Creighton Simon Soileau

Creighton Simon Soileau was born August 3, 1942, to Gertrude Joubert Soileau and Simon Voorhies Soileau, in Opelousas, LA. After a recent fall at his home, he passed away surrounded by his loved ones at 81 years of age on April 9, 2024, at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, LA.   Creighton was raised in the Opelousas area.  After graduation from Opelousas High School in 1961, he served our country as a United States Marine.

In 1984, he married Sharon Lee Booth.  Creighton went by many names; his family nicknamed him “Connie.”  His children called him “Dad”. He was affectionately known as “Pawpaw” to his grandchildren, which was the name that he loved the best.  He loved his grandchildren with all his heart and loved spending time with them and attending their activities.  

Creighton worked as a geotechnician supervisor for 25 years at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development until his retirement in 1987.  He was a hard-working man.   Never one to sit idle, Creighton then went to work for Brand Scaffolding in the Exxon Baton Rouge Refinery. 

He was a carpenter extraordinaire, and extremely proud that he built his own home.  In 1966, Creighton achieved his student pilot license, and his life-long dream of piloting a plane.  His love of flying continued to grow as he spent time piloting small planes for many years.  He obtained two licenses; one for a private pilot single-engine land, and a second license for instrument flying.  When Creighton was informed that he would be flown by a Med-EVAC helicopter for emergency treatment in New Orleans, he joked with the medical team saying that if they needed him to fly the helicopter for them, he would.  

Creighton enjoyed spending time with his brothers fishing, going out to eat, visiting other relatives, and other shenanigans.  He exercised often.  His neighbors would see him walking many miles near the railroad tracks that were located near his home.  Creighton enjoyed going to dinner on the first Wednesday of the month with his high school classmates.  He faithfully attended Washington Baptist Church in Washington, LA.  

Creighton is preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude J. and Simon “S.V.” Voorhies Soileau, and his in-laws, Melvin and Irma Lee Booth.   He is survived by his wife, Sharon L. Soileau of Opelousas; son, C. Shane Soileau and his wife Tya, of Youngsville; son, Patrick L. Soileau and his wife, Casey, of Scott; daughter, Erin M. Zeringue, and her fiancé, Dr. Kevin Lenderman, of Rayne; and Zack Zeringue, of Arnaudville.  His beloved grandchildren, Blake and Brody Soileau and Vivian and Bennett Zeringue.  Creighton is also survived by his brother, James L. Soileau and his wife Cheryl, of Milton; brother, John V. Soileau and his wife, Margie, of Carencro; his numerous nieces and nephews, along with a host of other loving relatives and friends.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

A visitation with his family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA.   

Funeral services for family and friends will be held immediately following visitation at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA.  Rev. Perry Hubbs and Rev. Louis Charrier will officiate the services. The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Creighton Soileau to Washington Baptist Church, P.O. Box 415, Washington, LA 70589, or a charity of your choice.

A private inurnment service will be held at a later date at Resthaven Gardens of Memory Cemetery, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA.  

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.