after a brief illness. Born on June 4, 1933, in Beyrie Sur-Joyeuse, France to Pierre and Catherine
Billet, he was the oldest of three brothers. After serving in the French army for 2 years, including
duty in Germany, Lucien married Jeanne Garacoits in Mendive, France on November 5, 1957.
A month after their marriage, Lucien and Jeanne moved to Bakersfield. They lived at the
Noriega Hotel where Jeanne worked in the kitchen while Lucien worked at the Pyrenees Bakery
for five years. Together, they started a gardening business which Lucien worked at until his
retirement.
In his younger years, Lucien enjoyed fishing and hunting especially with his wife, children, and
friends. He also enjoyed playing handball at the Noriega Hotel and the Kern County Basque
Club where he was an honorary member.
Lucien is survived by his wife of 65yrs, Jeanne; brothers Paul (Yvette) and Jean Baptiste (Maite);
daughter Rochelle M. Billet-Smith; son Eddie (Shannon); grandchildren Joshua , Chelsey
(Joseph), Hayley, Jason, Jenna (Eddie); great grandchildren London, Dalton, Noah, Presley; and
numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, John Scott Smith.
Recitation of the Rosary followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 AM on Tuesday,
December 20, 2022, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father David Lopez
officiating. Internment will follow immediately at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Honorary Pallbearers
are Jose Marie Aziztoy, Jean Pierre Dalia, Benat “Benji” Arduain, Ralph Wenzinger and Mike
Gonzalez.
In lieu of flowers the family requests you donate to a charity of your choice.
