It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the Sanford family announce the passing of our beloved patriarch and rock of the family, Wilmer Lewis Sanford, who passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 80 years old.
Wilmer, lovingly known as “WL” to family and friends, and “Paw” to his grandchildren, was born May 27, 1945, in Seminary, Mississippi, to the late Wilmer Sanford and the late Mary Lott Sanford, and was one of five sons born to that union. From a very early age, WL was taught the value of hard work, honesty, and kindness to others—traits he carried with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Wilmer harvested vegetables, worked in poultry plants, and milked cows for the local dairy—often before heading to school. He never complained and developed a love for work, knowing it would build a better future. After graduating from Seminary High School, where he played football, Wilmer learned the trade of welding—a skill that would sustain him and his family for a lifetime.
On a chance night out at Rig 22 in New Iberia, Wilmer met the love of his life, Jeanette Armentor Bourque, a widow. What began as a friendship soon blossomed into a beautiful romance that led them to holy matrimony. They were married at Iberia Medical Center after Wilmer had a heart attack, with the nurses in ICU hosting a reception for the newlyweds. Jeanette fondly shared how loving and caring Wilmer was to her throughout their 40 years together. He was a true gentleman who always opened her car door and provided for her every desire. It was, indeed, a true love story.
Throughout his career, Wilmer worked with various fabrication companies, lending his expertise and skill to bring projects together. He worked with Chicago Bridge and Iron for over 35 years and also with Seacon and Global Divers as an underwater welder. A man without fear and with an unmatched work ethic, no job was too big or risky. He worked at great heights building water towers, tanks and working mere feet from nuclear cores at numerous nuclear plants including the one in St. Francisville. One of the greatest joys of his career was being able to take his beloved wife along for the journey. Together, they purchased a camper and traveled all over the United States from jobsite to jobsite. They made each stop—no matter how humble—an adventure, and after 20 years on the road, they retired to their beloved Louisiana.
Outside of work, Wilmer kept busy around the house. Jeanette’s barn soon became WL’s man cave, where he kept all his tools and materials for crafting. He was not only a skilled welder but also a talented woodworker. His children fondly remember the birdhouses and other projects he made for his family. Among his most prized possessions was his Gravely mower—he loved to cut grass and could be found mowing from sunup to sundown, finding peace and relaxation in the task.
Wilmer also enjoyed cooking, staying healthy, spending time with his family, and classic cars. Jeanette shared that, despite being a Mississippi native, he could boil the best crawfish around and was an excellent cook. He and Jeanette loved taking drives through the countryside in his 2002 Ford Thunderbird convertible, one of his favorite pastimes.
Above all of Wilmer’s accomplishments and hobbies, none were more important to him than his family. This strong and steadfast man, though grand in stature, was gentle and caring with those he loved. He always put his family’s needs before his own and did so with pride and joy.
Although we will miss him dearly, we find comfort in knowing that his illness is no more and he now rests in eternal peace. We hold to our faith that one day we will be reunited with him in Heaven. Until then—rest well, thy good and faithful servant. We love you.
Those left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are his wife and best friend of 40 years, Jeanette Armentor Sanford; his children, Nikki Schutt (Melynda Forsythe), Kimberly Cruthirds (Randy), Cherilyn Sanford, Dina Trim, and Kenneth “George” Bourque (Debbie); 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Willis “Pop” Sanford; and his faithful dogs, Sassy, his faithful little chihuahua; and Zeke, his big loving labrador.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Bourque, Sr.; his daughter, Diane B. Phillips; his grandson, Gabriel Phillips; and his brothers, J.C. Sanford, David Sanford, and Steve Sanford.
A celebration of Wilmer’s life will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with Deacon Keith Duhon officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Holy Family Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the Men’s Rosary Group leading the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Visiting hours will resume on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until service time.
Serving as pallbearers are Michael Bourque, Jayce Bourque, Dylan Trim, Tyler Cruthirds, Andrew Roach, and Sean Schutt. Honorary pallbearers are Dawson Montalvo, Zachary Noel, Logan Noel, Sidney Wheat, Shane Bodin, and Brett Bourque.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting Wilmer’s memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
