St. Martinville – Funeral services were conducted for Shirley Joseph Broussard, 80, at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Evangeline Funeral Home with Fr. Rusty P. Richard officiating. Interment was held at St. Michael’s Cemetery with military honors by the St. Martin Honor Guard.

Visitation was held on Friday, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. The funeral home reopened on Saturday until service time.

Mr. Broussard was a member of the Army National Guard, who served his country honorably during the Vietnam Era, and was honorably discharged after 27 years of service. He was a Lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America; Hill 141 and a dedicated member of the American Legion, Post 0387, which he was so proud of.

Shirley could be heard, and recognized, blocks away by his contagious laughter from sun up to sun down. He enjoyed spending time in his “Jam Room” playing his guitar and harmonica, singing and recording music.

A native and resident of St. Martinville, Mr. Broussard passed away at 5:40 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at St. Martinville Nursing Center.

He is survived by his sons, Shirley “Bernie” Broussard, and wife Belinda, of Catahoula, and Toby Broussard, and wife Lisa, of Milton; daughters, Michele LeBlanc, and husband Benny, of Cypress Island, Rachele Broussard, Celia Dexter, and Shelia Champagne, and husband Leonard, all of Parks; grandchildren, Shirley “B. J.” Broussard, Quintin Broussard, Telecia Broussard, Mason Broussard, and Griffin Broussard, Kala Zaunbrecher, Chelsea Poirier, Bailey Ledet, Cortnee Champagne, Anissa Champagne, Colt Champagne, and Kara Broussard; and brothers, J. C. Broussard, and wife Alice, of New Iberia, and Carol Broussard, and wife Deanna, of Cade.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Celia Lasseigne Broussard; parents, Casimere and Edna Broussard; brothers, Bobby and Elridge Broussard; sister, Jeanette Guidry; and son-in-law, Michael Zaunbrecher.

Pallbearers were Shirley “B. J.” Broussard, Quintin Broussard, Mason Broussard, Griffin Broussard, Colt Champagne, and Clayton Latiolais.

Honorary pallbearers were Benny LeBlanc and Leonard Champagne.

To view on-line obituary, video tribute and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.

Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.

(Pd.Adv.)