Retired SSG Johnathan Nathaniel Orphé
Killeen, Texas – Funeral services for Retired SSG Johnathan Nathaniel Orphe’, 43 of Killeen, TX were held Monday, July 11, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Chisolm’s Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Interment will full military honors was held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX. Viewing was held two hours prior to the service (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.) at the funeral home. Mr. Orphe’ passed away June 25, 2022, in Killeen, TX.
Johnnathan Nathaniel Orphe’ Sr. was the eldest son of Melvin Francis and Mozella Orphe’. He was born on 20 August 1978 in Lafayette, LA at Charity Medical Hospital. Johnnathan received his education at St. Martinville Senior High School (class of ‘97), and further attended Phoenix University.
He humbly and proudly served his country for 21 years. He served in the National Guard from 1996-1998 & continued to serve in the United States Army from 1998-2017, in which he retired after proudly serving his country with an honorable service. His skills of specialty in the military were served as a Supply Specialist, and a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. He was a Non-Commissioned Officer that stood strongly by the NCO Creed and Army Core Values, on and off duty. His military awards consist of the following: Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Commendation Medals (2), Army Achievement Medals (2), Army Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M (Mobilized) Device, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge.
His greatest blessings were his family. He loved to take care of his family, and was an instrumental key figure to his family, as he was a father figure to his siblings. He loved spending time with them, especially his children and grandchildren.
Johnnathan was one of a kind (a unicorn), respectful, intelligent, family oriented, “goofy” at times, selfless, kindhearted, and a renovator for all things which needed to get done for his family and friends. He loved music, loved to eat, loved grilling and cooking. One of his favorite foods was “Corn Maque Choux”, often prepared by his loving mother. He loved fixing things, and being there for others, in times of need. He was known for often going above and beyond to help others.
He was competitive when it came to playing chess, cards, board games, dominoes, or anything he could challenge someone with. He often found time to relax, or get in a zone when he would fish, or watch his favorite sport “LSU Football.” Although he loved any type of football. He would often be seen coaching the LSU games from the couch in his home, LSU was certainly his favorite. He was particularly an avid fan of the 2019 LSU Championship game. He would often watch it over and over and commentated it word for word.
Johnnathan was preceded in death by maternal grandparents: Adolph Franklin Orphe’ Jr., and Edna James Orphe’, paternal grandfather: Adolphe Francis, III. Paternal step-grandfather: Eugene Valsin, Stepfather: Kirt James Thibodeaux, Step-paternal grandparents: Leonard Thibodeax, Sr., and Mildred Ned Thibodeaux. Uncles & Aunts: Elwood (Savannah) Orphe’, Sr., Leonard Thibodeaux, Jr., Felton Francis, and Cynthia Thibodeaux-Dauphine. Recent deaths of his Godfather, Edward Guillory on June 30, 2022, and Uncle, Edward Francis on July 2, 2022.
Johnnathan loved his family and loved life to the fullest. His vows with his beautiful wife of eight years led them on a life in which they provided for, supported, and loved their family unconditionally.
His legacy will forever be cherished and lived on through his loved ones. He is survived by his wife: Ilily Asoline Orphe’; mother: Mozila Orphe’ (Tony Cade) (Lake Arthur, LA); father: Melvin Francis (Kila) St. Martinville, LA); paternal grandmother: Madeline Valsin; Children: five daughters: Taylor Alexis Nelson (Lafayette, LA), Sage Alise Orphe’ (Breaux Bridge, LA), Jemya Nashelle Bonner-Orphe’, (Houston, TX), Queen L. Robinson (Reign)(Korea), and Tasia Ginae Rembert, (Colorado); Four sons: Tyler Avant Orphe’, Johnnathan Nathaniel Orphe’, Jr. (O2) (Houston, TX), Zavier Rembert, (Washington), and Giovanni Rembert’ siblings: Two brothers: Kirt Quinton James Thibodeaux, II (Baton Rouge, LA) and Jeremy Emmanuel Thibodeaux (Austin, TX); five sisters: Mo’Johnay Simone Doniel Thibodeaux, Kayetta and Kayanti Francis, Ashley Eugene, and Shyrell Williams; grandchildren, who he loved so dearly: (Six) Brilee Andrea Lopez, Zyaire King Rembert, Jahari Rembert, Iyanna Rembert, Unity Reign Robinson, and Journey Mei Robinson; Godmother: Sharleen Orphe’ JeanBaptiste; two Godchildren: Kaylani Connor, and Kayden Butler Special cousins/family members/friends: Joshua Plumbar, Qwan Kimble, and Hugh Davis (Pookie); and a host of other close family members and special friends, he loved dearly.
(Pd.Adv.)