Cover photo for Tonice Lafleur's Obituary
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1918 Tonice 2013

Tonice Lafleur

April 20, 1918 — August 19, 2013

Tonice LaFleur, 95, of Lake Charles, LA died at 12:15 PM on Monday, August 19, 2013 in a local nursing facility.

Mr. LaFleur was born April 20, 1918 near Duralde and Oberlin, LA by the banks of the Bayou Nezpique. At age seven he was nearly fatally injured when a horse kicked him between the eyes. He always attributed the prayers and loving care of his mother and family for saving his life and bringing him back to health after two years of recuperation. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. In 1948 he moved his wife and three children from Basile, LA to Lake Charles, LA where he resided for the rest of his life. Working as a carpenter he eventually became a successful building contractor and built many homes in the Lake area and the nursing home in Basile, LA.

From the age of 14 he began playing guitar in Cajun bands at local dances in southwest Louisiana with J.B. Fuselier and later Chuck Guillory. In 1998 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Cajun French Music Association (Lake Charles chapter). For many years his band, the Old Timers' Cajun Band, performed for dances and entertainment at nursing homes. He later played guitar with The Goldenaires. Twice he performed with his friend the Cajun fiddler, Wilson Granger, at the Liberty Theater in Eunice, LA. Tonice was also well known for his train whistle.

Mr. LaFleur was a Fourth Degree Knight, St. Margaret Council 3208 Knights of Columbus. He served for many years as an usher at St. Margaret's Catholic Church. He also attended quarterly masses for children in need at St. Louis Catholic High School. While a resident of Villa Marie, upon Rev. T.L. Herlong's request, he devoutly served as sacristan and altar server for the masses held there. Along with his deep Catholic faith was his love of not only family, but all people he knew. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew him as Paw Paw Fleur.

Mr. LaFleur is survived by: his brother, Harry LaFleur (of Eunice, LA); his daughter, Gwen LaFleur Taylor; and his son and daughter-in-law, Farnell and Dawn LaFleur, along with eleven grandchildren, and twenty-three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his wife of 62 years, Mavie Fruge LaFleur; his parents, Johnnie and Denege (Fontenot) LaFleur; his sisters Vinus LaFleur Bertrand and Lou LaFleur Latiolais; his brothers, Armand LaFleur and Allie LaFleur; his son, Collins Dwayne LaFleur; his son-in-law, Douglas Taylor; and his great grandson, Matthew Ivan Taylor.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Father Jeffery Starkovich will officiate. Father Kevin Badeaux of the Beaumont diocese will concelebrate. Interment will be in Consolata Cemetery. A reception in honor and memory of Mr. LaFleur will follow from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Life Center in the activity room. Visitation Wednesday will be from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation Thursday will be from 8:00 AM until 9:30 PM in the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Autism Society of Lake Charles, 945 Tanglewood Drive, Lake Charles 70611.

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