Houston Joseph Tassin

Following a lengthy and heroic battle with leukemia, Houston Joseph Tassin, 72, died Tuesday, December 13, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised near Bunkie, Louisiana, to Lima and Theresa Normand Tassin, Mr. Tassin served his country in the Navy. He began raising his family in the Vinton area in 1965 until moving to Sulphur in 1982, and then on to Lake Charles in 1991. In 1974, he opened Sabine Pools and Spas, which he ran until 1998, when he turned over the operation to his sons. He loved to dance and found great enjoyment in cooking for Sunday gatherings at his lake house with great friends and family. Some of his grandchildren's fondest memories of their "Pop" will be his annual trips to meet them vacationing in Gulf Shores. Mr. Tassin was a gentle and kind man of honor and integrity. He brought zest and joy to life for all who were blessed to know him. He will be remembered as a true patriarch by his family. Mr. Tassin was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Krewe de la Famille, Krewe de la Noblesse, and the Lake Charles Buccaneers.

Preceding Mr. Tassin in death are his parents; his first wife and the mother of his children, Deanna Breaux Tassin; his second wife, Judith "Judi" Natali Tassin; his beloved daughter, Christina Marie "Tina" Tassin Fuselier; and granddaughter, Hannah Pauley. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Charlotte Steen Tassin; sons, Joseph "Joey" Tassin and wife Jennifer, Dean Tassin and wife Cara, and David Tassin and wife Cary, all of Lake Charles; daughter, Anna Marie Jagneaux and husband Mike of Ulysses, Kansas; three sisters, Burnell Messina of Metairie, Mary Gaspard of Evergreen; and Lela Normand of Gonzales; Gloria "Buzz" Sherman of Metarie; 25 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 16, 2011, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Father Alan Trouille will officiate. Interment will be at Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Sulphur. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 until 8 p.m., with a scripture service at 6 p.m.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation for the compassionate care of their loved one to Dr. James Gaharan, the nurses at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, especially Holly and Laura, and the nurses and doctors at MD Anderson Hospital. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Mr. Tassin to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.