"He fought the good fight of faith and he heard, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant, says the Lord'."
Church Point, La. Deacon John Baptist Thibodeaux, 84, passed away at his home in Church Point on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 due to cancer. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 12 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Church Point. Father Gary Schexnayder will conduct the services with interment following in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cemetery adjacent to the Church.
Survivors include his faithful wife of 63 1/2 years, Erline Lavergne Thibodeaux; eleven children: oldest daughter, Mendi Gail Thibodeaux; eldest son, John G. Thibodeaux and wife JoAnne of Fresno, CA; second son, Michael Thibodeaux and partner Debbie Banks of Washington, LA; third son, Craig Thibodeaux and wife Darlene of Church Point; fourth son, Olan Thibodeaux and wife Trecie of Grand Coteau, LA; fifth son, David Thibodeaux of Fort Thomas, Kentucky; sixth son, Richard Thibodeaux and wife Lori of Fresno, CA; seventh son, Albert Thibodeaux and wife Betty Jo of Evergreen, CO; third daughter, Martha Thibodeaux Carriere and partner John Miller of Church Point; eighth son, Charles Thibodeaux and wife Josette of Jefferson, GA and ninth son, Ted Thibodeaux of Lake Charles, LA; his remaining sibling, Ivy J. Thibodeaux, Sr. of Lawtell, LA; eighteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, four step grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Evelina Guidry Thibodeaux of Lewisburg; seven siblings; his second daughter Lavergne Thibodeaux Briscoe and her husband Craig; grandson, Andre Briscoe and granddaughter, April Joy Thibodeaux.
The family requested that visiting hours be observed at Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point from 11:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Friday, May 11 and continue at the church from 10:00 A.M. until 12:45 P.M. on Saturday. A recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday by Deacon Gary Gaudin.
Mr. Thibodeaux was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church by Bishop Gerald Frey on August 10, 1980 and he faithfully served for 311/2 years. Deacon John is dearly loved by all whom he served and helped and he will truly be missed.