Zoda Joseph Bourque

NEW IBERIA – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mr. Zoda Joseph Bourque, age 92, at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at St. Marcellus Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Broussard officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Monday with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. The funeral home will reopen at 8:00 am on Tuesday until service time.

Mass readings will be read by Lacy Touchet and Hayley Simon. Gift bearers will be Laci, Audrey, and Ava. Altar servers will be granddaughters, Molly and Emma. Musical selections will be performed by grandson, Kevin Simon, Jr.

A native and resident of New Iberia, Zoda passed away at 1:11 pm on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Heart Hospital of Lafayette surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 22, 1924 to the late Leonice and Edolia Romero Bourque, Zoda was one of nine children. He grew up living at John Lewis Plantation in Patoutville with his family until making his own way in the world. In his younger days, Zoda held various jobs ranging from a cab driver to working at Pelican Creamery. He later went on to work in the oil field as a drill operator. In 1954, Zoda and his wife Gertrude opened up Hopkins St. Canal Service Station, which he owned and operated for over twenty years before finally retiring in at the age of 56 in 1979.

Zoda was a man of many passions. He spent his younger days fishing, trolling, bowling, and rabbit hunting. Zoda was affectionately known for his love of dancing, especially with his special companion, Margie, at Smiley’s Night Club. He had a joy of rooster fighting, cooking, gardening, and celebrating holidays with his family. Zoda was always looking forward to and planning for his next birthday party. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he will be truly and deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his companion, Margarine Courville; children, Kenneth Bourque and wife Patsy of Youngsville, Felix “Butch” Bourque and wife Sabrina of Lydia, Zoda “Pat” Bourque and with Cindy of New Iberia, Peggy Touchet and husband Ronald “RT” of New Iberia, and Missy B. Simon and companion Chris Slaughter of New Iberia; son-in-law, Kevin Simon; sisters, Helen Worley, Edith “Meme” Dooley, and Lucy “Toot” Pete; sisters-in-law, Peggy Falgout and husband Robert and Jenny Bourgeois; grandchildren, Craig, Amy, Jason, Ricky, Bobby, Cody, Jory, Vicki, Zoda II, Ronald “RP”, Lacy, Kevin Jr., Hayley, Barry, Stacey, and Keisha; great grandchildren, Kendra, Jared, Grant, Holden, Cody, Kasey, Brandon, Courtney, Kellen, Rebecca, Beau, Maddison, Haigan, Chase, Joshua, Madison, Jordyn, Raelyn, Molly, Emma, Audrey, Kevin III., and Ava; great great grandchildren, Maddox, Cooper, Kinsley, Abigail, Austin, and Shalin; and a beloved dog, Baby, who he loved the most.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Gertrude Broussard Bourque; parents, Leonice and Edolia Romero Bourque; brothers, Robert Bourque, Wesley Bourque, Rinaud Bourque, and Joseph Bourque; sister, Judith Berard; and grandchild, Kaki Touchet.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Falgout, RP Touchet, RT Touchet, Chris Slaughter, Zoda “Patrick” Bourque, Felix “Butch” Bourque, Kenneth Bourque, and Zoda Patrick Bourque, II.

Honorary pallbearers will be Audie Broussard, Kevin Simon, and Kevin Simon, Jr.

To view on-line obituary, video tribute and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.

Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.