Mervis Paul Saltzman

Kaplan—A kind and loving heart stopped beating.  Mervis Paul Saltzman, 88, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church.  He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Reverend Mark Miley officiating the services.

Mervis spent his life working hard on his rice farm to provide for his family.  He was a proud rice farmer who loved to work the land, from plowing the fields to planting and harvesting the crop.  He was also an accomplished agricultural pilot for which he took great pride.  A legendary outdoorsman, Mervis made his own handcrafted waterfowl hunting calls. He taught countless hunters from all across the country in the art of duck and goose calling and made many friends through his passion for the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Wilda Saltzman of Gueydan; his daughter, Sherron Saltzman of Kaplan; his six grandchildren, Christopher Potier (Cathy), Gregory Potier, Leslie Campbell (Lance), Kyle Saltzman (Candice), Keith Saltzman (Erin) and Kevin Saltzman (Allison); his 12 great grandchildren; his sister, Grettle Saltzman of Gueydan; his brother, Ted Saltzman of Gueydan; and his daughter-in-law, Delphine Saltzman of Lafayette.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kendall Saltzman; his great grandson, Charlie Saltzman; and his parents, Innes Saltzman and the former Maria Melancon.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Acadiana, especially Whitney Credeur for her exceptional care of Mervis.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 10:00 AM until the procession departs for the church at 1:45 PM with a rosary being prayed at 11:00 AM.