A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to celebrate the life of Donneadieu Christopher Arnaud, Sr., age 66, at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Coteau Holmes. Fr. Bill Melancon, pastor will officiate the service. Following the mass, Don will be laid to rest at St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Evangeline Funeral Home in St. Martinville from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm. The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm, led by Fr. Bill Melancon. The funeral home will reopen at 8:00 am on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, until 9:30 am.
Don, born and raised on the levee, embraced the natural beauty of his surroundings throughout his life. He had a profound love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting squirrels, rabbits, deer, and ducks. As a commercial fisherman, Don also found solace and joy in the waters, cultivating a deep connection with the outdoors.
In addition to his love for nature, Don cherished spending time with his family and friends. Whether on the levee, in the woods, or on the water, he found fulfillment in the company of those he held dear. His warm presence and the camaraderie he shared with loved ones created enduring memories that will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Don was born on June 22, 1957, in Lafayette, LA, to the late Pierre Paul and Genevieve Rita Sedatol Arnaud. He peacefully passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving children, Geneva Arnaud, Tomekia Arnaud and Matt Bourque, Donneadieu Christopher Arnaud, Jr. and Lilah, Cecile Arnaud and Andre’ Arnaud. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren: Pierre Couvillier, Sammy Couvillier, Jr., Kimberly Touchet, Hannah Touchet, Freddie Hayes, Jr., Macy Hayes, Sadie Hayes, Harley Arnaud, Don Arnaud, Paul Provost, Jr., Heidi Provost, Rebecca Arnaud, Alexis Borel, Rylie Bourque and Hunter Bourque. Don leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren, one sister, Virgin Anna Arnaud, and two brothers, Gerard Pierre Arnaud and Andrew James Arnaud.
Don's fondness extended beyond the human realm to his beloved beagle dogs, Suzie and Annie, who brought additional joy and companionship to his life. Their loyalty and playful spirit enriched his days and added a special dimension to his love for the outdoors.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Bonin Arnaud.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Donneadieu Christopher Arnaud, Jr., Andre’ Arnaud, Andrew Arnaud, Paul Provost, Jr., Tony Borel, Jr. and Freddie Hayes, Jr.
Robert Orson, Gerard Arnaud, Matt Bourque, Pierre Couvillier, Sammy Couvillier, Jr., Don Arnaud and Rodney Pesson will be honorary pallbearers.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their condolences with the family by visiting Don’s memorial page at www.evangelinestmartin.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.
