Oran Cariker

Mr. Oran Cariker, 89, of Lake Charles was called to his heavenly home on December 9, 2020 in Lafayette, LA after a short battle with COVID.

He was born on September 4, 1931 in Gary, Texas.  He graduated from Gary High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Air Force.  He had a life-long career of over 50 years in the steel supply industry and also owned his own business for many years.  Mr. Cariker was a member of First United Methodist Church.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Past Patron of Order of Eastern Star, a 50-year member of Habibi Shriners and Blue Lodge, and a member of the American Legion.  He was instrumental in forming the Shriners Mecca Cycles that performed in the parades.  He was an avid golfer and sports fan, especially when it came to his Dallas Cowboys.  He enjoyed gardening and grew the most beautiful plants and flowers.  He loved spending time with all his grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed attending their many activities throughout the years.  Mr. O., as so many referred to him, was very patriotic, a true optimist, and loved life.  He enjoyed singing, especially in the choir at Oak Park Methodist.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years, Dorthy Jones Cariker; his parents, George and Carlie Cariker; four brothers, Earl, Ken, Gene and Mac Cariker; and one sister, Corrine Cariker Serwich.

Mr. Cariker is survived by his three daughters, Melonny Keyse (Jim), Sherry Bourque (Brad), and Terry Thevenot (Robert); grandchildren, Paul Thevenot, Blake Thevenot (Catherine), Ross Thevenot (Emily), Adrienne Rose Angelle (Chase), Christopher Bourque (Marta), Jessica Ginn (James), Loran, Mariah and Justin Keyse, and Danielle Rider; and eight great-grandchildren with another one on the way. 

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in the COVID unit at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans that were on Dad’s care team and a special thank you to Patrick for his great kindness and compassion.  We also want to thank the Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice in Lafayette.

A private graveside service was held on December 14, 2020 at Prien Memorial Park under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  The Rev. Marcus Wade officiated.

Pallbearers were Brad Bourque, Robert Thevenot, Paul Thevenot, Blake Thevenot, Ross Thevenot, and Chase Angelle.  Honorary pallbearers were Jim Keyse and Landon Daughdril.