Joseph Sonnier

Dr. Sonnier was a native and lifelong resident of Sulphur. He served during World War II in the Army Air Force, stationed in London as a Top-gunner and Navigator in B-17's and B-25's. After the war, he received his B.S. from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1950 and married his sweetheart, Betty in 1951. He then received his B.A. from McNeese State University in 1961, his M.Ed. from the University of Mississippi in 1961, his A.M.Ed. from the University of Mississippi in 1966, his D.Ed. from McNeese State University in 1970, and his M.Ed. from McNeese State University in 1974. He worked from 1956-1974 for the Cameron Parish School Board, serving as Principal for 9 years, and also Coach, Teacher, Elementary Counselor, and Remedial Reading Teacher. He worked in Parochial Schools from 1974-1983. Dr. Sonnier was a member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. His associations include Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi (Past President), Association of Childhood Education International, Louisiana Teachers Association (State Committee), Cameron Parish Teachers Association (Past President), Lions Club (Past President), Toastmasters International, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Boy Scouts of America (Assistant Scoutmaster, Institutional Representative). He enjoyed woodworking, barbecuing, and watching the New Orleans Saints.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Betty Andrepont Sonnier; three children, Kirk Sonnier, Gil Sonnier and wife, Rita, and Rebecca Johnson, all of Sulphur; his sister, Marie Trahan of Ragley; six grandchildren, Damian Brock, Clint Brock, Brandon Broussard, Brent Sonnier, Lucas Sonnier, and Samantha Sonnier; and great-grandson, J.J. Sonnier. He is preceded in death by a son, Damien Kent Sonnier; and his parents, Clint and Mary Sonnier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. The Rev. Edward Richard, MS will officiate. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday with a rosary service at 6 p.m. and will resume at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.