Wilton Joseph Lene'

January 12, 1918 — July 27, 2013

"Once a Marine, Always a Marine"

Abbeville—Funeral services will be held Monday, July 29, 2013 at a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Wilton Joseph Lene', 95, who died Saturday, July 27, 2013 at his residence.

Readers will be Sloane Arena and Caroline Buchanan. Gift bearers will be Ellen Lebouef and Lilah Jeanmard. Johnny Luquette will sing; Amazing Grace, Old Rugged Cross, Here I Am Lord, Battle Hymn of Republic.

He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Father Neil Pettit officiating the services.

Pallbearers will be Brett Buchanan, Blaine Dugas, Slade Arena, Leighton Rabalais, Ashton Rabalais and Ryan Rabalais. Honorary pallbearers will be John T. Landry, Glenn Suire, Ray Domingues, Larry Denais, Jimmy Dardeau and Shay Lebouef.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Eula Choate Lene'; daughter Phyllis Lene' Buchanan and her husband James Buchanan of Lafayette; a sister, Willa Mae Brasseaux; five grandchildren, Christie Buchanan Jeanmard and husband Jim of Lafayette, Brett Reed Buchanan and wife Cindy of Tomball, TX., Blaine Dugas and wife Tia of Pensacola FL., Jill Rabalais and husband Ryan of Abbeville and Joy Lebouef and husband Spencer of Abbeville; twelve loving great grandchildren, Sloane and Slade Arena, Lilah Jeanmard, Caroline, Lauren and Carter Buchanan, Leighton and Ashton Rabalais, Skylar and Ava Dugas, and Shay and Ellen Lebouef; and son-n-law Gerald Gastal.

He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Denise Lene' Gastal and his parents, Eloi Lene' and the former Annice Lebouef.

A long time resident of Abbeville, Wilton proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific in Guam and Okinawa during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion, Cattleman’s Association, Foreign Legion and Marine Corps League. He worked for Nettles Chevrolet and Ray Chevrolet for 55 years, retiring as an accountant and office manager. He attended Perry Grade School, Abbeville High School and Chenier Business College in Beaumont, TX.

He worked out at Fitness and Wellness Health Club until a few months before his death, where his stamina and perseverance was admired by all.

He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren and great grandchildren for the many rides on the lawn mower, pairs of rubber boots, trips to Burger Chef, doughnuts and Icees bought over the years. He will also be remembered for his abundance of oranges which he graciously gave away. He loved Sunday lunches with his family.

He will also be remembered by all for his never ending patience, his sunny disposition, his love of children, his witty ability to tell stories and his hatred for sweet potatoes. He truly was a special and very unique man.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to John T. Landry for the trip of a lifetime taking him to the WWII museum in Washington D.C. Thanks to Glenn Suire for all his help with the marine Corps League, and to all his friends who visited when he was ill. The family would also like to thank Sally and Joann with Hospice of Acadiana.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles Street, on Sunday, July 28, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:30 p.m.; a Eulogy will be given after the rosary by Glenn Suire. Brittlyn Thibodeaux will sing a musical selection after the rosary; Monday July 29, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. when the procession will depart for the church.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be sent to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital or a charity of your choice.

"Semper Fidelis"

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Wilton Joseph Lene'

January 12, 1918 — July 27, 2013

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