Our Excellent Staff

Born and raised in Lake Charles, Zeb Johnson is the founder and owner of Johnson Funeral Home. He is a graduate of McNeese State University and has been a licensed embalmer and funeral director since 1969. He is happily married to the former Mary Beth Smith of Lake Arthur and has two adult children and three grandchildren.

Andy has been a part of the JFH team for 16 years. As CEO, he leads a dedicated staff of 60+ professionals, overseeing everything from training to strategy, fostering a culture of compassion and professionalism. Andy finds his greatest fulfillment in supporting grieving families and making a positive impact during their difficult times. Southwest Louisiana’s traditional values of hard work and family resonate with Andy, and he’s proud to be part of a community that maintains a “can do” attitude even through challenges like hurricanes and the pandemic. Andy’s skill set includes effective multitasking and ensuring smooth operations. However, he attributes the success of Johnson Funeral Home to the collective strengths of the team, who work together to exceed client expectations. Andy’s personal life is closely intertwined with the Johnson Funeral Home family, including his wife Wendy, son Graham, and father-in-law Zeb Johnson. This family atmosphere extends to employees, many of whom share deep connections. In his free time, Andy enjoys hobbies like flying planes, golfing, fishing, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.

Graham Hankins joined the Johnson Funeral Home team in 2019, taking on the role of Chief Financial Officer. His deep commitment to the community he serves is at the core of his dedication to his job. The Southwest Louisiana community holds a special place in Graham’s heart. He values the spirit of neighbors helping each other and the strong presence of faith in the area. Graham’s unique skill set includes being a Licensed Funeral Director and holding a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management from Clemson University. This diverse background equips him with the expertise needed to meet and exceed the needs of families. In his personal life, Graham is happily married to his wife Lauren for five years and is a proud father to their beautiful daughter, Lilly. He’s an avid golfer and enjoys traveling with his family, balancing his professional and personal passions with grace.

Lonnelle Aquillard joined Johnson Funeral Home in 2003 as a Manager and Funeral Director. Her career is defined by a deep commitment to building trust, understanding the unique qualities of those in her care, and honoring their legacies. She uses these qualities to create meaningful farewells that provide solace to families and friends. Lonnelle finds inspiration in the unity, kindness, and unwavering support of Southwest Louisiana’s community. She brings over two decades of experience to her role, including service as a member of the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors appointed by the Governor. Her personal journey, marked by the loss of loved ones, enhances her empathy as a Funeral Director. In her personal life, she cherishes her family, including her mother and her furry companion, Kirbe’. Lonnelle enjoys quality time with her neighbors, shares special moments with dear friends who are like family, and supports local sports teams. She also enjoys listening to her favorite music from the ’70s and ’80s.

Bill Stevens, who has been a valued Funeral Director & Embalmer at Johnson Funeral Home since 2006, finds immense gratification in his role as a part of a dedicated team delivering top-notch, personalized services to their cherished families. Bill’s distinctive skill set encompasses attentive listening, discerning both expressed and unexpressed family needs. Supported by a BA in Management & Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University and an Associate of Arts in Mortuary Arts, along with 31 years of professional licensure and 35 years in the funeral industry, he is superbly positioned to surpass all expectations. In his personal life, Bill’s interests include an enduring collection of Mason Jars spanning four decades. He enjoys a blissful marriage to Melanie Anne Broussard and takes pride in being a devoted parent to his children: Jane Elisabeth Schwartz, Nicholas Keith Hammond, and Aubrie Claire Stevens. Bill’s life journey began in Tennessee Ridge, TN, and later led him to Lake Charles following his deployment with D MORT in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita.

Jeff Merrell joined the Johnson Funeral Home team in 2021, assuming the role of an Advanced Funeral Planner, dedicated to helping individuals and families shape their final wishes. While Jeff has only recently become a part of this community, he’s deeply touched by the tales of resilience and bravery exhibited by its residents, especially in the face of adversity. He has become acquainted with the closely-knit bonds and values rooted in family and faith that are the heart of this community. Jeff actively engages with numerous community organizations, cherishing the chance to reciprocate the generosity he has received. Drawing from over five years of experience in the funeral industry, Jeff possesses a unique skill in assisting families during their most challenging periods and guiding them in preparing for the future. In his personal life, Jeff is the proud father of three grown children, each living in different corners of the United States. He relishes his role as a grandfather to his two incredible grandsons. During his leisure hours, Jeff indulges in the pleasures of golf, the thrill of concerts, and the freedom of riding his motorcycle.

Since 2015, Stephen Pousson has played a vital role at Johnson Funeral Home as a Location Manager at Moss Bluff and Funeral Director. Stephen’s greatest fulfillment comes from offering support to families when they need it most and ensuring that their loved ones are honored in a meaningful way. Stephen and his family are active members in the faith-based community in Southwest Louisiana. They attend the First Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles, and their children participate in upward sports through Trinity Baptist Church. With experience as a church minister and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations, Stephen excels in effectively communicating with families and the community. In his personal life, Stephen is a proud husband and father to five children. They are actively supporting local businesses, schools, and their beloved Sam Houston Broncos in Moss Bluff. Stephen and his family wholeheartedly embrace the warmth of this community they call home.

