Local Obituaries

Sep 12, 2023

Thomas Jerome Ruehlen, known to his family and friends as "Jerry," died Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in the comfort of his home in Lake Charles. Jerry was born in McPherson, Kansas on May 7, 1937 to Cecil Thomas and Alice Caroline (Duncan) Ruehlen, who preceded him in death. He was married to the love of his life and survived by...

Sep 12, 2023

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Sep 11, 2023

Ernest "Punkin" Taber, 84, departed this earthly life on Monday, September 11, 2023.

Family left to cherish his memory are daughter Anne Taber Klenke and husband Mike, son Ernest H. Taber, Jr. and wife Sheila; grandchildren Bryce Perkins, Lakyn Taber and great-grandson Ryker Benoit, Bayli Johnson, and great-grandson Phoenix Johnson, and “the twins” Emma and Sam Klenke. And, family of...

Sep 11, 2023

Gary John Gray

November 30,1942- September 11,2023

Gary John Gray, 80, of Sulphur, passed from this life into the loving arms of God, Monday, September 11,2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

Gary is survived by his wife of 24 years, Maureen R. Lannan, 3 stepchildren, Brooklyn Schlamp and spouse Connor DeFanti, Lexi Schlamp and partner Alasdair Botting, Griffin Schlamp and...

Sep 11, 2023

Thelma Arlettie Runyon was “Promoted to Glory” surrounded by family in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the age of 95.  She was born in Watonga, Oklahoma on March 30, 1928.  Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Runyon, Sr.; her parents, Jewel and Nora James; and her brother, Jerry James.

Thelma accepted Christ...

Sep 11, 2023

Debra Lognion LaFleur 68, of Sulphur, LA died on Monday, September 11, 2023, in a local hospital.

Ms. LaFleur was born December 1, 1954 in Lake Charles, La. Ms. LaFleur worked in banking for over 40 years. Affectionately known by her grandchildren as “Rah Rah”, she devoted her life and her love to her grandchildren and was sure to “always”...

Sep 10, 2023

Jeffery Page Manuel, 47, of Lake Charles, passed away on September 10, 2023 in Jennings, LA.

Jeff was born in Houston, Texas and a life-long resident of Lake Charles. He graduated from LaGrange High School in 1994 and McNeese State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He started his career at Popeyes in Lake Charles, having worked his way...

Sep 10, 2023

Betty Jo Sonnier, 71, passed away in a local hospital on Sunday, September 10, 2023 with her loving family by her side.

She was born on February 4, 1952 in Lake Arthur, LA to Wallace and Delsi Benoit Suire.

Betty Jo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a dedicated member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven...

Sep 9, 2023

Margaret Elaine Ellison was born on May 18, 1933 to Jasper and Una Broussard Louviere and passed to be with our Lord and Savior on September 9, 2023.

She leaves behind her six children, Gene Thomas, Sharon Elaine, Arlene Marie, Randall Paul, Gerald Albert, John Edward, and their spouses; godchild, Cheryl Louviere Squire; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, as well as...

Sep 9, 2023

Dorris Marrie West, 76, of Sulphur, passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus Saturday September 9, 2023, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Dorris loved to crochet, sew, knit, paint, really anything crafty. She loved to travel and get trinkets, what-nots, and collectibles. Dorris loved her family, she loved being around her family at reunions, holiday...

Sep 9, 2023

Lillian Ruth Moore, 61, of Westlake, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 9, 2023 in Lake Charles at a local hospice facility.  Lillian was born in Abeline, TX on November 11, 1961. A longtime resident of the Southwest Louisiana area, Lillian worked as a transporter with a local railroad company.

Lillian loved spending time with her family and friends.  She...

Sep 9, 2023

Sep 9, 2023

Robert “Bobby” Ray Montie, 84, of Welsh passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital, surrounded by his wife, sons, and family. 

Bobby was born in Grand Lake on August 14, 1939, to Wilson and Recia Vincent Montie.  After his mother’s death when he was only thirteen, Horace and Wayne Montie played a significant role in...

Sep 9, 2023

It is with a heavy heart that the McPherson family announces that Scott McPherson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on September 9, 2023, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music, and camaraderie that will forever warm the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Born...

Sep 8, 2023

Kevin Lee Vinson, 61, of Houston passed away suddenly on Friday, September 8, 2023 in his residence.

Kevin was born on February 16, 1962 in Thibodeaux, LA.  In his earlier years he lived in Louisiana, where he was a graduate of South Cameron High School, before adventuring to many different states until he settled in Houston, TX the remainder of...

Sep 7, 2023

Elaine Addison Deshotel died September 7, 2023, at Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles. She was a lifetime resident of Lake Charles, where she was born July 16, 1942, to Evan and Elda (Mere) Addison.

Elaine graduated from LaGrange High School, class of 1960. Following graduation, she raised her family while earning a degree in accounting. Elaine retired from her long-time...

Sep 6, 2023

James “J.R.” Ray Brown, born in Cashpoint, Louisiana on January 14, 1928, son of the late Joseph Johnson Brown and Nora Lee Kelly Brown, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the age of 95. J.R. served honorably in the United States Navy from 1944 until 1954 and was an Admiral Orderly. He received...

Sep 4, 2023

Howard Clinton Zimmerman, Jr., 71, of Lake Charles passed away Monday, September 4, 2023 in Carencro, LA.   

Mr. Zimmerman was born, raised and educated in Alexandria, VA and was a graduate of Thomas A. Edison High School.  Following graduation, he served the United States Army, including two tours in Vietnam, stationed in Korea.  He later graduated with a bachelor’s...

Sep 4, 2023

Russell Scott Hagar, 63, passed away on September 4, 2023.  Russell was born December 8, 1959, and grew up in Sulphur, La. and Ragley, La.  He attended school in Sulphur until joining the United States Marine Corps in 1977 at the age of 17.  He spent most of his tour in California and Okinawa, Japan.  He was very proud to...

Sep 3, 2023

Dwayne Anthony Melancon, 62, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023 in a local hospice facility. He was born on March 24, 1961, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Carroll and Rachel Himel Melancon.

Dwayne had a giving spirt and never hesitated to reach out to those in need. Dwayne never met a stranger. He loved his family and loved spending...