Local Obituaries
for Families in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Matthew James LaCombe
Jun 12, 2026
Matthew James LaCombe, 48, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Matt was born on January 7, 1978, at Allen Parish Hospital in Kinder, Louisiana, to Floyd and Jacqueline Desjardine LaCombe. He grew up in Lake Charles and graduated from Iowa High School, where he played saxophone as a member of the school band. His love of...
Kaylee Kohler Hathaway
Jun 11, 2026
Kaylee Kohler Hathaway, 40, passed away in her home on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Born on December 26, 1985, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, she was the beloved daughter of Karl Fredrick Kohler and Michelle Hebert.
A 2004 graduate of LaGrange High School, Kaylee excelled as a softball player, known for her determination, toughness, and competitive spirit. As an accomplished softball player,...
Melinda LeBleu Courville
Jun 11, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Melinda Courville, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who departed this life on June 11, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on November 18, 1958, in Kinder, Louisiana, Melinda dedicated her life to her family and home, embodying the spirit of love and devotion as a cherished homemaker.
Melinda will...
Mary Marlene Bourgeois
Jun 10, 2026
Marlene Bourgeois passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at home, with loving family by her side. She was born on May 18, 1955, to Mickey and Marjorie Haymark Colletta in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
She graduated from LaGrange High School in 1973 and proceeded to earn multiple degrees in education. That foundation began a 25 year career as an educator,...
Bobby "T-Bob" Gerald Jeter, Jr.
Jun 9, 2026
Bobby “T-Bob” Gerald Jeter, Jr., 58, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was born on October 13, 1967, in Pineville, Louisiana, to Bobby Gerald Jeter, Sr. and Cynthia Barber Jeter.
Bobby grew up in Moss Bluff, Louisiana, and was a graduate of Sam Houston High School. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in...
Annette Rose Southern
Jun 8, 2026
Annette Rose Venable Southern, 86, of Southwest Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Monday June 8, 2026. Born on August 5, 1939, in Kountze, Texas, Annette lived a life filled with faith, love, family, and friendship.
Annette was beautiful in every way and found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved keeping up with friends on Facebook, enjoying fried oysters, cornbread dressing,...
Tammy Vincent
Jun 7, 2026
Tammy Vincent, 61, of Moss Bluff passed away at 1:36 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2026 in a local hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Baton Rouge on May 10, 1965, Tammy was raised in Denham Springs. She moved to Lake Charles in 1992 and later settled in Moss Bluff in 1997, where she spent the remainder of her...
JoAnn Becnel
Jun 6, 2026
JoAnn Becnel, 72, of Iowa, LA, passed away on June 6, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family.
Born on January 3, 1954, in Church Point, LA, JoAnn was the child of Terlin and Viola Higginbotham. She grew up in Iowa, LA, and graduated from Iowa High School. She worked as a dental assistant for over 40 years.
JoAnn's...
Neil Warner Duhon
Jun 6, 2026
Neil Warner Duhon, 87, of Lake Charles passed away at 3:20 AM on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in his residence.
Born in Lake Charles on October 3, 1938, he was a proud graduate of LaGrange Senior High School, where he excelled as a star student. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served for two and a...
James Earl Alexander
Jun 5, 2026
James Earl Alexander, 87, of Lake Charles, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026.
Growing up in Ruston, LA, he graduated from Ruston High School, where he played football and was a member of the band and choir. He then earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Notably, before both high school...
Bro. Randall Chesson Sr.
Jun 4, 2026
Randall James Chesson Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted minister, left this world on June 4, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on January 31, 1943, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Randall lived a lifetime dedicated to faith, family, and service to others. Randall's journey began at Lagrange High School, where he graduated in 1960, followed by Louisiana College...
Collins Elizabeth Cooper
Jun 4, 2026
Collins Elizabeth Cooper passed away on June 4, 2026.
Collins was wild and free, full of life, and completely fearless. It only took a few seconds to fall in love with her. She was a daredevil little girl with a big personality and an even bigger heart.
She knew her people and never met a stranger. Outgoing and full of confidence, Collins...
Brad James Mallett
Jun 3, 2026
Today, we say goodbye to our son, Brad.
It is hard to put into words what Brad meant to us and to so many others. Like all families, we shared good times and difficult times, victories and struggles. But through it all, one thing never changed Brad had a big heart and cared deeply about the people and animals he loved.
From...
Jerry Michael Davis
Jun 2, 2026
Jerry Michael Davis, of Westlake, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026. He was 86 years old.Jerry was born in Olla, Louisiana on November 17, 1939, to Inez and Buddy Davis. He was raised in LaSalle Parish and remained proud of his North Louisiana roots throughout his life.After graduating from LaSalle High School, Jerry joined the United States Navy...
Billy Joe Smith
Jun 2, 2026
Billy Jo Smith of Lake Charles passed away on June 2, 2026.
He loved cooking, fishing, and spending time with the people he cared about most. His favorite place in the world was on the river with a fishing pole in hand.
For many years, Billy made his home at Grand Cove Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. While he was naturally a private...
Deanna Marie Daw
May 31, 2026
Deanna Daw, 76, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her most.
Deanna spent many years as a childcare provider in DeQuincy, Louisiana, where she touched the lives of countless children and families. She was especially known for helping single mothers by providing loving and affordable childcare. Her caring heart, generous spirit, and...
Clara Maurice Murrell "Maurice"
May 31, 2026
Clara Maurice Woolfolk Murrell passed away at her home in Lake Charles on May 31,2026 at the age of 98.
She was a talented and creative woman who loved sewing, knitting, crocheting, and just about any craft that involved a needle and thread. If there was something that could be made by hand, she could do it. She spent countless...
Wilson Joseph Guidry
May 31, 2026
Wilson Joseph “Chee Wee” Guidry passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was born on May 15, 1947, in Sulphur, Louisiana, to Arthur and Elodie Castille Guidry.
Chee Wee was a simple man with a generous heart. He lived life in his own steady way and found joy in the things he loved most. In...
Guy Rich "Richie" Plauche
May 30, 2026
Guy Rich "Richie" Plauché, 76, passed away on May 30, 2026, in the peace of his home.
Richie grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and was often described as a bit of a menace on Helen Street and the surrounding neighborhoods. He never tired of telling stories from those early years, and over time they became family lore that will be...
