John Bernard

John Bernard, a resident of Lake Charles, LA made his transition into eternal rest at 4:40 on the evening of June 6, 2021. He was born a twin (Jim and John) to the union of the late Eraste and Germaine Mercier Bernard on April 12, 1931.

John lived in the Mossville Community for many years. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Anyone who knew John, “Uncle John”, “Paw-Paw” and of course “Honey” knew him to have a kind and gentle spirit that lived and loved with an admirable presence. He had an extraordinary personality, a golden heart, and a sly smile with his famous thumbs-up. His greatest contribution to life here on earth was the tireless hours he placed into raising his nine children and loving his wife.  John considered it a blessing to help in the raising of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a zest for life and appreciated opportunities to share fun time with family and friends. He enjoyed dancing, listening to zydeco music, speaking French, rabbit hunting, and cooking his infamous meat, rice, and grease gravy.

John was a product of rich culture. He was blessed with many years of fellowship with his parents and siblings.  To know his family was to know the beauty of simplicity and harmony. After 35 years of service at the young age of 53, he retired with Conoco Oil Refinery in Westlake, LA. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Peter Claver Council #147 and the Local Teamster Union.

John leaves to cherish his memories to his children: Mary Katie (Ricky) LeDee, Charlotte Bernard, Gwendolyn (Claude) Champagne, Sandra (Kelvin) Lartigue, Thierery Bernard (Tracy Ryan), Connie (Tim) Mouton, Frederick (Charletta) Bernard, Jason (Cassandra) Bernard, Deadria Bernard, 31 grandchildren and 62 great grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his loving two sisters, Ethel Thibeaux and Louise Catalon and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sisters: Cecile Wilturner, Yola Montgomery, Viola Mallet, and his brothers Wallace, Leon, Davis, Felix, Jules, and James “Jim” Bernard. He was also preceded in death by grandchildren Darius Keith Thibodeaux and Celeste LeDee, and great grandchild Dalasia Damaria Johnson.

Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with the Holy Rosary recited at 11 a.m. His funeral service will be held at St. John Bosco Catholic Church of Westlake, LA on Friday at 1 p.m. under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Father Aubrey Guilbeau will officiate. Burial will take place in Perkins Cemetery in Westlake, LA following the service.