Preston J. P.J. St. Romain, Jr.

Dr. Preston John P.J. St. Romain, Jr, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at his residence in Lake Charles.

Born July 19, 1919, in Welsh, LA, he was a graduate of Louisiana State University earning his B.A. He then graduated Cum Laude from the Loyola University Dental School, later retiring after 40 years of dental service. A World War II and Korean veteran, he was a captain in the Army Dental Corps during those wars. Dr. St. Romain was affiliated with many organizations such as the C. Victor Vignes Honorary Odontological Society, Louisiana Dental Association, Calcasieu Parish Dental Society serving twice as president, and a lifetime member of the Southwest District Dental Association serving as a past president, The American Dental Association, and the Serra Club of Lake Charles serving as a past president. Dr. St. Romain was previously on the staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Christus St. Patrick's Hospital. He was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church previously serving as a past adult alter server, lector and Eucharistic minister. He was a recipient of Papal Honor of Knights of St. Gregory. In addition, he was on the St. Louis High School Board for 10 years, and the parish council for six years. Dr. St. Romain was the chairman during the St. Louis Expansion Drive and served on the Future Retreat Center Financial Committee. He taught C.C.D. to high school students in his home for two years. Dr. St. Romain was a very generous man, having donated his office building to the Good Samaritan Counseling Center of Imperial Calcasieu Parish. At one time, Dr. St. Romain provided dental care for the Boys Village residents and for needy children at the Calcasieu Parish Health Unit. He also, managed his farms, raising trees, crops, cattle and horses. Preceding him in death was his parents, Preston J. St. Romain, Sr. and Cadie Pearl Fontenot St. Romain, three brothers, Phillip, Don, and Chester St. Romain, and one sister, Ruth Stebbins. Dr. P.J. will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

During his life, he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, boat racing, motorcycling and photography. In addition, he was very proud of his home workshop.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Gene Lester St. Romain of Lake Charles; seven children, Preston John St. Romain, III, and wife, Joanie of Lake Charles, Randall James St. Romain and wife, Cathy of Ragley, Susan Marie St. Romain Briggs and husband, John of Lake Charles, David Eugene St. Romain and wife, Linda of Prosper, TX, Bryan James St. Romain and wife, Connie of Sunset, Mary Cadie St. Romain of Nacogdoches, TX, and John Francis St. Romain and wife, Jackie of Lake Charles; 20 grandchildren, Preston St. Romain IV and wife, Katy, Patricia St. Romain Stroderd and husband, Clint, Brady St. Romain and wife, Kena, Jon Paul St. Romain, Angelic Thibodeaux and husband, Tim, Christie St. Romain, Billie Jean St. Romain, Randall St. Romain and wife, Danielle, Sarah Briggs Bell and husband, Wylie, Brian Briggs and wife, Kelly, Libby Guidry and husband, Joey, Anna St. Romain Poole and husband, Jason, Oran St. Romain, Adam St. Romain, Claire St. Romain Bass and husband, Greg, Luke St. Romain, Ashley Still O'Neil and husband, Sean, Seth Still, Cadie St. Romain, and Blake St. Romain; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church on Friday, July 16, 2010. Father T.L. Herlong, Father Jude Halphen, Msgr. James Gaddy, and Deacon George Carr will officiate. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning on Thursday, July 15, 2010, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Friday, July 16, from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. A scripture service followed with a rosary will be prayed Thursday evening at 6 p.m. with Deacon Carr presiding over. Pallbearers will be Dr. P.J.'s five sons, Preston, Randy, David, Bryan, and John St. Romain, and son-in-law, John Briggs. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons present for the service, Preston, Jon Paul, Randall, Oran, Adam, Luke and Blake St. Romain, Brian Briggs, and Seth Still. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Odyssey Hospice or Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church Building Fund.