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Mitchell ‘Mike’ Trahan

Cecilia –- A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church for Mitchell “Mike” Trahan, 93, who passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018.
Visiting hours were observed at the funeral home from 7 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday. A rosary wase recited by Alcus Trahan and Rebecca LeBlanc at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Revered Richard Fabre officiated at the Funeral Mass. Readers were Hallie T. Guidry and Simone T. Cohn.
Gift bearers were Hope T. Boutte, Heather T. Credeur and Joy T. LeFors. Interment followed at St. Joseph Cemetery in Cecilia.
Mitchell, better known as Mike, was born to the late Claude Sr. and Leontine Berard Trahan. He was one of seven children and grew up in a small community named Grand Anse in St. Martin Parish. Mike learned about having a good work ethic at a young age, working before and after school each day.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was ranked as a 1st Class Gunner’s Mate. He was quickly nicknamed “Frenchie” because of his ability to fluently speak French and was appointed as the translator on the ship. Mike participated in 18 invasions and “Milk Runs” during the course of his deployment from 1943-1945. During one of the invasions Mike was thrown 40 feet after a plane crashed into his ship. He was knocked out for three days before waking up. He was discharged after the United States used an atomic bomb against Hiroshima, Japan.
After coming home from the war, Mike met the love of his life, Louella Cormier, on a blind date. Six months later they were married in Cecilia and started their lives together. They raised three sons and one daughter. Mike managed Mr. A.J. Dupuis’s General Merchandise Store until 1964 when he bought it.
During this time, he began his political career. He served as Justice of the Peace, serving two terms in St. Martin Parish and then four terms as a Police Juror. Mike served in public office for a total of 24 years.
Other jobs included holding a seat with the Cecilia Water Corp. since 1971 and serving as President for 20 years, working part-time as a house inspector with the St. Martin Parish HUD program, and last, but not least, working at Walmart since 1993 as a greeter. Mike truly enjoyed visiting with the customers as well as his co-workers.
Some of his favorite pastimes were playing “Boo-Ray,” visiting with fellow friends, and spending time with his family. At an early age, Mike learned from his parents the importance of family and people. In life one must live with God and be true to oneself and to others.
All his life he has served and helped others. Mike will be remembered for his selfless love and kindness to others and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his sons, Robert “Bob” Trahan and wife Micki, and Reilly Trahan, both of Cecilia; daughter, Tina Hamilton and husband Danny of Cecilia; daughter-in-law, Dolly Calais Trahan of Baton Rouge; brother, Alcus Trahan and wife Melissa of Church Point; sister, Bernice Trahan Guidry of Breaux Bridge; grandchildren, Hope Trahan Boutte, Jude Trahan, Mark Trahan, Zach Trahan, Paul Trahan, Joy Trahan LeFors, Heather Trahan Credeur, Hallie Trahan Guidry, Simone Trahan Cohn, Jordy Trahan, Carson Hamilton and Cullen Hamilton; and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Louella Cormier Trahan; son, Kerney Trahan; father, Claude Trahan Sr.; mother, Leontine Berard Trahan; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth “Liz” Angelle Trahan; great-grandson, Leo Michael Guidry; brothers, Lester, Lynn and Claude Jr. Trahan; and sister, Evelyn Trahan Badeau.
Pallbearers were Jude Trahan, Zach Trahan, Mark Trahan, Paul Trahan, Jordy Trahan, Carson Hamilton and Cullen Hamilton.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Hospice of Acadiana for their care and compassion. A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Frank Bacque, Dr. Joseph Brierre and Dr. Warren Degatur. They would also like to thank his homecare sitters, Judy Dupuis, Margaret Duplechin, Charlene Kidder, Barbara Schexnaider and Rebecca LeBlanc for their love and the excellent care you provided.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Cecilia was in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.

Teche Today

P.O. Box 69
St. Martinville, LA 70582
Phone: 337-394-6232
Fax: 337-394-7511