Charles Vincent Niel, Sr.

Charles Vincent Niel, Sr., 81, passed away on the 16th day of September 2016, surrounded by his loving family, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was born on February 14, 1935, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the son of Pasqualena “Lena” Pecorino and Albert John Niel. He was an amazing father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend. Referred to by his friends as “Charlie”, he enjoyed being around people and loved to dance and socialize. He always wore a smile on his face.

Charles graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1953 and McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1958. Charles worked in his family grocery store throughout his younger years. He was a tank commander in the Army National Guard. His first job after college was working at Standard Oil in Lafayette. He later transferred to Lake Charles and began his long career at the Cities Service PCD facility and after 36 years of employment retired from CITGO Petroleum Corporation in 1996.

Before retiring, Charles was an avid shrimper. He also loved to fish and hunt. During his final years, he enjoyed visiting local museums, tourist attractions and cultural events.

Charles joins his wife, Pat, who predeceased him in 2012. They were married for nearly 52 wonderful years and they loved each other dearly.

Charles leaves behind daughters, Patricia Prebula of Sulphur, LA and Andrea Sauviac of McKinney, TX; sons, Charles Niel, Jr. of Lake Charles, LA, and Jim Niel of New Orleans, LA; brother-in-law, Ric Olin Lyles and sister-in-law, Diane, of Minneapolis, MN; sister-in-law Eldene Niel and sister, Christine Crawford of Lake Charles, LA; son-in-law Tony Gilbert; his nine grandchildren, Kelli and Katelyn Hemphill, Alexandra Niel Constance, Austin Niel, Ashley Gilbert and Payton, Nicole, Brooke, and Sierra Sauviac; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lena and Albert Niel; his mother and father-in-law Margaret and Kenny Lyles; his daughter, Jeanne Gilbert; his son-in-law, Al Prebula; his brother, John A. Niel and brother-in-law Pete Crawford.

A special thanks to Liana Deville and his many friends and dance partners from The Carriage House at The Verandah who filled the final years of his life with music, games, laughter and a lot of fun.

Pallbearers are David Crawford, Kevin Crawford and Michael Crawford, nephews, Hollan Dyer, Michael Richard, and Shayden Needham Mason.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 AM Monday, September 19, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Lake Charles, LA. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will resume Monday from 8:00 AM until 9:15 AM at Johnson Funeral Home. Burial will be at Prien Memorial Park Cemetery. Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate services.