Artemon Fruge Jr.

Artemon "A.J." Fruge Jr., 98, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 7, 1927, in Eunice, Louisiana, to Oline Courville and Artemon Fruge Sr.

A proud veteran, A.J. served honorably in the U.S. Army as a mechanic. His career spanned many years in the oil field service industry, including 23 years at Magcobar, where he supplied chemicals to oil fields. He also worked 17 years as a mechanic and spent 7 years as a warehouse manager.

A.J. had a deep love for Cajun music and dancing. He was an active member of the Cajun Music Association and a local dance club, always enjoying time on the dance floor with friends and family. A.J. was amazing in the kitchen especially known for his white trash. He was also a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in LeBleu Settlement and served with the Knights of Columbus at St. Theodore Catholic Church.

He especially loved being outdoors, whether he was in the garden tending to his plants or out fishing in a quiet spot, he found peace and joy in nature. He enjoyed traveling, sharing stories, and spending time with his loved ones. Family meant everything to him, and he was a kind, faith-filled man who led by example.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Maxine Mary Fruge Richard and husband Carroll, Thomas Fruge and wife Laura, and Randall Fruge and wife Julie; daughter-in-law, Sally Fruge; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; half-brother, Johnny Fruge; half-sister, Betty Josey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 61 years, Elda Thibodeaux Fruge; his children: Bob Fruge, Luke Fruge, Lola Fruge, and John Fruge; his brothers: Atlas Fruge, Houston Fruge, and Dudley Fruge; half-brother, Jimmy Fruge; step-brother, Joe Cortez and sisters: Rose Mouton, Verna Ann Bourgeois and Esther Francois.

A Catholic Mass will be held in his honor on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home on Lake Street, with a Rosary recited at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Consolata Cemetery.