Philip J. Zaunbrecher

Philip Joseph Zaunbrecher, 88, of Hayes passed away, Friday, September 3, 2010, in his residence.

A Gueydan native, he lived in Hayes since 1954 and was a retired rice and soybean farmer. He was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, and he served as a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus - Council 3048. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II, serving in the 451st Bomber Group, and was one of the original members of the 15th Air Force. During his service, he spent 14 months in Stalag Luft 1 POW camp in Barth, Germany.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Helen Toups Zaunbrecher. Survivors include two daughters Cynthia Z. Nunez, wife of the late Gregory A. Nunez of Bell City, and Stephanie Z. Lorenzi, wife of Thomas Lorenzi of Lake Charles; two sons Damian Zaunbrecher and wife June of Bell City, and Mark Zaunbrecher and wife Alicia of Hayes; 11 grandchildren Sara N. Doyle, Bronwen N. Freeman, Lauren Nunez, Daniel Lorenzi, Therese Z. White, Philip J. Zaunbrecher II, Jessalyn Z. Johnson, Damian Kyle Zaunbrecher, Erica Z. Granger, Bennett Zaunbrecher and Conrad Zaunbrecher; and 13 great-grandchildren.

His Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, September 6, 2010 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bell City. Reverend Augustine Mulanjanany will officiate. Burial will be in DeRouen-Lorrain Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Sunday, with a rosary at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Monday, in the funeral home.