Clifton "Cliff" Lavergne

Opelousas-Funeral Services for Clifton “Cliff” Lavergne will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA. Rite of Committal and interment will follow in the Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas. Deacon Ulysse Joubert will officiate the services.

Visitation will be held in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home. 

Clifton John Lavergne was a longtime resident of Opelousas, LA. He passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Southwest Louisiana Veteran’s Home in Jennings, LA, at the age of 93. 

Born in Lewisburg, Louisiana, Clifton John Lavergne, known to many as “Cliff”, embarked on a remarkable journey that would shape him into the remarkable individual he became. After graduating from high school in 1949, he went on to serve his country honorably in both the US Army and the US Air Force. His military tenure spanned four years in the Army and sixteen years in the Air Force, where he valiantly participated in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Cliff's bravery and valor were duly recognized with prestigious accolades such as the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor. He was a dedicated plant manager who spent many years conducting oil center research, leaving a lasting impact on the industry served.

Beyond his career and military service, Cliff was known for his unwavering faith as a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. His devoutness to his Catholic beliefs defined him as a man of integrity and honor.

Cliff is survived by his sisters-in- law, Betty Ardoin (Milburn) of Opelousas; and Dolores Guillot of Lake Charles; Nephew, Randy Kelly (Susan) of Opelousas; and Great Nephews, Jordan Kelly (Faith) of Forest Hill; and Jacob Kelly (Rachel) of Lafayette; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Randy Kelly, Jordan Kelly, Jacob Kelly, Milburn Ardoin, Darold Lavergne and Ricky Davenport.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Myrtle Lavergne; his parents, Joseph Lavergne and Izola Hanks Lavergne; his brothers, Urban Lavergne, Hilman Lavergne, Chester Lavergne, Levy Lavergne; and J. B. Lavergne; and his sisters, Bertha Mae Lavergne Cary, Leta Lavergne Forestier, and Rita Lavergne Johnson of Eunice.

Cliff’s legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on through all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Family and friends are invited to visit our website at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.