Ovide "Oppie" Chenier III

Oppie is survived by his beloved companion, Kristin Chenier; his cherished daughter, Evelyn Chenier; his loving mother, Audrey Dingess; his sisters, Sharon Botticelli, Tanya Simoneaux, and Sheena Anders; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ovide "Butch" Chenier Jr., whose memory he carried with him throughout his life.

Some people spend their lives running from danger. Oppie spent his running toward it.

As a proud firefighter with the St. John Parish Fire Department, he dedicated his life to protecting his community. He answered every call with courage, selflessness, and quiet determination, never seeking recognition, only the opportunity to help others. His commitment to serving those in need was not simply a career. It was a reflection of the man he was.

Behind the uniform was a man whose greatest joy came from the people he loved. Oppie was a devoted father, a loving son, a loyal brother, a proud uncle, and a steadfast friend. He was the family member everyone could count on and the friend who was always there when he was needed, the one who showed up, lent a hand, shared a laugh, and made every gathering brighter simply by being there.

Anyone who knew Oppie knew that while he had one of the biggest hearts imaginable, he also had a mischievous streak that kept everyone smiling. He loved to joke, tease, and make people laugh, reminding those around him not to take life too seriously. His sense of humor, paired with his genuine compassion, made him someone people were naturally drawn to.

When he wasn't serving his community, Oppie found peace in the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or in the kitchen preparing a meal for the people he loved, he cherished every opportunity to enjoy God's creation and make memories with family and friends.

His legacy is measured not only by the lives he helped save as a firefighter, but by the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, loyalty, and love.

Though his final call came on July 16, 2026, his watch will never truly end. His courage lives on in those who served beside him. His love lives on in his family. His laughter echoes in the stories shared by friends. And his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Relatives and friends are invited to St. John the Baptist Parish Community Center in LaPlace on Friday, July 24, 2026, for visitation and funeral services. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at St. John Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. John Firefighters Association, Local 4784 are graciously accepted.

Oppie will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

End of Watch: July 16, 2026.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." — John 15:13