John B. Smith

Although the light of your candle has gone out and your time on earth is complete, it is truly known you fought a great fight. Today, you begin a new journey to an everlasting light and salvation. John Smith, 83 of Sulphur, LA died at 2:42 p.m. Tuesday March 26, 2013 at Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Born January 24, 1930, in St. Landry Parish, John was the eighth child of Arciuse Smith and Odette Guillaumin. The family later relocated to Washington, LA where he lived until graduating from Washington High School in 1947. August 5, 1950 marked the beginning of a new chapter with the marriage to the love of his life, Evelyn Bernice Broussard at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vinton, LA. A renewal of that love 60 years later was exchanged once again in 2010 at Immaculate Conception Church in Sulphur and included a dinner hosted by their children. Although not making 63 years, he let everyone know before his death how proud and happy he was. John served in the U S Navy from 1951-1955 during the Korean Conflict serving as a bombardier. During that time while in the US, he was positioned in Norfolk, VA and Pensacola, FL. After discharge from the Navy, John moved to Sulphur where he lived until his death. He was employed by Gulf Oil as a distributor from 1957-1979. He then transferred to the Lake Charles Calcining Plant as a supervisor until his retirement in 1992. Following retirement he and his wife enjoyed extensive travels across the US in their motor home. The freedom of the open road always made for adventure. Although retirement contained numerous obstacles and hardship to his health, his strong body and mind persevered until he could fight no more. Funeral services are under the direction of Robison Funeral Home in Sulphur. Visitation will be held at Robison Funeral Home from 5-9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. on Friday March 29, 2013 and will resume on Saturday at 9 a.m. until time of service. A funeral service will be celebrated Saturday March 30, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sulphur with Rev. Aubrey Guilbeau officiating. Burial will follow at Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Carlyss under the direction Robison Funeral Home. John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn Bernice Smith of Sulphur; daughter, Rachel Wilburn and husband, Mark of Sulphur; son, Steven Smith of Seattle, WA; son-in-law, Buddy Meritt of Ringgold, LA; 2 grandchildren, Katie Cart and husband Jason of Houston, TX and Courtney Wilburn and fianc R.J. Marse of Baton Rouge and 1 great grandchild Harrison Cart of Houston, TX. He is also survived by 1 sister Anita S. Kraft of Sulphur and sister-in-laws Armede Smith of Palmetto, LA and Jolene Broussard of Sulphur; and a brother-in-law Arthur Broussard, Jr. and wife, Fran of Vinton, LA. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jackie Merritt and infant son, Richard Smith; 2 brothers, Nolton and Carl Smith; and 4 sisters, Ezoline Unsel, Elvie Ryder, Ann Johnson and Lou Smith. Pallbearers will be Buddy Merritt, Mark Wilburn, Jason Cart, R.J. Marse, Justin Broussard and Jacques Broussard. The family would like to thank Dr. Howe and his staff at Memorial for their dedication, care, love and support during his surgery and immediately following. He lived a great life and fought a tremendous battle. Rest in Peace Daddy, Rest in Peace .