Elden Aubrey Brunet

Elden A. Brunet, 96, passed away at his residence on Monday, June 18, 2012.

He was born in Basile, LA on March 15, 1916 to Adam and Odile Brunet. He graduated from Basile High School in 1932, attended Louisiana College, and received a BS degree in Education. He began his teaching career at Basile High in 1936. He received his Master's Degree from LSU during that time. In 1943, he was appointed principal, and then left the principalship to serve in the Army in 1943. He served in the infantry and later became a French interpreter in Central Europe, and was discharged honorably, receiving a citation for outstanding service. He returned to the principalship at Basile High School until 1959 where he became principal of Oakdale High School until 1968. He was appointed Supervisor of schools in Allen Parish from 1968 to 1975 when he retired.

He is survived by his wife of seventy-four years, Joyce Aguillard of Chataingnier; children, Dr. Michael Brunet and wife Jane of Alexandria, LA, Diana Hicks of Lake Charles, LA, and Lana Bel and husband Jim of Lake Charles; four grandchildren, Shana Hicks Ferryman of Denham Springs, Dr. Michael Brunet, II of Alexandria, Hannah Hicks Cook of Nashville, and Allison Brunet Bandy of Alexandria; five nephews, three nieces; and nine great-grandchildren.

He served as deacon at both Basile First Baptist and Oakdale First Baptist. He was also active in home mission work, including Campers On Mission, French Missions, Dry Creek Baptist Encampment and Louisiana College. He became a 32nd degree Mason of the Masonic Lodge in Elton, LA in 1948.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Burke Brunet.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers, Ebony Bryant, Diane Cone, Sheila Doucet, Christy Fowlkes, Mary Fowlkes, Cheryl Grigsby, China Guillory, Danesha Reeves, Martha Senegal and Pam Watkins, Glenn Martin and Southern Home Health, Dr. Craig Broussard and Dr. Steve Springer.

His funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel in Lake Charles, LA. Reverend Louis Charrier and Dr. Joe Aguillard will officiate. Graveside service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday at Basile Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.

Mr. Brunet will be missed by many people. As one friend put it, "Mr. Brunet was the true face of a Christian."

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers can be sent to First Baptist Church in Basile, P.O. Box 336, Basile, LA 70515.