Nelson Bourgeois

Nelson Bourgeois, 93, died Saturday, August 12, 2017, in a local hospital.

Mr. Bourgeois was born on Mayville Plantation in Welsh, Louisiana to Orelian and Elia Mae Gashette Bourgeois. He farmed with his family in the Hayes/Bell City area until he joined the United States Army during World War II.   He fought in the Battle of the Bulge with the 100th Infantry Division, which held the "Maginot Line" between Germany and France.

Mr. Bourgeois moved to Lake Charles in 1962 and worked for Southland Corporation for 23 years as store manager, retiring in 1986.  He was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a Faithful Navigator and a Grand Knight, as well as serving in various other positions for over 30 years with the Knights of Columbus, cooking and barbequing for their fundraisers.

He was known for planting and harvesting beautiful vegetable gardens, and he also enjoyed fishing and crabbing.  With a servant’s humble heart, he always went the extra mile in any endeavor to achieve the best of his ability.  From the 7-11 Corporation, he was awarded a trip to meet Jerry Lewis in Las Vegas for collecting the most contributions for Muscular Dystrophy.

Those left to cherish his memory are his faithful wife of 73 years, Verna Ann Frugé Bourgeois; one son, Robert Michael Bourgeois of Sulphur and wife Barbara; three daughters, Lorraine Trahan Comeaux of Lake Charles, Brenda Faye Hickman of Lake Charles, and Sue Bourgeois McCormick and husband Mike of Dallas, TX; two brothers, Howard and Paul Bourgeois of Hayes; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Wilfred Bourgeois, and one sister, Mabel Fletcher.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Monsignor Daniel Torres will officiate.  Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery.  Visitation Tuesday will be from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a scripture service and rosary beginning at 6:00 PM.  Visitation Wednesday will be from 8:00 AM until 9:45 AM in the funeral home.

The family of Mr. Bourgeois extends heartfelt thanks to Heart of Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at secure.dav.org/donate or the Cajun French Music Association, Lake Charles Chapter at P.O. Box 4987, Lake Charles, LA, 70606.