Phil Menard

Cajun French Music Legend, Phelozie “Phil” Menard, 93, of Lake Charles died Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in the comfort of his home.

Mr. Menard was born in the Couleé Croche section of St. Landry Parish, now Cankton, LA. He was raised in Pine Island, Lacassine, and Welsh working land and share cropping his father’s land. During WWII, he was not accepted due to a farming injury to his knee, but moved to Orange, TX to learn the welding trade for work on destroyers in the shipyard. He then made Lake Charles home for him and his wife, opening an ESSO Service Station that he later made a car sales lot. Mr. Menard was a successful businessman and musician. He learned to play the accordion from his father-in-law, while courting his wife, and with countless dances and the support of his #1 fan, his “Georgie” and the boys in the band. In 1989 he was chosen Traditional Cajun Artist of the last decade and in 1990 was inducted into the Cajun French Music Hall of Fame. In 1953 he formed the Louisiana Travelers and in 1972 changed the group’s name to Phil Menard and his Louisiana Travelers. His two favorite songs and biggest hits were, “La Sha Chere” and “The Heritage Waltz”. Mr. Menard, together with his wife, was a founding member of the Cajun French Music Association and directly involved, serving in any capacity needed, most currently, the Hall of Fame committee. During his latest years, Mr. Menard still found great joy in playing music with his band for the residents of nursing homes. He said, “it was more satisfying than money, to see them remember the music and want to get out of their chairs and dance.” During his younger years, he was a member and Past President of the Optimist Club. He enjoyed coaching baseball for Lake Charles Little League, Sheriff’s Office and Optimist Club. At the age of 60 he discovered he was a talented golfer and continued playing for 30 years. He also enjoyed friendly games of Bingo, Dominos and visits to the casino slots. Mr. Menard was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church.

He leaves to honor his memory, three sons, Herman Menard and wife Glenda of Lake Charles, Dale Menard and wife Cindy of Sulphur and Byron Menard and partner Joe Perez, Jr. of Houston, TX; two daughters, Patricia Gorman and husband Charles of Lake Charles and Julie Trahan and husband Greg of Deridder; seven grandchildren, Chuck Gorman and wife Jennifer, Todd Gorman and wife Tiffany, Michael Menard and wife Jolene, Jason Menard and wife Dee, Mandi Boyette and husband Michael, Brandi Ray and husband Hunter, Taylor Trahan and Dillion Hunt and wife Evie; fourteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one brother, Delton Menard of Sulphur and two sisters, Dean Trahan and Denry of Lafayette and Sherilyn Cormier and husband Sidney of Ragley.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Georgie Leger Menard; parents, Beliziar and Deniage Dugas Menard; three brothers, Cedrick Menard, Marshall Menard and Goldman James and two sisters, Doris LeBlanc and Meryle Forestier.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 29, 2016 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate. Interment will follow in Prien Memorial Park. Visitation Friday will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation Saturday will be from 8:00 AM until the time of service in the funeral home.

The family of Mr. Menard would like to offer heartfelt gratitude to Doctors: Mark Sammi, Phil Gaharan, Ben Thompson and Butch Fredericks; the nurses and staff of Harbor Hospice and special friend, Lea Chaumont for their excellence in care.

Memorial donations may be made to Boy’s Village Foundation, www.boysvillage.org, 7378 Highway 90 East, Lake Charles, LA 70615 or CFMA, Lake Charles Chapter, www.cfmalakecharles.com, 3481 East Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70615.