Chester Joseph Manuel

Chester J. Manuel, 79, of Forked Island, LA passed away at 4:05 PM, Wednesday, August 15, 2012 in a Lafayette hospital.

He was a native of Basile, LA and a graduate of Basile High School where he played on the 1950 Louisiana State Championship six man football team. Coach Manuel was a graduate Louisiana College where he also played college football. He went on to Coach at Kinder High School, Lacassine High, Mamou High, St. Martinville High, LaRose Cut-Off Jr. High School, and Coached the Plainview High Lady Hornets to the 1973 State Runner Up Class B Championship. Coach Manuel continued his coaching career at Opelousas Catholic High and E. Broussard High School in Forked Island, LA. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and crabbing.

He is survived by his son, Johnny Manuel and wife Diane of Lake Charles; one daughter Susan Manuel of Rayne; granddaughters, Megan and Maggie Manuel; two brothers, Herman Manuel and wife Irene, and Don Manuel and wife JoAnn; one sister, Priscilla Gauthier and husband Kirby; and longtime friend and caregiver, O.J. Campbell. He was preceded in death by his grandson, John Tyler Manuel.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation was under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.