Willie Joseph Hymel, Jr.

Abbeville—Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Willie Joseph Hymel Jr., 80, who died Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.  He will be laid to rest at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 1610 Evangeline Road Jennings, LA 70546 at 1:30 PM with military honors, Pastor Richard Meche will be officiating the services. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Gerald Gaspard, Morris Hymel, Lee Weaver, Vic Anders, Glen Suire and Billie Hymel.

Willie Joseph Hymel, Jr. left this earth to be with his Heavenly father September 28, 2023, at the age of 80. He was born in Hahnville, Louisiana on April 23, 1943, to parents Willie J. Hymel, Sr. and Josepha Brady Hymel; brother Morris P. Hymel, Sr. (his wife Shelia); and sister, Nellie A. Hymel; and many nieces and nephews.

Willie joined the United States Marines right after high school graduation and toured the world. He served with the Louisiana National Guard for 22 years and earned the designation of Sergeant Major. During his years of service, Willie earned numerous accommodations for serving his country.

Willie moved to Lafayette with his family for a new career in construction for Brown and Root and later with Bohea Brothers throughout the state of Louisiana.

He was an active member of American Legion Post 29 in Abbeville for 30 plus years, serving in the capacity of Commander for 17 years. In 2023 he was presented the American Legion Post 29 “Lifetime Achievement Award". He is the only member to have ever received this award. Will was always available for any Veteran needing guidance with their VA benefits.

Will and his wife, Patty enjoyed traveling with their friends. He loved having friends and family over for holidays and special occasions to share his cooking skills. He was the Grand Prize winner of the Hymel Potato Salad contest in 2021.

His wife, Patricia "Patty" Hymel was the love of his life. His greatest joy was his children, Willie Aubert Hymel and his wife, Aly, and their children, Joseph and Sofia from Pennsylvania, Veronica Anne Hymel Kleinpeter of Youngsville, and her children, D.J., Ryan, Mollie. Christine Marie Hymel of Lafayette and her children, Tricia, Sean, Megan, and Hunter, and Johnna Michelle Hymel and her son, Logun; seven great grandchildren, Lexie, Kynsie, Teddy, Benny, Random, Zanie, and Ryker; and stepdaughter, Robin Leigh Guidry.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The American Legion Post 29 of Abbeville, LA and the Marine Corp League will do a presentation at 5:30 PM on Sunday. Visiting hours will resume on Monday, October 9, 2023, from 8:30 AM until time of services.

Donations may be made in Willie's memory, if desired, can be made to American Legion Post 29, 3319 Veterans Memorial Drive Abbeville, LA 70510