Edward Lee Bougere Sr.

Edward Lee Bougere, Sr. was born January 22, 1917 in the city of Napoleonville, Louisiana to the union of Mary and Alcede Bougere. He was the oldest of five siblings. He married his teenage sweetheart, Loretta Johnson, in 1940 where they brought seven children into their union. Edward Sr. served in the United States Army from 1945 through 1947 with an honorable discharge. He relocated his family to California in 1952 where he dutifully nurtured his children. He was adamant about his family attending Mass every Sunday, they would all climb up in his old Nash station wagon and off they go. After Mass he would take the family out to eat at “Clifton’s Cafeteria” or “Chicken Boys” in downtown Los Angeles. He celebrated the holidays by cooking for his family and friends. A major family for his children and his children’s friends was a day at “The Pike” in Long Beach. He was a great father who ensured his children always had plenty to eat, as well as others in the neighborhood, or anyone that told him they were hungry. He worked as a chef also in a bakery in Napoleonville. He shared a kitchen with his daughters on holidays, and of course he taught them how to make “Gumbo”. Yum!

Edward Sr. was employed at Rockwell (Boeing) for 35 years as an Oiler. He was active in the Veteran’s American Legion, Post # 252. Edward Sr. was a die-hard Dodger and Lakers fan and loved western cowboy movies, “shoot um ups.” Well, I don’t have to tell you about the music, because we all know that, right? His favorite song was “Got to give it up” by Marvin Gaye.

He Attended Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church until he was unable to drive but he loved to attend St. Eugene’s with his daughter Frenzella. Edward St. was always smiling and joyful, he never met a stranger. He was best known for his dancing. He loved to dance and attended many of St. Eugene’s Jazz Concerts and social events.

His son Edward Jr. introduced him to Ora Lee Montgomery better known as (Bomont), which we pronounced “Booma” They shared companionship for many wonderful years, and the whole family loved her. She preceded him in death in March 2015. So I guess they said, “come let’s go show St. Peter how to do the electric slide.”

The love of the Lord remains strong and steadfast in the Bougere family. He leaves cherished memories to his one surviving sister, Molly Skidmore, his children Frenzella Lewis (Hawthorne, CA) Humphrey Bougere (Hawthorne, CA) Vyron Bougere (Nedra) (San Bernardino, CA) Vanessa Smith (Sierra Vista, AZ) De Landa Bougere (Stockton, CA)

Edward Bougere Jr. (Joycelyn) (Gardena, CA), Romalis Bougere (Stockton, CA), Bernadine Patterson and Shirley Chatters; 23 Grandchildren, 29 Great-Grandchildren, one Great-Great Grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, Linda Cooley and family; Wanda Ragley a dear friend and caregiver; Gertie, he treated like a daughter and she called him Paw-Pee; Jean he loved her dearly and many, many friends.

Those who preceded him in death were his parents Mary and Alcede Bougere, His beautiful wife Loretta Bougere; brothers Norman, Matt and Wilson Bougere and sister Augustine.

“IF I COULD ONLY DANCE WITH MY FATHER AGAIN”

WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS YOU DAD

Arrangements under the direction of Holy Cross Mortuary, Culver City, CA.