Gerard Arthur Becnel, 92, a native of Vacherie, La., and a resident of Lake Charles, died at a local hospital on July 16, 2020, following a brief illness. He was affectionately known to his family and friends as either Jerry or Arthur.
Jerry was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Dorothy Mary McArthur Becnel; his second wife, Marie Aimée Waguespack Becnel Becnel; son, Karl A. Becnel; parents, Ernest Francois Antoine Becnel, Sr., and Anna Laurent Becnel; brothers, Francois Joseph Becnel and Ernest Antoine Becnel, Jr., and sister, Nellie Ann Becnel.
Survivors include his children and their spouses, David M. Becnel of Iowa, La., Stephen T. Becnel, (Donna) of Lake Charles; Karen M. Rust (Eric) of Waco, Texas, and Miriam E. Goza (Michael) of Magnolia, Texas; daughter-in-law, Jean Thornton Becnel of Moss Bluff; the children and spouses of his second wife, Charlotte Becnel Delatte (Bruce) and Donald Becnel (Karen) of Vacherie, La., Lisa Becnel Boudreaux (Brian) of Sulphur, La., Dr. Louise Becnel (Brad Fontenot) of Carlyss, La., and Yvonne Becnel Madere (Ronald) of Mandeville, La.; eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
After high school graduation at age 16, Jerry attended Louisiana State University until he joined the U. S. Navy at age 17, where he served until the end of World War II. He then returned to LSU and graduated in 1949. He began his career teaching math and science at LaGrange Junior High School and then LaGrange Senior High before entering the business world. He was a retired customhouse broker and foreign freight forwarding agent, operating his businesses (H. S. Thielen, Inc., and later, G. A. Becnel, Inc.) at the Port of Lake Charles, for many years.
His interests and hobbies included genealogy, the history and culture of the river parishes between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, computers, model railroading and travel. After retirement he began sailing, took flying lessons, and wrote and published a book, among many other endeavors. During his lifetime, he was an honorable businessman, a devoted and generous father and grandfather, and a compassionate community member.
Jerry was a member of Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church in Lake Charles, a life member of the Knights of Columbus, a life member of the Lake Charles Yacht Club, and a member of several historical, genealogical, civic and social organizations.
Funeral services are under the direction of Hixon Funeral Home and will be held at Immaculate Conception Cathedral at 10 AM on Friday, July 24, 2020 with visitation at the Cathedral beginning at 9 AM. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens following the funeral services. Visitation will also be held at the funeral home from 6:30 until 8 PM Thursday, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30.
The family wishes to especially thank Dr. Mir Akbar Khan and Dr. Louise Becnel and the compassionate and caring staff of the Lake Charles Memorial Medical Group and the Gardens Assisted Living Center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
