St. Martinville – Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2009, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church for Aurelien “Johnny” Dauphine Jr., 63, who passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Lafayette General Medical Center.

Interment followed at St. Michael Cemetery.

Msgr. J. Douglas Courville officiated at the funeral Mass. Scriptures were read by Dale “Cookie” Dauphine. Gift bearers were Hunter and Braden Dauphine.

Johnny was a veteran of the Vietnam War having honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. in St. Martinville. Johnny was known for being “The Best” Gradall operator around. He enjoyed fishing, shooting pool and spending time with his favorite pets, “Rocco” and “Bear,” but the times that he treasured most, were those spent with his family, friends, and his companion, Kristine Lasseigne.

Survivors include one son, Eric John Dauphine of St. Martinville; two daughters, Brook Elizabeth Dauphine of St. Martinville and Deena Byrd of Houston, Texas; two sisters, Nelda Dauphine and Gayle Dauphine, both of St. Martinville; and four grandchildren, Hunter Matthew Dauphine, Braden Jude Dauphine, Dustin John Boudreaux and Blake Marie Byrd; and his companion, Kristine Lassiegne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aurelien Dauphine Sr. and Theresa Champagne Dauphine; a brother, Glenn Anthony Guidry; and a nephew, Jamie Jude Dauphine.

A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Pallbearers were Allen Champagne, Roy Guidry, Teddy Babin, Red Miller, Morris “Yogi” Dauphine and Kary Tatum.

Honorary pallbearers were Paul Dauphine Jr., Roy Dauphine and Kenny Dauphine.

Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville was in charge of arrangements.

To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.