My beloved husband, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John Clelon (J.C.) Cormier, 94, completed his earthly mission and passed into eternal rest on February 5, 2015 at the family home he built surrounded by his wife, children and loving caregiver.
J.C. grew up on a family farm in Evangeline parish with 12 siblings. He loved his Cajun French culture including singing Cajun songs and playing his accordion. He never turned down his darling wife’s request to play her favorite song, “J’ai Passe Devant Ta Porte,” on his accordion. Sometimes they sang Cajun songs at breakfast. As a young man he played at Cajun house parties and night clubs.
He developed master story telling skills and wit from a life-time of experiences: building community development projects with other young men in the Civilian Conservation Corps; WWII veteran, U.S. Army; carpenter and contractor, owner of Cormier Construction; finally, working on the USS Kidd for 20 years until he was 90 years old.
He and his wife, Marie, were members of St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church and St. Charles Borromeo where he ushered and was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 3331. After Hurricane Katrina, he and his wife housed the displaced nuns from the New Orleans Sisters of Christian Charity convent of which their youngest daughter is a member.
He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 70 years, the former Marie Louise Francois of Church Point and his 8 children (with spouses): Patrick and Cindy Cormier, Judith Cormier, Yvonne and Ronnie Bailey, Paul Douglas Cormier, Terry and Melanie Cormier, Debra Ann Cormier, Sister Monica Cormier, Timothy and Melissa Cormier. He leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, and one on the way, all of whom delighted him. His surviving siblings (and spouses) are Herman Cormier of Baton Rouge, Nathan and Jenora Cormier of Iowa, Esther Prather and Kelly and Elaine Cormier of Opelousas.
He was preceded in death by his parents Treville and Ernestine Colligan Cormier; his stepmother, Devine Daigle Cormier; 8 siblings: Tula Bourgeois, Faye Comeaux, (R.S.) Cormier, Mervin Cormier, Mae Lejeune, Hilman Cormier, Huey Cormier and Melba Blanchard.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visitation at St. Gerard Majella Church from 12:00 PM until the Mass begins at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. At his request, grandsons will serve as his pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capital Area Alzheimer’s Association and the Wounded Warriors Project. Heartfelt thanks to his personal caregiver, Darleen Rayburn and to the incredible staff of Hospice In His Care, with special recognition of Pierre, Brenda, Charlotte, Denise and Christa (his granddaughter). Online condolences may be placed at www.greenoaksfunerals.com.
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