John enjoyed working, being with family (especially the kids), reading, collecting movies, history, and puzzle games. He never stopped smiling, joking around, and making the people around him happy. John will be fondly remembered as a family man, an active member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors where he was an usher, a catechist, and was involved with the RCIA program, a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, a member of the faith renewal family, a participant of the Cursillo, a carpenter, a servant of his community, and an all around good man. He will be dearly missed.
John was the husband of Mona "Mo" Oliver of Welsh, father in love of Alex (Kellie) Roach of Jennings and James (Brent) Roach of Roanoke, grandfather in love of Elizabeth, Morgan, and Jordan Wirtz, brother of Cheryl (Jim) Fontenot of Welsh, Michael (Lisa) Oliver of Youngsville, and Lottie (Larry) Gass of Kinder. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, and his dog Zoey.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Marie Oliver and his niece and godchild, Anne Marie Istre.
Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 4:00pm until 9:00pm, with a prayer led by Deacon Wayne Chapman at 5:40pm. A Rosary will follow at 6:00pm, led by the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date privately due to the corona virus. Father Alan Trouille will officiate. His final resting place will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Welsh under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Alex Roach, Colby Wayne Badon, Wendell Fontenot, Cleaton Leger, Jim Fontenot, and Eric Fontenot. Honorary pallbearers will be Corbin Badon, Mark Istre, Isaac Istre, and Floyd Istre.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonwelsh.com.