has become the Wampus Cat offense. Ford is just shy of 1900 yards with three games left in the regular season.
Defensively, Leesville had multiple sacks, four tackles for loss and a blocked punt. The Wampus Cats were led by LB Jacob Pajinag with 12 tackles, including two for losses. Deandre Herron had a sack and two tackles for loss, and Razion Taylor had 10 tackles.
DeRidder was led by senior QB Tanner Davis who was 9/19/182 yards and two TD’s. He also had 32 yards rushing and a TD. Senior running back Connor Rushford had 1998 yards rushing and two scores.
Leesville will host the Washington-Marion squad from Lake Charles for Homecoming 2024. Wahington-Marion is 1-6/0-2 on the season. Gametime from LHS is 7 p.m.
ON THE RADIO-KJAE/93.5- LEESVILLE
Funeral services for Cary Edward Fiscus will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville. The burial will follow in Burr Ferry Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Jeane’s on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Cary was born April 29, 1959, in Champagne, Illinois, and passed away at his home Mansfield, Louisiana, on October 19, 2024, at the age of 65. He was a hard-working man and worked as a mechanic for many years. Spending time outdoors was something Cary enjoyed, and he would fish, go to the range, fly RC planes, or race cars.
Cary was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin Logan Fiscus and Angie Marie Burr Fiscus.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 48 years, Linda Sue Fiscus, of Marksville, Louisiana; daughters, Sherry Phillips (Jeremy) of Pelican, Louisiana, and Lisa Bowers (James) of Benton, Louisiana; and grandchildren: Bruce Phillips, Haley Phillips, and Ben Phillips.
The Vernon Parish 4-H program is holding a sweet potato sale fundraiser. Sales are going on now through Thursday, November 14. A 10-pound box of Louisiana sweet potatoes from Beauregard Parish will cost $12.00. You will be responsible for picking up your own boxes on Monday, November 18.
Order from any 4-H Teen Leader you know or call Chad Hagan at 318-613-6195 or the Vernon Parish 4-H office at 337-239-3231 to place an order or get more information. Proceeds raised will benefit various 4-H projects in Vernon Parish.
The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will present a special patriotic concert on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Tickets are $16.50 if purchased online at https://nnssla.org/ticket-sales or $15 at the door. Veterans and current service members are admitted free.
Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is musical director of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra. Syll-Young Olson is assistant director, Emilio Castro is graduate assistant director and Sofiko Tchetchelashvili is instructor.
The concert is titled “American Liberty: Honoring Our Military’s Service and Sacrifice.” The Patriotic Concert will honor the men and women who have served and are serving in our armed forces. The orchestra will honor the sacrifices made for our freedom throughout history starting with a “Yankee Doodle Fanfareture” from the American Revolution, followed by a fantasy piece telling the story of the Civil War, a medley of tunes from World War I, music from the 1976 film “Midway” and “Hymn to the Fallen” from the film “Saving Private Ryan.”
Current service men and women will be honored with the Armed Forces Salute, featuring the six official songs of the U.S. Armed Forces. They are “Semper Paratus” (“Always Ready”), honoring the U.S. Coast Guard, “Semper Supra” (“Always Above”), honoring the U.S. Space Force, the U.S. Air Force (“Wild Blue Yonder”), honoring the U.S. Air Force, “Anchors Aweigh,” the fight song of the U.S. Naval Academy and unofficial march song of the U.S. Navy, “Marines’ Hymn,” the official hymn of the U.S. Marine Corps and “The Army Goes Rolling Along,” the official song of the U.S. Army.
The NSU Men’s Chorus will join the orchestra for “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America.”
For more information on the concert, go to nnssla.org.
Funeral services honoring the life of Nelda JoAnn Dixon will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Good Hope Baptist Church. Reverend Tinker Hillman and Jared Riley will officiate. Interment will follow in Good Hope Cemetery, under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Pallbearers for the service will be Brandon Blackmon, Wyatt Marze, Havn Egan, Caden Blackmon, Warren Dixon, and Ayden Blackmon, with Casey Blackmon and Scott Dixon as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be at Good Hope Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.
Nelda JoAnn Dixon was born on June 7, 1950, in Leesville to James and Sudie Ila Strickland. She passed away on October 20, 2024, in New Orleans at the age of 74. A lifelong resident of Vernon Parish, JoAnn was devoted to her community and family. She was married to the love of her life, Cullen Dixon, for 59 years and 1 month.
JoAnn spent many years working at Leesville General Hospital and for Dr. T.C. Mong. She was known for her joyful spirit, love of fun, and her sense of humor. She delighted in dressing up and playing pranks on her family. Her family was her pride and joy, and she especially loved gathering for large meals and holiday celebrations. JoAnn also enjoyed playing the piano and singing with her family. One of her favorite past times was garage sale shopping, always on the lookout for special treasures. Her devotion to her faith was evident through her active membership in Good Hope Baptist Church, where she played a significant role in Vacation Bible School.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Marla Blackmon, sister, Ruby Addison, and brother, Micheal Strickland.
She is survived by her loving husband, Cullen Dixon; children, Pete Dixon (Christy) of Anacoco, and Carla Egan (Todd) of Evans; siblings, Martha Adams, Billy Strickland (Linda), Danny Strickland (Karen), Kenny Strickland (Kelli), and Libby Owen (Joseph); grandchildren, Candi Marze (Jason) of Leesville, Brandon Blackmon of Anacoco, Casey Blackmon (Teresa) of Converse, Scott Dixon (Hope), Morgan Percival (Will) of Anacoco, Warren Dixon of Deridder, Shelby Riley (Jared) of Evans, Hannah Dowden (Trevor) of
Leesville, and Havn Egan (Bailey) of Evans; great-grandchildren, Lezlea (Dudley), Wyatt, Ayden, Caden, Hailey, Taylor, Cullen, Evan, Ellie, Jessie, Hunter, Christa, Joshua, Samuel, Lynlee, Amelia, Hadleigh, Hoyt, Hart, and Gatlyn; great-great-granddaughter, Addilynn, and a host of extended family and friends.
Lamar Eugene Howard was born July 29, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, to Judy Mae Howard Turner. He passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at home in New Llano, Louisiana.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Mae Turner.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Penny Howard of New Llano; sons, Jamaine II and Jaliyan of San Antonio, Texas; stepchildren: Tony Lucius, Deanna Wallace, Roshad Wallace, and Tiffany Wallace, all of New Llano; sister, Lana Turner (Lashawanna) of Chicago, Illinois; brother, Jerome Turner (Marilyn Noel-Turner) of San Antonio; long-time friend and caregiver, Quintella Thobodeaux; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Lamar was a member of Heroine Chapter #41 O.E.S., Rosebud Court #11, H.O.J., Miriam Court #4, L.O.C.O.P, Emma M. Johnson #21, Order of Cyrene, Pride of Leesville Lodge #41, Bright Star #20, H.R.A.M, Johnnie Carter III #3, R.S.M., Nile Commandery #9, K.T. Nehemiah Consistory #56, Al Kadr #153, and A.E.A.O.N.M.S.
A funeral service with military honors for Lamar will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
CARY EDWARD FISCUS
April 29, 1959 – October 19, 2024
Service: October 24, 2024, at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville at 1:00 p.m.
NELDA JOANN DIXON
June 7, 1950 – October 20, 2024
Service: October 23, 2024, at Good Hope Baptist Church in Anacoco at 3:00 p.m.
RUTH DUKE HOLT
October 9, 1937 – October 8, 2024
Service: none announced
FREDDA JEAN HOLT PIERCE
August 23, 1960 – October 8, 2024
Service: none announced