Wilber Abshire

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wilber "Will" "Ducky" Abshire, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend, who left us on December 27, 2025 at the age of 78

Wilber Abshire, 78 died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in a local nursing rehab facility.

He was born on November 15, 1947, in Hayes, Calcasieu Parish. He lived most of his life in Calcasieu Parish.

He served in the U.S. Army with two tours in Vietnam as war correspondent where he was awarded the bronze star medal in addition to other commendations. This is where his love of photography and journalism started. Will worked with many people and different professions throughout his life. He eventually retired from the Calcasieu Parish Sherriff's office. He loved politics, old cars, French music, playing card games, riding anywhere and telling stories of the past.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Joe Ann Hoffpauir Abshire of Hayes; one daughter, Dominique Marie O'Blanc; three brothers, Lawrence "Lary" Abshire of Slidell, LA, Norman Abshire and wife Debbie of Vidor, Tx, and Francis "Sneak" Abshire and wife Lavonda of Sulphur, LA; one granddaughter, Laney Marie O'Blanc of Lake Charles who was his pride and joy, and numerous sister in laws, brother in laws, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, many extended family and friend that will cherish their memories. He is preceded in death by his parents Columbus Jay Abshire and Alda Manuel Abshire, one brother, Winfred "Ray" Abshire: two sisters, Bernice "Tuddy" Soileau, and Ramona Hoffpauir and great grandson Adam Joseph O'Blanc.

Will's legacy of advice whether you wanted it or not will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit of giving will continue to shine through the love he shared with his family and friends.

In this time of mourning, Will requested that this be a joyous occasion because "he is off to the best trip of his life" and that donations be given to the poor and needy in the community.Funeral services will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home of Iowa at 1 PM, burial will follow in Hayes Cemetery. Visitation will begin in the funeral home on Thursday, January 1, 2026 from 5 PM until 8 PM, visitation will resume on Friday from 9 AM until the time of service.Pallbearers assisting with Wilber's funeral are, Dennis Bellard, Judge Robert Wyatt, Ray Crochet, Joe Castille, Doyle Hoffpauir, Allen Foreman, Phillip Zaunbrecher; Honorary Pallbearers: Vietnam Buddies, Lyman Jefferies, Tom Wong, Richard Williams, Tom Sanchez.