Mesonie Terrence "Buck" Halley, Sr.

Mesonie Terrence Halley, Sr., affectionately known as “Buck,” was born in Baskin, La. on April 20, 1933, to John Henry Halley and Alice DaMour. He was one of three children and the cherished only son. Buck graduated from Sulphur High School in 1951. He entered into his eternal rest on October 24, 2025, surrounded by the family he deeply loved.

On August 13, 1955, Buck married the love of his life, Dorothy “Dot” Eleanor Hoffpauir in Sulphur, La. This past August, Buck and Dot celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary — a living testament to their unwavering love, friendship, and shared purpose. Though Buck often said Dot followed him in every endeavor, those who knew them knew they journeyed hand in hand, side by side.

Buck proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. After his service, he attended dental school and became a pediatric dentist. He was affectionately known as Dr. Buck by his patients. Dr. Buck cared for the children of Lake Charles with patience and compassion until his retirement in 1994. Buck loved Jesus and faithfully served His church, offering not just his presence, but his hands and heart. A gifted carpenter, he was always building, repairing, or creating something. He was known to show up with tools in hand for anyone who needed help — family, friends, or neighbors. He always had a project going, and with his sharp mind and steady hands, he could solve just about any problem.

Buck was an avid fisherman, and after retirement, he and Dot moved to Toledo Bend, where he spent countless days on the water, teaching his grandchildren to fish and passing along his love for the outdoors. Later, he returned to serve alongside the military once more, working at Fort Polk training soldiers — a role he found meaningful and rewarding. He retired a second time from Fort Polk at age 80, honored for his dedication.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, A.W. and Bertie Hoffpauir; his sisters, Janis Mann and Rosemary Whitmire; brothers-in-law, Merle Mann and James Whitmire; and his great-grandson, Isaac Harwell.

He is survived by wife; his daughter, Karen Halley Hoffpauir and husband, Bobby, of Beaumont, TX; and his son, Mesonie Terrence Halley, Jr., and wife, Jan, of Lake Charles. Buck also leaves behind his grandchildren: Brianne Dean and husband, Nathan; Zane Hoffpauir; Kendra Harwell and husband, Greg; Chris O’Quinn; Ben O’Quinn and wife, Beth; Jennifer O’Quinn; Jordan Halley and wife, Kelli; Victoria Halley; and Kaden Mott; along with 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Buck’s life was defined by service — to God, to his country, to his family, and to all who crossed his path. His legacy is one of love, strength, faith, patience, craftsmanship, and joy.

His presence will be deeply missed, but the imprint of his life remains in every person he taught, helped, encouraged, and loved.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel. The grandson-in-law, Nathan Dean, will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 11:00 AM.

The family would like to thank Grand Cove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Harbor Hospice and Dr. Jason Langhofer for the special care they provided to Buck. It was greatly appreciated.