Thursday, January 15, 2026, as the sun was preparing to rise on another of God’s glorious days, Purlis J. Viator, Sr., our rock and the beloved Patriarch of the Viator family, gently closed his eyes to this earthly life and entered into his eternal glory. He was 93 years old.
Purlis was born on January 6, 1933, to the late Sulie Viator and the late Lodo Langlinais Viator. He was one of three children born to that union. Born in Delcambre, Louisiana, he was raised along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi, where he spent most of his younger years and developed a love for fishing and the water. From an early age, Purlis was instilled with the values of hard work, honesty, and kindness toward others—principles that guided him throughout his life.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served aboard a naval destroyer USS Miller DD 535 during the Korean War. During his duty, Purlis was one of the select few to have to be awarded the Round the World award, for circumnavigating both the eastern and western hemisphere. Purlis was also awarded the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (two stars) and National Defense Service Medal.
Purlis began his professional career in the oilfield where he developed a passion for the offshore industry. With the love and unwavering support of his wife, Elda, he ventured into business for himself, founding Purlis J. Viator Boat Rentals, Inc. operating his own offshore vessels. His first inland crew boat, the OJB, Sr., marked the beginning of a highly respected career on the water.
Purlis’ skill and shaped a remarkable career that spanned four decades. His love of the sea and expertise in his field were held in the highest esteem within the oil and gas industry. He was especially proud of earning his 100-ton Master Motor Vessel license, an achievement he renewed each year throughout his career. As the business grew, Purlis recognized the need to expand his fleet and contracted with local boat builder to construct his first custom-built vessel, the Lady Elda. Over the years, he added the Miss Rachel, a 75-foot vessel, followed by the Miss Belinda, the Miss Elda Faye, and later the Miss Skye.
After many years of successfully operating his offshore company, Purlis and Elda retired in 1985. Retirement did not slow him for long, as he briefly operated diving excursions in Freeport, Texas, before retiring fully. Purlis will be remembered for his reputation as a skilled captain and respected businessman.
Beyond his work, Purlis cherished a life devoted to his beloved wife, family, church, and community. He and Elda enjoyed traveling across the United States in their motorhome and taking trips to the casino together. He was privileged to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Holy Land with Elda and his church parish family, a trip that fortified their faith A devoted man of faith, Purlis was an past member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Council 3425 where he was awarded Knight of the Month in June of 1983 and a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. In an effort to deepen his spiritual life, he attended Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat Center and the Cursillo Center in Prairie Ronde, Class 193 strengthening his understanding of Christian truths and his desire to serve the Church.
While we mourn his passing, we rejoice in his glorious ascension into Heaven and his joyful reunion with his beloved wife, his son and daughter, and all who have gone before him. Rest well, Purlis. May your soul, and the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Rachel Viator Sturlese and husband Tony, and Belinda Viator Simon; his grandchildren, Skye Sturlese Fantaci (Matt), Stacey Sturlese Davidson (Spence), Kacie Faye Gray (Brody Patton), and Shawn Kevin Simon; and his precious great-grandchildren, John Tanner Davidson, Charlotte Elizabeth Fantaci, Taylor Marie Davidson, Louis Anthony Fantaci, and Gage Michael Simon.
Purlis is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife of 59 years, Elda Rouly Viator; his children, Elda Faye Viator Gray and Purlis James Viator, Jr.; his parents, Sulie and Lodo Viator; his parents-in-law, Otis and Ozema Rouly; his sons-in-law, Howard Gerard Gray and Glynn Edward Simon; and his siblings, Wildress Viator and wife Gladys, and Nelwyn Viator Bourque and husband Merlin.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Purlis’ life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, with Fr. Keith Landry as celebrant. Following the Mass, Purlis will be laid to rest beside his wife at Holy Family Cemetery, with military honors rendered by the Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday at Evangeline Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. until the 1:30 p.m. dismissal, with the Men’s Rosary Group leading the Rosary at 11:00 a.m.
Serving as pallbearers are Louis Fantaci, Tanner Davidson, Spence Davidson, Matt Fantaci, Brody Patton, Russell Rouly and Hayes Guidry. Honorary pallbearers include Tony Sturlese, Larry Kohnke, Tim Boudreaux, Kenneth Rouly, Mark Rouly, Ron Rouly, Rusty Rouly, Gus Freches, Don Meyers, Kenny Pellerin and his comrades of the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, LA.
The Viator family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the administration and staff of the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, LA, Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary staff and ICU, Southern Grace Hospice and especially to Lauren Richard, Pam Downing and Tina Partin for their undying love and friendship to Purlis while in their care. You are all greatly appreciated.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the Viator family by visiting Purlis’ memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
