Lawrence Simien

Lawrence Simien was born on November 23, 1933 in Mallet, Louisiana to proud parents, Abra and Lillian (LaChapelle) Simien.   Lawrence grew up to be a hard-working, young man with a kind and loving heart, and a sweet smile.  He met his future wife, Mearline LeDee at a wake, and they would later marry in July of 1958.  From this union came three daughters: Patricia, Pamela, and Evelyn.

At a young age, Lawrence learned the importance of family and a strong work ethic as he worked on his father’s farm and helped to raise his younger siblings, while his mother was ill.  He would eventually move his mother and sister, Gladys from Mallet after his father passed to a home in Lake Charles and eventually care for them in his own home.  At the age of 17, he began to learn the trade of bricklaying.  He went into business for himself in 1958 and would later become a successful brick mason contractor who made the name “Simien,” synonymous with “bricklaying.”   He was a master at his craft and would go on to assist local contractors to build many subdivisions throughout Lake Charles and the surrounding areas and Texas.  He mentored and trained several young men to the trade along the way as well as all his brothers.  After more than 55 years in business, he finally retired at the age of 80.  Lawrence was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, husband, and son, and loyal friend to many.  Family time was very important to him, and he loved to BBQ and have family over.  Everyone loved to get a taste of “Lawrence’s BBQ ribs and chicken” with his special sauce.  A country boy at heart, he built a huge garden on the lot next door to his house, which became known as “the big garden on the corner” to the neighborhood.  He was very proud of his garden.  He grew everything: corn, cucumbers, mustard greens, okra, and even sugar cane to name a few. He would always share his harvest with family, friends, and an occasional person who just happened to stop by.  Lawrence enjoyed life.  He treated his family to Sunday afternoon boat rides and enjoyed going fishing and shrimping and always shared his haul of shrimp with family.  Lawrence had several hobbies.  He loved rabbit and duck hunting.  In the late 1960’s, he purchased the race car, “The Texas Rattler” and raced competitively and for fun.  Lawrence was also a “jack of all trades,” he always had some project going on or was busy rebuilding rent houses with his wife.  Lawrence had a generous heart and was always available to help anyone in need.  He was a devoted Catholic and attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church every Sunday with his family.  Having only a 3^rd grade education, he stressed the importance of getting a good education to his daughters and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abra and Lillian; his brothers, Abraham, Hebert, Merrick, and Wilbert; two sisters, Irene and Matilda; brothers-in-law, William LeDee, Robert LeDee, and Clarence LeDee; his godson, Rayward Labbe; nephew, Hayward Labbe Jr.; son-in-law, Eric Roy; and (honorary son) Cousin, Joseph Ardoin.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Mearline; his daughters, Patricia Guillory Simien and Pamela Roy both of Lake Charles and Dr. Evelyn Simien (fiancé, Le’Roy Tousant, II) of Coventry, CT; grandchildren, Janell Guillory-Miller ARNP (Anthony), Candace Guillory Stephens (Jermaine), Dustin Guillory, Douglas Gallow, Gabriel, Isaiah, and Megan Roy, Roman King, Skylar-Belle Simien Tousant, Lillian-Reese Simien Tousant; great-grandchildren, Dylan Ceasar, Aryana and Jaxon Miller; four great-great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Albert Simien, Emerick Simien (Brenda), and Marjorie Simien Labbe (Hayward Sr.).

A memorial wake will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022 from 5-9 PM with a rosary at 7:30 PM at Johnson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff, LA.  A visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 AM at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 followed by mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 11:00 AM.  Lawrence will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lake Charles, LA, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Due to Covid, all guests are required to wear masks to attend all services.

Lawrence can always be remembered as letting everyone around him know “I’m hanging in there!”  His message now to his family and friends would be to hang in there!

The family wishes to thank all those who surrounded him with love and kindness, Dr. Collin Bowe, and Heart of Hospice.