Jo-El Sonnier

Jo-EL Sonnier, 77, passed away on January 13, 2024, in Austin, TX following his last show in Llano, Texas to the crowd-pleasing Standing Ovation and an ENCORE performance.

Jo-EL was born on October 2, 1946, to Lemius and Eunice Sonnier in Rayne, LA. Jo-EL’s passion was for music in life with 33 studio albums, appeared in 6 motion pictures, appeared in 7 television series, performed in all 50 states and 32 countries all during the 65 years in the Country and Cajun music industry. He was a 2015 Grammy Award Winner with 4 Grammy nominations. Jo-EL was also ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Nominee, member of 7 Music Hall of Fames, Studio Musician on over 100 albums including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, and Hank Williams Jr. He wrote songs that the following artist recorded: George Strait, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Patty Loveless, and John Anderson.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Bobbye Weaver Sonnier; son, Clayton Sonnier and wife Stormi; sister-in-law, Dr. Shirley Strange Allen; brother in laws, Woodie Thornton, Johnnie Steed and wife Nikki, James Barker and wife Leann, Roye Barker and wife Leslie; beloved nieces and nephews; godsons, Tyler and Austin Hare; and goddaughter and grand goddaughters, Madisyn and Kolynns Jinks.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lemius and Eunice Sonnier; brothers, PJ Sonnier; and one son, Larry Howell.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 PM Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home. visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:00 PM rosary on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home. Visitation will resume from 10:00 AM until time of services on Saturday at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home. A private burial will be at Mimosa Pines North.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in the honor of Jo-EL Sonnier to Autismspeaks.org.