Ronald Joseph Arceneaux

Ronald J. “Ronnie” Arceneaux, 82, of Lake Charles, passed away on August 22, 2025. Born December 2, 1942, in Rayne, Louisiana, Ronnie was the youngest child of Joseph and Enola Hebert Arceneaux.

Ronnie’s early years in Crowley were filled with adventure, mischief, and laughter. He often recalled walking to South Crowley Elementary School, though sometimes choosing the park over the classroom until he was “caught by the Bread Man.” His family later moved to Opelousas, where, at just 17 years old, he answered the call to serve his country.

In 1959, Ronnie enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His service carried him across the world, San Diego, Hawaii, Okinawa, China, and Australia, before he finished his tour aboard the USS Missouri in Bremerton, Washington. Those years left him with countless stories he loved to share, always with a twinkle in his eye.

After returning home to Louisiana, fate introduced him to the love of his life, Zona Broussard. A friend first brought them together, and soon after, a terrible car accident left Ronnie hospitalized. Zona visited him faithfully during his recovery, and from that moment on, they never left each other’s side. Married for 61 years, theirs was a bond of devotion, humor, and enduring love. They were opposites that balanced each other perfectly. Ronnie thrived outdoors, especially when fishing, while Zona preferred the comforts of home. Yet together, they built a life that was rich, full, and deeply connected.

Ronnie was the heart of every gathering. Cheerful and happy, with a gift for storytelling, he never met a stranger. To know him was to be welcomed, entertained, and uplifted. His legacy is one of laughter, kindness, and a life lived with joy.

Those left to treasure his memory are his beloved wife, Zona; his sister, Carolyn Theriot and husband Wayne; his nieces and nephews Corey Theriot (Monica), Art Mason (Amanda), Lann Caldwell, Troy Caldwell (Vickie), Johnna Stutes (Darrell), Trey Young, Drake Young, Brody Young, and Lacy Theriot; his great-niece Tinley Theriot; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

He was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, Joseph and Enola; his brothers, Charles (Joann) and Douglas (Betty); and his in-laws, Virgil and Virginia Broussard.

Ronnie’s funeral will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel, 4321 Lake St., with Msgr. Harry Greig presiding. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 12:00 Noon until the start of the service, with a rosary being recited at 1:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Corey Theriot, John Bult, Ryan Hardin, Trey Young, Drake Young, and Brody Young.