Rachel Rogers has been a dedicated member of the Johnson Funeral Home team since 2001, serving as a Funeral Director for over two decades. Her deep commitment to her role is rooted in her passion for assisting grieving families and guiding them to create memorable services for their loved ones. Rachel finds immense satisfaction in being a source of support during difficult times. Her mission is to ensure that every family she serves receives the care and guidance they need to honor their loved ones in a meaningful way. Living and working in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Rachel has witnessed the community’s remarkable resilience. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, the community always comes together, demonstrating its strength and spirit. Rachel’s unique strength lies in her extensive experience and education in the field. She earned her degree in Mortuary Science from Commonwealth in Houston immediately after high school. With over 23 years of experience in the funeral industry, Rachel’s expertise and dedication shine through in her work. In her personal life, Rachel is a loving wife and mother to two daughters. She resides in Moss Bluff, Louisiana, and enjoys attending concerts and passionately following sports, particularly the Astros, LSU, and the Saints. Rachel also greatly enjoys contributing her time to her daughters’ school through volunteering.

Steve Schindler joined the Johnson Funeral Home team in 2018 as a Funeral Director. His dedication to his role stems from his heartfelt desire to provide invaluable assistance to grieving families during the challenging process of saying goodbye to their loved ones. Lake Charles, Louisiana, holds a special place in Steve’s heart as his home, where he has cultivated numerous friendships over the years. He is an active member of the community and a devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church. Steve’s unique strength lies in his diverse work experiences, which have exposed him to various skills and introduced him to countless wonderful individuals. This broad background enables him to meet the diverse needs of the families he serves. In his personal life, Steve and his wife, Jodie, have been married for over 32 years. They have raised three cherished daughters and are now proud grandparents to four precious grandchildren, who affectionately call him “Bub.” When not working or spending quality time with his grandchildren, Steve can often be found on the golf course or enjoying it on TV. He has a passion for playing the guitar, savoring music from various genres, and avidly following LSU sports. Steve also has a keen interest in photography. His all-time favorite meal is pot-roasted duck with rice and gravy, accompanied by corn and lima beans.

Juanita Cox became an esteemed member of the Johnson Funeral Home team in 2020, serving as a compassionate Funeral Director and skilled Embalmer. Her dedication to her role is deeply rooted in the honor of being a public servant, guiding families through their moments of loss, and helping them celebrate the lives of their loved ones. For Juanita, her role as an embalmer is especially fulfilling, as it allows her to restore a sense of dignity and peace to individuals impacted by illness or trauma. Residing in Lake Charles since 2004, Juanita relishes the community’s spirit, which has a small-town camaraderie. This sense of community is her foundation, and she values her involvement in Lake Charles Pitbull Rescue. With six years as a 911 telecommunicator, training in emergency communication and crisis response, a graduation from Commonwealth in 2018, and experience in the funeral industry since 2017, she brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her role. In her personal life, Juanita is a proud mother to her son. She enjoys volunteering, attending concerts, and immersing herself in outdoor activities. Her commitment to serving the community is not only a professional endeavor but a personal one that she holds dear.

Matt Thompson joined the Johnson Funeral Home team in 2021 as a Funeral Director, driven by a strong sense of calling to serve his community with compassion and empathy during some of their most challenging moments. Coming from a background as the son of a Methodist preacher, Matt believes that being a funeral director is not just a job but a calling to provide heartfelt care. He recognizes the importance of offering genuine empathy and support to families during what can be the hardest times in their lives. Immersing himself in the Cajun culture of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Matt has found a strong connection to the community he serves. This sense of community extends beyond his professional role, reflecting his upbringing and values. Matt’s unique abilities include a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, which enhances his communication skills, and an inherent talent for quickly understanding and addressing people’s needs. In his personal life, Matt enjoys golfing and spending time outdoors. He finds immense joy in being a grandfather to six wonderful grandchildren, a role that adds depth and meaning to his life outside of the funeral home.

Born in Houston, Texas and a 1984 graduate of Sulphur High School. Mark attended McNeese State University and Louisiana Tech University. He has been a licensed funeral director and crematory operator since 2002. He is married to the former Marion Mills, and is the father of two sons Patrick and Austin Bordelon. He enjoys serving the people of Southwest Louisiana in their time of need.

James Welch has been an essential part of Johnson Funeral Home since 2015, currently serving as a Funeral Director. His role allows him to compassionately guide families through challenging times, and he takes pride in the collaborative effort of his workplace to ensure every family receives the utmost care and service Appreciating the familial atmosphere of his community, James is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff. He values the strong bonds and mutual support that characterize the Lake Charles area. James brings a variety of unique skills to his role, including being a Cremation Operator since 2016. His educational background consists of a B.S. in Mass Communication and a Minor in Communication Studies from McNeese, where he graduated in 2019. In his personal life, James married the love of his life, Heidi Welch, in 2022. He enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, wildlife hunting, and actively participating in church activities.

Canon Cart has joined the Johnson Funeral Home team, as an Advance Funeral Planner. He is deeply rooted in Southwest Louisiana, having lived in Lake Charles his entire life. He graduated from Alfred M. Barbe High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from McNeese State University. He also earned an Associate Nursing Degree from SOWELA Community College. Canon and his wife Bailey have one son, Beckham. Canon thoroughly enjoys the outdoors, from working in his yard, playing pickleball or spending time at the park with family. His life is centered around spending time with the people he loves.

Hannah Fruge, has been a Funeral Director Intern at Johnson Funeral Home since 2020. Her strong connection to the community is evident through her involvement in Woodlawn Baptist Church. Hannah takes pride in witnessing her community rally together to support grieving families by offering food and comfort during their difficult times. Hannah’s unique skill set, including a degree in Accounting Technology from Sowela, enhances her ability to address families needs with precision and attention to detail. In her personal life, Hannah enjoys the company of her two dogs and a flock of ducks. She has a passion for reading books and savoring a good bowl of Gumbo.