William W. Verzwyvelt

He is survived by his spouse of 45 years, Barbara Frankie Verzwyvelt of Bossier City, La, their three children, Steven Verzwyvelt, Keith Verzwyvelt and Kristin Verzwyvelt Saenz, her spouse Humberto Saenz, grandson Humberto Ethan Saenz and granddaughter Kaitlyn Saenz, sisters Beverly Matte, Mary Chicola, Florence Roberts, Nancy LaPrarie, Isabelle Cataldie, Jeanie McCowen, Katherine Verzwyvelt and brothers, Robert, Daniel, Lawrence, Thomas Verzwyvelt and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Frances J. and Hattie Gastrel Verzwyvelt, son William Brian Verzwyvelt, and brothers Frances J Verzwyvelt II and David S. Verzwyvelt.

Mr. Verzwyvelt grew up in Alexandria, La. where he graduated from Bolton High School in 1960 and attended LSUA after working at various jobs. He transferred to LSU in Baton Rouge and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering putting himself through school working full and part time including a stint with Kerr McGee Offshore. William and Barbara married in their senior year at LSU and on graduation in 1968 they moved to Lafayette. La. where he went to work for Sunray DX Oil Company. He drilled oil and gas wells in Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma and designed a gas treatment plant in La. In 1973 he went to work for Amarada Hess in Lafayette, La. Thereafter he was transferred to Seminole and Brownfield, Texas. In 1975 he decided to move his family there and went to work for Texas Oil and Gas Company in 1975. He later took an opportunity to work for Peter Fluor at Texas Crude Oil Company. During his tenure there he drilled oil and gas wells and became an expert witness for disputes, testifying many times in Austin Texas at the Railroad Commission. He also obtained his Licensed Petroleum Engineering Certification from the State of Texas. Mr. Verzwyvelt was well respected in the oil and gas industry for his honesty and expertise.

He was a dedicated father and husband, attending many athletic and other activities of his sons and daughter. He enjoyed going hunting, fishing and gardening. When his oldest son W. Brian was critically injured in an automobile accident at 17, he was a dedicated caretaker along with his wife, keeping him at home for 25 years until Brian’s demise from his injuries. He never flinched from a challenge and was admired by his extended family and many friends. A year after his son’s accident in 1986, William was injured in a career ending accident at one of the Texas Crude well locations in east Texas. His health never totally returned, but with what strength he had he helped to take care of his injured son and the rest of his family. During his final years his two grandchildren brought him unending joy. What he accomplished throughout his life and the love he gave to his family will serve him well when meeting his maker. He will be so sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home in Haughton/Bossier City, LA. On Friday Aug 24, at 5-7 p.m. with his funeral at the same location on Saturday Aug. 25 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow with internment next to his son W. Brian Verzwyvelt.

Pallbearers are Steven Verzwyvelt, Lawrence P. Verzwyvelt, Lawrence P. Verzwyvelt II, Roland Matte II, David S. Verzwyvelt and David S. Verzwyvelt II. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Verzwyvelt , Dan Verzwyvelt and Tom Verzwyvelt and Keith Verzwyvelt.

The family is in deep gratitude to Dr. Stanley Dutchman and the extended staff at Methodist Hospital for the fine care and concern shown to Mr. Verzwyvelt.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.