He was born in Ville Platte and spent his early years there before moving to Eunice in 1954 with his mom and dad. Pat enrolled in and graduated from St. Edmund’s High School in Eunice where he lettered in all sports, football, track, basketball and boxing. Because of his outstanding athleticism, during the graduating ceremonies, he was the recipient of the school’s award as the outstanding athlete. Pat was particularly remembered for his boxing skills as a Louisiana State Champion and an elite member of the Louisiana State Boxing Hall of Fame. Pat was employed at Pittsburgh Plate Glass for 40 years when he retired. He was an avid sportsman and loved to hunt and fish as well as spend time at his camp on Bundick’s Lake.
He was preceded in death by the “love of his life”, his wife, Thelma C. Soileau; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Cormier; son, Donald Latham; brother, Rudy Soileau and his parents, Wallace and Zetta Soileau.
Pat is survived by his daughter, Angela Wilks and her husband Eddie as well as their children, Jennifer and Tracy and their grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to St. Edmund’s School (gym restoration), 351 W. Magnolia, Eunice, LA 70535 or charity of your choice.
Pat would particularly like to express his appreciation for the care and kindness of all his neighbors, especially, Reggie and Mary Landry and for the at home caretakers, Teresa, Ann, Tessa, Rhonda, Briana and Bubba and also Amedisys Hospice.
Services will be Thursday, April 1, 2021, 11:00 am at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of service at the funeral Home. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
