Bernard and Carolyn Prudhomme

Gilbert Bernard Prudhomme departed this world on Tuesday evening, July 29, 2014 in Katy, Texas, to be reunited with his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Pettiss Prudhomme, who passed away on Wednesday morning, August 10, 2011.

Bernard Prudhomme was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 15, 1929, the second son of Philip Walter Prudhomme and Rubye Fike Prudhomme. Carolyn Pettiss Prudhomme was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana on October 4, 1930, the eldest daughter of John Oliver Pettiss and Mary Frances Davis Pettiss. Bernard and Carolyn met as students at Louisiana State University where they both graduated. They married in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 31, 1952. During their 59 years of marriage, Bernard and Carolyn created a life together that was filled with music, love, tears and laughter. Everyone was welcomed in their home and no one was ever a stranger.

Bernard worked for Amoco Oil Company as a District Geologist for over 25 years in New Orleans and Houston before joining Westland Oil and Development in the 1970s.

Bernard had a "larger than life" personality and Carolyn had a quiet nature with a radiant smile. Their lives were filled with devotion and love for each other, and for their 9 children and families. Raising their family in New Orleans and Houston, they enjoyed family celebrations, holidays, summer vacation trips to Michigan, and all of the school, church, sports and theatre activities that their children participated in. They did it all with love, energy, inspiration, discipline, and lots of laughter. Both were active in the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Houston, Texas, with Bernard singing in the choir and Carolyn participating in the Altar Guild. Full of great memories are their children that survive them: Fran Prudhomme (Paul Tovar) of Austin, Tx., Elaine Hoffman (Richard) of Dallas, Tx., Carlton Prudhomme (Cathy) of Katy, Tx., Ellin Gossett (Robert) of Dayton, Tx., Beth Golden (Dale) of Friendswood, Tx., John Prudhomme (Annetta) of Katy, Tx., Thomas Prudhomme (Cece) of Houston, Tx., Emily McCutcheon (Mike) of Flower Mound, Tx., and Lydia Coathup (Rich) of Kingwood, Tx.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother, Wayne Prudhomme. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents. Bernard's brother, Daniel Prudhomme (Jerri) of Tuscaloosa, Ala., survives him. Carolyn's sister, Nina Jo Armstrong (Bob) of Westlake Village, Ca., and her brother, John Pettiss (Ann) of Dunwoody, Ga. survive her. Also, to cherish their memory are 6 granddaughters, 6 grandsons, 1 great granddaughter and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many extended family members and good friends.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all of the caregivers, particularly to Linda Oroxon, who provided many years of devoted care and assistance.

The Visitation will be at Dignity Memorial Katy Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 6th, from 6 pm- 8 pm. The address is 23350 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Tx. 77494.

The Memorial Service will be at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit on Thursday, August 7th, at 11 am. The address is 12535 Perthshire (off of Memorial Drive between Beltway 8 and Gessner) Houston, Tx. 77024. A reception will follow at the church's parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions in their parents' name to The Stratford Playhouse at Stratford High School, 14555 Fern Drive, Houston, Tx 77079. Also contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Society, or any other charitable organization preferred by the donor, in honor of Bernard and Carolyn.