Iver Lee Sonnier

Iver Lee Sonnier, 81, of Lake Charles known to those who loved him as Big Red, Iv, and Paw-Paw went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 6, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Lake Charles. Mr. Sonnier was one of the great pioneers who many years ago assisted in supporting ways to erect St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. He was best know in those days for teaming up with his buddies and fellow church members, Paul Higgins, Herman Granger, Harvey Duhon among others in the community for staying up overnight, barbequing at the church for fundraisers and other causes. A recent story told to his family was that while preparing for one of the overnight cook-outs, the only wood that the cooks had was very dry wood which needed to be wet and the only way to do that would be to soak it in a drum. Iver Lee then offered to return home in the middle of the night to cut down a tree in his yard in order to start that fire! Iver Lee was always among the members of the community working hard to ensure that the needs of the church were met such as contributing to working to put the original siding on the church when it was needed. Iver Lee was a member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver for over 30 years. Iver Lee Sonnier has a great history in this community as well as the community of St. Martin de Porres.

He was a very proud veteran and a great story teller. He could always be heard telling stories about his days in the Army to all who offered to lend an ear.

He is preceded in death by his parents Minor Sonnier and Octavia (Duhon) Sonnier and brother, Arthur Minor Sonnier. He leaves behind his wife Mary Henrietta Sonnier, three daughters, Zirah Biagas of Lake Charles, LA, Sandra Martin (Paul) of Houston, TX and Kathy Sonnier of Houston, TX; five grandchildren: Traonna Lee, Belinda Lewis, Everette Thomas, Marquetta Biagas and Symone Martin as well as eight great grandchildren; three sisters, Irma Sonnier, Rosa Luckett, and Ruth Shelton.

His Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Reverend Keith Pellerin will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until time of service in the church.