Carroll Edmund Pellerin
November 6, 1937
August 30, 2023
Carroll Edmund Pellerin, born on November 6, 1937, in the heart of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, was a remarkable man whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and extraordinary accomplishments. Carroll was one of nine beloved children born to Abel and Laura Castille Pellerin.
Carroll’s journey began in the tight-knit community of Breaux Bridge, where he quickly became a popular teenager known for his hard work, athleticism, and vibrant spirit. He excelled in all sports but had a particular love for football and basketball. His senior year was marked by a crowning achievement when he was named the King of Carnival, a testament to his charismatic personality and widespread popularity.
After graduating from Breaux Bridge High School in May 1956, Carroll embarked on a journey of service and adventure. During high school, he enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard and continued his commitment to serve by enlisting in the United States Air Force in August 1956. He joined the Air Force with dreams of seeing the world and proudly serving his country. He was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he applied his talents as an automotive mechanic.
On December 31, 1960, Carroll married his first wife, Leah, accepting her children, Lynda, Steve and Jill as his own and welcoming two children with Leah, Carole and Jay. His dedication to family was unwavering, with his kind and nurturing spirit.
In 1963, Carroll was honorably discharged from the Air Force, but his dedication to service did not change. He continued to work at the airbase, contributing to the Minute Man Missile Program with Boeing. His career with Boeing took him on a journey across the United States, when in 1966, he settled in Seattle, Washington, where he pursued a career in supply chain and aircraft construction.
Carroll’s career with Boeing took him to Wyoming, South Dakota, California, Montana and Oregon, where he retired in December 2001. He remained active in the community as a Union Representative at Boeing and a proud member of the Shriners Algeria organization until his passing.
In December 1980, Carroll married his second wife, Bonnie, gaining two loving stepdaughters: Pamela and Jennifer. He cared for Bonnie, with love and grace, through her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, proof of his enduring commitment to his family.
After the passing of his beloved Bonnie, he moved from Oregon to Mesa, Arizona where he lived out the rest of his years near several children and grandchildren. Spending time between Arizona, South Dakota and Louisiana being surrounded by family and friends brought him great joy in his retirement years.
Throughout his travels, Carroll remained deeply connected to his Louisiana roots, visiting home whenever possible and leaving a lasting impression on his nieces and nephews, who eagerly awaited his stories and adventures. He became known as the “Cajun Prince” everywhere he lived outside of Louisiana, celebrated for his athleticism, dance moves, charm, and generosity.
Carroll is survived by his brother, Jerry Pellerin (Janel); first wife, Leah Pellerin; his children Lynda Neumiller-Simon, Stephen Noecker (Dee), Jill Chambers (Tom), Carole Valdez (Dan), and Jay Pellerin; stepdaughters, Pamela Newman (Victor) and Jennifer Lichens; grandchildren, Stephanie Neumiller Moninger, Rebecca Neumiller Fenske (Dave), Lili Chambers, Daniel Valdez, Viva Valdez Crouse (Chase), Ian Pellerin, Benjamin Pellerin, Cory McDonald (Allysa), Kari Klein Berens (Chad), and Sarah Dyal (Saul); great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Nyal, Owen, Genevieve, Giavanni, Carlina, Elijah, Stella, Emma, Rowen, Soren and Seth, as well as several children he considered part of his family and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services to celebrate the life of Carroll Edmund Pellerin will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1551 E. Dana Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204 on September 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. Interment of his ashes will take place at St. Bernard Cemetery 1 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, on March 15, 2024.
Carroll’s enduring love, boundless kindness, and remarkable generosity have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
(Pd.Adv.)