Eric John Authement

Eric John Authement, 87, of Lake Charles, LA, died November 29, 2014, in a local care facility surrounded by his family. Mr. Authement was born February 6, 1927 to Gaspard and Avena (Dugas) Authement. He was a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, LA., and attended Landry High School. He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 and served in the Pacific Theater WWII. He was recalled to active duty for the Korean War where he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1952, he returned to Lake Charles and married his sweetheart, Ima Jean McBurney. They were married for over 60 years, until the time of her death, in March of 2014. Mr. Authement was the office manager at Wilson Supply. He retired after developing major heart problems, and Dr. Michael Debakey performed his heart surgery in 1967. He later worked for over 20 years as a handyman for his brother-in-law, John Assunto. He loved working with his hands and was a skilled woodworker. He helped each of his sons build their homes. Even after losing his eyesight, he continued woodwork. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and he loved his daughter-in-laws as if they were his own. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Ima Jean, his sisters Neeley Wrigley, Lillian Rosteet, and Natalie Huggins, and his brother, Leroy J. Authement. He is survived by his three sons, Eric, Jr. and wife Nancy of Lake Charles, Richard and wife Melissa of Moss Bluff, and Ralph and wife Becky of Carlyss, his grandchildren Robert Authement (Jennifer), Ashley Keates (Bob), Michael Authement (Carly), Dedie Zachary (Philip), Jennifer Daigle (Josh), Emily Claire Authement, Katie Authement, Wyatt Authement, and Daulton Howard, great-grandchildren, Maddox, Maryanne, and Margo Authement, Lawrence Keates, Bailey Shafer, and Khorey Daigle, sisters-in-law, Harriet Simpson (Charlie) and Bobbie Sue Smith (Gary),and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Authements' sons would like to thank their cousin, "brother," Terry Trahan, for always being there. The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Clements, Dr. Mark Lafuria, Dr. Peter Karam, and the caring staff at Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 02, 2014 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverends John Hoffpauir and Richard Beckham will officiate. Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Monday will be from 4:00 PM until 10:00 PM and will continue Tuesday from 8:00 AM until the time of service in the funeral home.