C. E. Gene Guidry

Caesar Eugene "Gene" Guidry departed this life and returned home to his Lord on December 17, 2011. He left this life as he lived it, surrounded by family and friends wrapped in the love they freely shared. He was born on November 24, 1921 in Welsh to Caesar Eugene Guidry and Alzire Mallet, who both preceded him in death.

He grew up in Manchester and graduated from Iowa High School in 1938 and, shortly thereafter, was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1942. The U.S. Army placed him in training at Muskinghum College. He was attached to the 16th Field Artillery Observation Battalion. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and served with honor throughout the European campaign, including D-Day, Northern France and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945.

He returned to Lake Charles and met Peggy Joyce Guidry, the love of his life. They were married on February 7, 1947. They were founding members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish. Gene worked at Olin for more than 15 years. Gene was appointed Director of the Lake Charles Regional Airport in 1969, serving until 1987. Mr. Mrs. Guidry founded Stage One the Hair School in 1983, which they have successfully owned and operated for almost 30 years. Many of the hair-stylists currently working in Southwest Louisiana are proud graduates of Stage One.

He was predeceased in death by his parents and his sister, Florence Chatagnier, his brother, John Carl Guidry and son-in-law, Coach Charles Ray Vicknair.

He leaves behind to cherish his legacy of abiding faith, love and optimism his wife of 64 years, Ms. Peggy, and one daughter, Debbie Guidry Vicknair, one son, Darrell Gene Guidry his wife Cissy Quinn Guidry, a sister in law, Mary Anne Guidry; five grandchildren, Charles Darrell "Vic" Vicknair, Chad Ray Vicknair, Cody Eugene Vicknair, Darrell Gene Guidry, Jr. and Leslie Louise "Weezie" Guidry, all of Lake Charles; and, finally, his special friends Richard and Nell Clark of Lake Charles.

The family wishes to express its special thanks to those who have extended their love, care and kindness over the last months, namely, the staff of Home Instead, Andre Knapp, Dr. Richard Gilmore and staff, Dr. Luke Williams, Dr. Arthur Primeaux and Dr. David Buttross, III.

On Tuesday, December 20, 2011, visitation will take place at Johnson's Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church at 11:00 a.m.,with Msgrs. Harry Greig, Daniel Torres and Fr. T.L. Herlong as con-celebrants.

Memorials may be made to Baylor College of Medicine: Scott Department of Urology.