Kenneth V. Michel

Kenneth "Ken" V. Michel, 89, of Lake Charles died at 11:30 PM on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 in a local hospital.

Mr. Michel was born in Violet, LA on September 3, 1921. He was raised in New Orleans, LA and moved to Sulphur in 1935 before moving to Lake Charles in 1940. Mr. Michel was a 1940 graduate of Sulphur High School and attended McNeese Junior College. He then joined the U. S. Marine Corps. from 1942 until 1946 serving in the South Pacific. He was a charter member of University United Methodist Church where he taught the Men's Bible Class in 1966 and also served on the finance committee and the administrative council. Mr. Michel retired from Firestone Synthetic Rubber Co. as an analyst/lab supervisor.

He was past Master of John C. Ayers Lodge #437, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a York Rite Mason, and a charter member of Habibi Shrine Temple.

Ken was a loving and devoted husband and father. He cherished his five grandsons and four great grandchildren. Ken loved fishing and golfing and visiting with his friends at Mallard Cove. He also enjoyed many years of dancing with his wife as members of the Le Bon Temps Dance Club. He also looked forward to working the Shrine Circus every year and worked many rodeos.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 70 years, Ethel Phillis Michel; three daughters, Phillis Michel Chimeno Bernard and husband Tom, Sandy Michel Hudson and husband Randy, and Cindy Michel Cook and husband Ted; five grandsons, Johnnie Chimeno and wife Gina, Kenneth Chimeno and wife Laura, Casey Cook, Christopher Cook and wife Trish, and Ross Hudson; four great grandchildren, Rachel, Jenna, Carmen, and Dominic Chimeno; and a brother, Ray Michel and wife Peggy.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Kenneth Frank and Victor Michael Michel; a sister, Ruth Laura White; and his parents, Victor and Grace Michel.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 20, 2011 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. An American Legion service will be held at 11:00 AM as well as Masonic Rites at 12:30 PM. The Rev. Charlie Langford will officiate the religious ceremony. Burial will follow at Prien Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the start of services.

Donations may be made to the Lake Charles Masonic Lodge #165, 717 Hodges St., Lake Charles, LA 70601, or to Shriner Hospital for Children, Burn Center, 815 Market St., Galveston, TX 77550-2725.