Ernest Joseph Meche, Sr.

Ernest Jospeh Meche, Sr., 92, of Lake Charles passed away at 5:55 AM on Monday, September 04, 2017, in Jennings, Louisiana.

Born in Boscoe, Louisiana on November 4, 1924 to Moise and Ella Thibodeaux Meche, Mr. Meche was reared in Big Lake and Duralde, Louisiana before moving to Lake Charles.

He served his country during World War II in the United States Coast Guard. He worked for forty years as a maintenance painter for Firestone Tire and Rubber, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local Union 783 of Lake Charles. He was also a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 3208. He was a participant in the Cursillo Movement. He enjoyed his affiliation at Don Spano’s Roman Health Spa for many years.

Survivors include two sons, Gerald R. Meche of Jennings and Ernest J. Meche, Jr. of Lake Charles; one daughter, Glenda M. Truett, also of Lake Charles; one brother, Theophile Meche, of Lake Charles; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 72 years, Ida Soileau Meche; nine siblings, Theogene, Eugene, Clayton, and Eddie Meche, Genie Cormier, Bernice Babineaux, Elizabeth Perry, Evelyn Pontheaux, and Rita Aucoin; one daughter, Sandra Gail Meche; and two grandchildren, Josie Meche and Matthew Meche.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at St. Margaret Catholic Church. The Rev. Vijaya Peddoju will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Wednesday from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume in the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 AM until leaving for the church at 12:30 PM.

The family would like to express their grateful appreciation for the compassionate care given their father to the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home staff and residents.