Daniel was born February 18, 1952 in Jennings Louisiana to Ellis Vanicor and Lena Jane Lantz- Vanicor. He was the oldest of 4 children. He graduated from Lacassine High in 1970. He then went to trade school for welding. On June 9, 1973 he married Brenda Comeaux of Bell City. Later, he became the proud father of Michelle Vanicor-Smith, DVM (of Debary, FL) and Bridget Vanicor (of Lacassine, LA). And on October 12, 2000, he became a grandfather to Lylian deVine Smith (of Debary, FL). Daniel was also godfather to many in his family.
Daniel was a true gentleman, who cared deeply about his family, friends and the small community of Lacassine. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help others. He worked with Shell Oil Company for 43 years and during this time was active in the community. Known as the Pitmaster, he was a staple at the Church Bazaar not only running the pits, but many times he would make the pits that provided food to the entire community. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus council #9281, past President of the Optimist club and was a member the Lacassine Volunteer Fire Department. And if you every needed to find Daniel, you would find him at home, practicing his taxidermy or welding on a new project. After his retirement in 2015, he would be found in his shop, doing what he loved, working with his wife and daughter on their home business, Vanicor’s Concrete.
Daniel is survived by his wife Brenda, his daughters Michelle and Bridget, his granddaughter Lylian. He is also survived by his father Ellis, and his siblings Malcom Vanicor (wife Anna of Hathaway, LA), Charlotte Vanicor-Ardoin (husband Billy of Lacassine, LA) and Annette Vanicor DiGiovanni (husband Sean of Lake Charles, LA). He is preceded in death by his mother Lena Vanicor in 2004.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 10:00am with Father Roland Vaughn officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 3:00-9:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm. Visitation will resume on Monday at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh from 8:00am until the procession to the church. Burial will follow at Lacassine Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
