Ulrice E. Hackett Jr.

Ulrice Everett "Sonny" Hackett, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, shed his suffering, left this world and joined his Lord on February 7, 2026. He passed peacefully with his devoted wife, Betty, at his side. He will be missed; he will never be forgotten; and he will always be loved.

Sonny was born August 18, 1934, the only child of Ulrice E. Hackett and Flora Stewart Hackett, both of whom predeceased him. But he would not be alone in this world. He married his sweetheart, Betty Joan Jones, who survives him. They enjoyed more than 68 years of blissful marriage. He was her rock, and she his salvation. Their commitment to one another was unwavering until the end.

Sonny and Betty were blessed with five children, all of whom live on to continue his legacy: Bryan (Alicia) Hackett of Flower Mound, Texas; Becky (Steve) Fortenberry of McKinney, Texas; Cheri Crain of Madisonville, Louisiana; Amy Rawleigh of Windermere, Florida; and Patti (Thomas) LeBlanc of Lake Charles, Louisiana. These children gifted him twelve grandchildren, who have so far produced ten great-grandchildren, with one on the way and hopes for many more to follow.

His company in this life, however, was not just his family. Sonny enjoyed countless friendships. Most of those friends shared his passion for hunting and fishing. Indeed, Sonny often hunted with friends, but on those hunts always managed to make new ones. His passion for the outdoors was both on the land and in the water. Most all his life he fished the waters of Southwest Louisiana and the Gulf of America. Indeed, his one true indulgence in life was his offshore fishing boat. He was rarely happier and fuller of life than when he was at the helm surrounded by family and friends. He shared his love for the outdoors and respect for nature with his son and, eventually, many of his grandsons-a gift they all still enjoy.

Sonny led a full life. He grew up in Cameron Parish and, eventually, attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. At LSU he served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and after college served in the United States Army earning the rank of Second Lieutenant before being honorably discharged. He and Betty then returned to Lake Charles, where they would plant their roots, grow their family, and build his career as an architect. He retired after decades of successful architectural practice, proudly having "signed his own paycheck" most of his professional life. He and Betty traveled extensively, experiencing most everything the United States has to offer, and venturing throughout North America, across much of Europe, and even into North Africa on one occasion. Indeed, in his later years Sonny often said if he never did another thing in his life, he would be satisfied he had done all he wanted.

He is gone from our lives now, and our hearts are saddened. But our sadness should be brief-not because we do not care, rather precisely because we do. He taught us many lessons, left us with countless pearls of wisdom, and brought us joy in ways only he could. Sonny would not want sadness or grief for those who remain. Instead, in honor of him, we should find joy and happiness

in the hope and belief that he is with his Lord and Savior, relieved and redeemed. To our Sonny, Daddy and PawPaw-go forth good and faithful servant, your work here is done, rest in peace. We love you!

A funeral for Sonny will take place on Monday February 16, 2026 at 11am with visitation starting at 1oam before the service. A Private family graveside will take place following the service.