SGT. FIRST CLASS JOHN A. SMITH JR.

May 15, 1922 - October 28, 2008

CENTERTOWN, Ky. - Funeral services were held for Sgt. First Class John A. Smith Jr., 86, of Centertown, Kentucky, at the Bevil Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, Saturday, November 1. Burial followed in the Centertown Cemetery, where military rites were performed by the 307th CRC from Central City, Kentucky.

A native of Lejunior, Kentucky, Mr. Smith died Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at Beaver Dam Health Care Manor in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. He was employed as a coal miner until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps October 6, 1942, and was discharged November 27, 1945. While in the Marine Corps, he served in World War II, actively participating in invasions of Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands in November 1942; Siapan, Mariannas Islands, June-July 1944; Guam, Mariannas, July-August 1944; and Iwo Jima Volcano Islands, February-March 1945. He also participated in the occupation of Kyushu, Japan September-October 1945.

After his discharge from the Marines, he returned to the coal mines while serving in the Army Reserves 100th Division. He was called to active duty in September 1961 to participate in the Berlin Crisis. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1962 and served three tours of duty in Vietnam. He also served in Indochina and Germany. He earned a total of 12 Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, a Gallantry Cross from South Vietnam and numerous service and combat medals and military service ribbons.

He retired in July 1978 as a sergeant at Fort Polk. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. He was commander of VFW Post 696 in Owensboro, Kentucky and was a Kentucky Colonel. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Pine Prairie and attended Centertown Baptist Church in Kentucky. He enjoyed family cookouts, gardening and traveling.

Survivors include three sons, Larry Smith and his wife, Jane, of Central City, Kentucky, Kenny Smith and his wife, Priscilla, of Centertown, Kentucky, and Johnny Smith and his wife, Gladys, of Morganfield, Kentucky; two daughters, Brenda Norman and her husband, Don, of Centertown, Kentucky, and Donna Coburn of Springfield, Illinois; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; friends and loved ones in Pine Prairie; and his loving dog, Sugar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maude Smith; two sisters, Dee Scott and Lucille Evans; three brothers, Harold Smith, Earl Smith and Leslie Smith; and Virgil L. Smith Jr.

Bevil Brothers Funeral Home of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, was in charge of arrangements.

FERNELLA FONTENOT JOHNSON

December 13, 1937 - November 12, 2008

Funeral services were held for Fernella Fontenot Johnson, 70, of Ville Platte, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ville Platte at 1:30 p.m., Friday, November 14. Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Mausoleum.

Ms. Johnson died Wednesday, November 12, 2008, at Ville Platte Medical Center.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph “Vernal” Johnson of Ville Platte; two sons, Bernard Manuel Jr. and Daniel Delta Manuel, both of Ville Platte; one step-son, Ricky Johnson of Ville Platte; two daughters, Melissa M. Deshotels and Pamela Gail Manuel, both of Ville Platte; two step-daughters, Pat Enicke and Beth Veillon, both of Ville Platte; one brother, John Darwin Fontenot of Ville Platte; 26 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bernard Manuel Sr.; her parents, Delta and Anna Belle Tate Fontenot; and two step-sons, Glenn and Ted Johnson.

Father Joshua Guillory officiated.

Condolences may be sent to www.lavillefuneralhome.net.

LaVille Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements.

PRISCILLA MENIER

December 16, 1926 - November 11, 2008

MAMOU - Funeral services were held for Priscilla Menier, 81, of Mamou, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Mamou at 2 p.m., Thursday, November 13. Burial followed in the New St. Ann’s Cemetery.

A homemaker, Ms. Menier died at 6 p.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at Savoy Medical Center in Mamou.

Survivors include one son, Jimmy Menier and his companion, Marie Comeaux, of Mamou; one daughter, Gloria G. Orr and her husband, Jerry, of Mamou; two brothers, Clarence Landreneau of Houma and Lester Landreneau of Mamou; three sisters, Eva Martel and Ethel Fontenot, both of Mamou, and Mary Landreneau of Opelousas; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Menier.

Father Bryce Sibley officiated.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Mamou was in charge of arrangements.