Elson Israel

Elson Israel, 88, of Mamou, LA died on Thursday, January 23, 2014 in a local care facility. Mr. Israel was born on October 29, 1925 in Mamou, LA where he lived all of his life before recently moving to Lake Charles to be closer to family. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before becoming a Merchant Marine. Mr. Israel retired as a tug boat captain and painted bridges following his retirement. Those left to cherish his memory are a daughter, Shelva Reed and husband Jimmie of Lake Charles; a son, James A. Israel and wife Sheila of Moss Bluff; six grandchildren, Alana Serice and husband Sam, Christa Henderson and husband Seth, Heather Rhodes, Brandon "James" Israel and wife Lauren, Erica Israel, and Joshua Israel, and seven great grandchildren, Hannah, Jack, and Hayden Serice, Olivia and Luke Henderson, Kayley Barton, and Clayton Israel. He enjoyed gambling at the casinos in his spare time. A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, February 7, 2014 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate. Visitation will begin on Friday from 11:00 AM until the start of the rosary beginning at 5:30 PM. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the RN's, CNA's, and staff in the Atrium at Lake Charles Care Center and also to the Amedisys Hospice staff.