Lionel Valsin Thibodeaux

Lionel Valsin Thibodeaux, 84, of Lake Charles passed away at 6:21 PM on Thursday, September 19, 2019 in a local hospital.

Lionel was born on August 30, 1935 in Big Lake and attended LaGrange High School.  He served our county in the US Army from 1958 to 1960.  Following an honorable discharge, he began his career as a pipe-fitter and was a member of the Plumber and Steamfitters Local #106.  Lionel was a dedicated member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church where he served as an usher and volunteered his time in being instrumental in the building of the church.

He was a genuine and honest man who was well liked and respected by all that were fortunate to cross his path.  Lionel touched the lives of many and was very selfless, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He will be remembered as always having something funny to say, his great sense of humor, and being a practical joker, and having never met a stranger.  Beyond his successful career, his family and friends will remember his achievements as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend.  

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 61 years, Jenel White Thibodeaux of Lake Charles; three sons, Leland Thibodeaux (Shelia) of Lake Charles, Calvin Thibodeaux (Kecisa) of Lake Charles, and Troy Thibodeaux (the late Patti) of Carlyss; two daughters, Jennifer Pettis of Theodore, AL and Phyllis Thibodeaux of Lafayette; two brothers, Lynn Thibodeaux (Eileen) of Stewart, FL and Leo Thibodeaux (Candy) of Lake Charles; one sister, Donelda Gauthreaux of Lake Charles; ten grandchildren, Michael, Sara, Justin, Crystal, Aaron, Jacob, Beth, Kourtni, Kolin, and Bethany; and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Dorothy Thibodeaux.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, September 23, 2019 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church.  Monsignor Jace Eskind and Fr. Keith Pellerin will officiate.  Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM.  Visitation will resume on Monday from 9:00 AM until leaving to go to the church at 10:00 AM.