John Preston Bodin

John Preston Bodin, 80, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 in a local hospital.

Mr. Bodin was born November 26, 1940 in Erath, LA and raised in Mooringsport, LA, where he attended high school and played in the band.  He served in country in the U.S. Navy and worked as a roughneck during his younger years.  Mr. Bodin later worked and excelled as a painter with the Union.  He also worked as a salesman for Lance Corp. for twenty years and as a paperman for the Lake Charles American Press.  He had a love for football that started in his youth and continued as he was an avid LSU, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints fan.  Mr. Bodin also had a great love for music and taught himself to play the guitar at an early age.  He won several awards and traveled to Nashville to record his music.  The “Cajun Elvis” as he was known, played with various bands throughout the years, including Cookie and the Cupcakes and the Louisiana Scrambler Band.  He also enjoyed spending time outdoors during his younger years and watching westerns.

Mr. Bodin is survived by his daughters, Melissa Born and Crystal Broussard and husband Darrel, all of Lake Charles; grandchildren, John Lamar Bodin, Courtney Leigh Bodin, Alex Taylor Bodin, Hailie Pettefer, Devan Cade Broussard, and Brantley Chase Broussard; one great-grandchild, Chloe Capri Cooper; and one great-grandchild on-the-way, Briar Austin Bodin; mother of his child, Gloria Jean Haldren; best friend, Jake Bruce; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lauren and Eunice Choate Bodin; two brothers; mother of his child, Kathrine Kelly Broussard; and a grandchild Andrew “Andy” Austin Born.

His cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

Donations in his memory can be made to Knotted Cord of Love Missions in Sunset, LA, which was one of his favorite places to visit.