Chad Everett Manuel

Chad Everett Manuel, 54, passed away on November 21, 2023. He was born to Patrick and Kayla Legrand Manuel on July 3, 1969, in Eunice, Louisiana.

Chad spent his early years growing up in Sulphur, Louisiana, moving as a teenager to Moss Bluff, where he graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1989. As an adult, he lived several years in Ville Platte and then New Iberia, Louisiana, but later returned home to Lake Charles, where he lived the remainder of his life.

Chad was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan in a family of New Orleans Saints fans and never hesitant to broach a debate over football. He never wavered in his support, no matter how the season was going, and it was rare to see him not wearing Cowboys gear. Chad enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a gentle and easy-going guy, often called a big Teddy bear by his nephews. Chad loved all animals, especially dogs, almost as much as they loved him. As a Moss Bluff resident, neighbors joked that their dogs preferred his home over theirs. Each morning, their dogs could be found waiting on the back porch for him and his morning coffee, where they stayed until dark. Chad extended his kindness and love for others even in death as he selflessly gave the gift of organ and tissue donation through the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) with the hope of improving and extending other’s lives.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sister, Amber Alston, and husband Keith; nephews Hayden, Peyton, and Mason Alston, and niece Layken Alston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents Benjamin and Sybil Legrand, paternal grandparents Emile Manuel and Eura Manuel Soileau, and step-grandfather Lawson Soileau.

Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. There will be a graveside memorial service to honor his life on Saturday, December 16, at 11:30 at Fontenot Cemetery in Pine Prairie, Louisiana.

The family would like to give special thanks to all the staff of Compassionate Care of Lake Charles, especially Tracie and Albert “Putt” Poullard and Ralph Sias, for the care provided over the last six years. The Alston family will be forever grateful to you for loving Chad like family and the support you have provided us throughout this challenging time.