Paul ‘Howard’ Latiolais

Posted January 26th, 2010

Breaux Bridge – Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at St. Bernard Catholic Church for Paul “Howard” Latiolais, 79, who passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette.
Entombment followed at St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2.
Bill Brasseaux, a long time friend and fellow motorcyclist, provided a motorcycle escort to the church and cemetery in honor of Howard Latiolais.
The readers will be his granddaughters, Tennille Melancon, Keisha LaFleur and Britney LeJeune. Gift bearers will be his great-grandchildren.
Howard was a member of Woodmen of the World, Hugh M. Daspit Masonic Lodge # 301 in St. Martinville, Breaux Bridge Masonic Lodge 476, Evangeline Shrine Club and the Rethread Motorcycle Club.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, going to the casino, tending to his cattle and growing hay while producing vegetables in his garden. He was a beekeeper for many years, he providing the best honey for those who had a love for the sweetness. He was a reserve deputy with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office and escorted funerals. He was known to all who knew and loved him for his gentle spirit, kind smile, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He and his wife, Louise of 59 years toured the U.S. and Canada on their motorcycle.
Howard worked as a mariner for 45 years then retired as a tugboat captain from Kirby Inland Marine.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Taylor Latiolais of Breaux Bridge; his son, Terry Latiolais (Debbie) of Arnaudville; his daughters, Mary Ann LeBlanc (Charlie) and Elaine LeJeune (Jeff) of Breaux Bridge; his brothers, Benoit Latiolais (Hazel) of Breaux Bridge, Meance Latiolais, Gerald Latiolais (Margie) and Raymond Latiolais (Virginia) of Breaux Bridge; his sister-in-law Ethel Latiolais; his grandchildren, Terry Matthew Latiolais (Tenneal), Tennille Melancon (Brock), Keisha LaFleur (Adam), Lucas LeJeune and Britney LeJeune; his great-grandchildren, Spencer Latiolais, Seth Latiolais, Nole Melancon, Gia Bella Melancon, Kallie LaFleur and Ella Grace LaFleur; and his step great-grandchildren, Kabe Barron and Ryan Gautreaux.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Florent and Bella Thibodeaux Latiolais; his brother, Levy Latiolais; his sister-in-laws, Genevieve Latiolais and Shirley Taylor Cormier; and his nephew, Jimmy Latiolais.
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Friday.
Pallbearers were Terry Matthew Latiolais, Lucas LeJeune, Troy Jude Latiolais, Adam LaFleur, Brian Taylor and Brock Melancon.
Honorary pallbearers were Spencer Latiolais, Seth Latiolais and his fellow Masons.
The Family wishes to thank Dr. John Khorsandi, Dr. Deborah Johnson, St. Martin Hospital staff and the LGMC ICU staff for their compassion, support and excellent care.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge was in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.