Doris James Matte

Mr. Doris James Matte passed away Monday, October 10, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was born to Joseph and Iris Matte April 20, 1937, and was a resident of Lake Charles. Doris retired from Greater Lake Charles Water Company after serving 45 years of service. He played the accordion with his band called The Lake Charles Ramblers. At the peak of his music career, he wrote and recorded "The Tracks of my Buggy" along with other popular Cajun songs. In the 60's, his band had a local TV show with his band called "Saturday Night Down South". He was honored by being voted into the Cajun French Music Hall of Fame in 2009. He accompanied CFMA Choir in the French masses sung at the annual festival.

Doris was well respected in the community and devoted to his family. He enjoyed race horses with his brother, Hilton. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Genieve Matte; three children, Barry G. Matte and wife Julie of Covington, Marcus L. Matte of Westlake, Jennifer Matte of Lake Charles, and youngest daughter, Deidre, who is deceased; two sisters, Selise Daigle of Church Point and Theresa Prather of Branch; four grandchildren, Miranda Matte Tanner and husband Erich of Natchitoches, Maribeth R. Matte of Los Angeles, Olivia C. Matte of Covington, and Gordon Lee Matte and his mother Angela Matte both of Westlake; one great grandson, Wyatt G. Tanner.

Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 11:00AM at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home Wednesday from 5:00PM-9:00PM with a rosary at 7:00PM. Visitation will continue Thursday at 8AM until time of service.