Herman Phillip Chenier Sr.

Herman Phillip Chenier was born 8-13-21 near the beautiful bayous of Lafayette Louisiana. His family lived humbly and endured many hardships during that era. When the great depression hit, Herman was 8 years old. By the age of 13 he helped support his family by driving a pick-up truck to deliver supplies and other necessities, always with a smile and a joke, to his homebound neighbors and others within his community. Even though times were tough, he always found opportunities to lift someone’s spirit or make someone laugh, and truly displayed a genuine compassion for his family and friends.

At age 21 he enlisted into the Army, was promoted to Sergeant, and was stationed in Italy as a communication specialist. Upon his return, he married Iris and made her his wife in 1946. That love story continued for 70 bright years, ending only with her passing in 2016.

One of Dads passions was working and if it involved wood, he was very happy. Herm was a master craftsman with a keen eye for detail and symmetry. He would often critique buildings or other structures that he or his other brothers did not build and point out imperfections or improvements they would have done. Herm loved his work and took great pride in his creations. Our dad commanded much respect on his jobsites. He was well liked and highly sought after for his expertise, and went on to achieve many accomplishments, far beyond his humble beginnings.

Another passion of his was his family. He maintained a close and loving relationship with all of his siblings and their families. Known for his quick wit, sense of humor and compassion, everyone was always happy when Herm was around. Conversations flowed from French to English to French back to English like a beautifully choreographed dance. I know Herm will be fondly remembered for his playful spirit and for the endearing nicknames he bestowed on just about everyone.

Herm was guided by his Faith and always displayed a powerful sense of right and wrong that shaped his impressive character, and was not afraid to defend his beliefs. For his own family, we marveled at his strength, values and integrity. No doubt, he would immediately call you out if you strayed from the straight and narrow and watchfully assured that the corrected path was maintained. He stood solidly and his courage, perseverance, and tenacity were unsurpassed. Herm possessed an infinite amount of wisdom and would produce it just when you needed it the most. That huge heart of his was always full of immense love and pride for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. And we loved him back tenfold. We all have so many wonderful memories and precious stories we hold deeply within our hearts and souls just for Herm. I only wish we could have created more. More importantly we will be forever grateful to have learned from his shining example of a life well lived and for the inspiring role model he was.

Along the way Herm conquered cancer, and later in life, the insipid Alzheimer’s disease and dementia took our father away, but not even that could keep him down. We loved the altered version of the great man we treasured, but longed for the original, sharp, one of a kind, loving and compassionate dad we wanted to keep forever. He passed away peacefully and comfortably at his home surrounded by the love of his family. I am so thankful to have walked this journey with him and consider it an honor and a privilege to have spent the last ten years together. No words can express how much he was loved. No words can express how much he will be missed.

I know there is a big Fais Do Do going on in Heaven and I’m pretty sure I can smell Gumbo too. Mom, Dad and many other family members have been reunited and are celebrating in Gods everlasting love and life. God bless Herm and all, may they rest in eternal peace.