He was born to his late parents, Louis Vassal and Eva Bourgeouis in Welsh, LA on April 2, 1923. He was a carpenter his entire life. He knew he wanted to be a carpenter from a very young age. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and grew up trapping coons and catching frogs for money. He was a successful building contractor for over 40 years. In his spare time he began making violins and also designed his version of a dugout pirogue. After retirement, he was involved in a lot of woodworking projects, and loved his garden, where he grew muscadines and made homemade wine. Rene enjoyed listening to his French music, conversing in French, and loved to dance. He was a very loving and caring person, and he will be missed by all.
He is survived by his two sons, Randall Louis VaSalle and wife Barbara of Welsh, Renell VaSalle and wife Lisa of Lake Charles; one daughter, Renee Bailey and husband Bobby of Deatonville, LA; six grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Rene is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Jeanne Marie VaSalle; his parents; one brother, Colin Vassal; five sisters, Lula Bertrand, Lena Guillory, Duce Ringuet, Olga Bouvier, and Beulah Williams.
A Graveside Service will be held at DeRouen Cemetery on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at 10:00am with Father Rojo Koonathan officiating. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
