Jack Patrick Trouard

Jack Patrick Trouard, 87, died on May 19, 2014 at his home in Carlyss surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born on March 17th, 1927, to Rufus and Julia (Businick) Trouard in north Lake Charles (then called Goosport). He attended local elementary schools and graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1944. He did not attend the graduation ceremony as he had enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was serving his country in the Pacific Theater. Jack received an honorable discharge in 1945 achieving the rank of Signalman First Class. He returned to Lake Charles and attended McNeese Junior College on a football scholarship. While attending Lake Charles High, he was an All State end in 1943 and 1944. While at McNeese, he was also involved in their football program for 2 years. In 1946, he joined Gulf States Utilities and retired as assistant General Line Supervisor in 1983 after 39 ½ years. His career with GSU was marked by a perfect safety record with no lost time accidents. In 1947 he married Doris Drummond of Lake Charles and together they had 4 children; Brent Hodges Trouard (wife, Jackie LeDoux Trouard) of Moss Bluff, Bradford Patrick Trouard (wife, Cathy Murrell Trouard)of Lake Charles, Benton Dreher Trouard (wife Denise Hedge Trouard) of Carlyss, and Barrie Blythe Trouard Ritter (husband, Stephen Ritter) of Moss Bluff. Jack was always very involved with his children, coaching them in South Lake Charles Little League baseball for many years. Many young men growing up in Lake Charles at that time were influenced by Jack's sense of fairness and respect for others. In 1968, Jack was transferred by GSU to the Sulphur area and the family built a home in Carlyss. He continued to coach his daughter in softball and supported the boys in various sports as they progressed through high school. Jack was always active in his community, being a charter member of the Carlyss Lions Club and was a commissioner on the Carlyss Volunteer Fire Board for many years. He received numerous awards for his leadership and volunteer efforts. After 57 years together, Doris "Dottie" Trouard passed away. Jack then married Linda Carter Guillory of Vidor, TX, a long time friend and former co-worker. With his new wife, Jack gained a step-daughter, Samantha Mary Julian (husband Jay Julian) of Sandy, Utah. After retirement, Jack continued to enjoy working in his yard - a point of great pride for him. He also continued his lifelong love of fishing. His last "fishing hole" was on Kelso Bayou in Hackberry at the dock of some friends. He and his second wife, Linda, were active in Wesley United Methodist Church in Sulphur, and Jack served on several committees over the years. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 10 years, Linda , his four children and their spouses, his step-daughter and husband, 6 grandchildren, Blythe Leigh Bryant and husband Tommy of Ripley, MS, Brian Patrick Trouard and wife Erin, of Houston, TX, Brandon Trouard of Baton Rouge, LA, Adam Trouard of Lafayette, LA, Matt Ritter and Daniel Ritter of Moss Bluff, LA., 5 step grandchildren, Ronnie Dosher and wife Connie of Moss Bluff, Payson Julian of Sandy, Utah, Arlette Magehee of Carlyss, Eric Magehee of Carlyss, and Ryan Borel of Lake Charels; 3 great grandchildren, Adian Trouard of Baton Rouge, Lauren and Nathan Bryant of Ripley, MS.; eleven step great grandchildren; and lifelong friend, "Gitch" Wegener of Lake Charles. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joann Gates and a brother, Raymond Trouard. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014, at Johnson Funeral Home. Rev. Eddie Carpenter will officiate. Interment will be at Prien Memorial Park. Visitation will be from on Thursday from 4 until 8 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. until service time. Memorial donations may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church, 423 Live Oak St., Sulphur, LA 70663. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the compassionate care given to their beloved Jack to Harbour Hospice and to the many friends for their continued prayers and support. Jack will be missed for his wonderful zest for life and his smiling face. He always had something good to say about everyone and never met a stranger. God Bless Him.