Wilson Orphe

Wilson Orphe was the first of five children born to the late Robert and Cora S. Orphe.  After serving in the U.S. Army in the Korean War, Wilson married the late Lois Maxine Orphe.  The couple became longtime residents of Lake Charles, LA, where they reared their two children; Cora Orphe-Harris, MD, who married Tobey Harris, MD and Dorothy C. Orphe.  They celebrated 43 years together until Lois’s passing in 2002.

In 2010, Mr. Orphe married Mary Monsanto-Orphe, adding more children, Sheila Monsanto and John Monsanto and his wife, Sherry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Emily and John McCoy of St. Martinville, LA and Emiree and Samuel Dominick of New Iberia, LA; brother, Robert Orphe, Jr. of Houston, TX; and his brother-in-law, Mark Richard of Norfolk, VA.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary; his sister, Bertha Richard of Norfolk, VA; sister-in-law, Anna Orphe of Houston, TX; his children; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

 Mr. Orphe attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette), where he joined the Army ROTC.  After the war, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree and began his long career teaching math and science in the Calcasieu Parish School System at Mossville and Westlake High Schools.  He continued to serve as an officer of the United States Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Colonel.

Mr. Orphe was an active member of St Margaret Church.  He served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 3208 and Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree.  He was an active member of VFW Post 2130.

Mr. Orphe’s Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at St. Margaret Catholic Church, 2500 Enterprise Blvd, Lake Charles, LA.  Father Aubrey Guilbeau presiding.  Family visitation will be at the church form 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, with general visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with a Rosary said at 12:30 PM.