Darlene Crites Trosclair

Opelousas – Funeral services for Darlene Gladys Crites Trosclair will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas.  Brother Benny Reppond will conduct the service. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home.  

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene Crites Trosclair.  She was the loving and devoted wife of Frank P. Trosclair, Jr.  She passed away at home on April 4, 2023, at the age of 82. 

She was the loving mother to seven children.  Darlene was born in Denver, Colorado on February 7, 1941.  She lived there for many years.  Her fondest memories as a child were in Meeker, Colorado where her grandparents and cousins lived.  She loved the mountains and often took her children camping, fishing, hiking and exploring the many coalmines her daddy worked in as a young man.  The mountains always seemed to refresh her mind and soul.  She truly loved them. 

Darlene moved to Louisiana and produced country and western shows throughout the South.   When finally settling in Opelousas with six kids in tow, she met the love of her life, Frank P. Trosclair, Jr.  She and Frank are definitely a true love story. 

Darlene went to work for the Louisiana Yambilee Association where she was the Yambilee secretary.  This is where her love for going on group tours began.  She worked for the Opelousas Chamber of Commerce, assisted in opening a travel agency, was the President and managing director of Roadrunner Tours and owned and operated Goodtime Tours by Darlene.  She traveled all over the United States and South America.  She loved traveling and loved the people who traveled with her.  The excitement about of going and seeing new places was contagious.  Every opportunity she could, she brought her husband, children and grandchildren with her.  The memories she made for her travel companions and families are everlasting.  She also enjoyed making stained glass, artwork, loved listening to music, and playing the piano. 

Darlene's kindness and love was felt by all who knew her.  Her beautiful smile and soft touch will always be remembered.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Frank P. Trosclair, Jr., of Opelousas, La.; her daughters, Dawn Voss-McReynolds and husband, John, of Kansas City, Missouri; Mary Voss Miller of Leonville, and Tammy Voss Watkins of Maurice, La. and her son, Frank Phillip Trosclair, III of Opelousas, La.; her brothers, Donald "Don" Crites and wife, Mary, of Falmouth, West Virginia and Ray Crites and wife, Sandy, of College Station, Texas.  She was a beloved grandmother to 20 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her three sons, John H. Voss, IV, Lyle Voss and Randall "Randy" Voss; her parents, Lyle C. Crites and Mabel Hauck Crites; her son-in-law, Frank Thomas Watkins; her grandchild, Lindsy Marie Trosclair and her husband's parents, Frank P. Trosclair, Sr. and Maysie Kerr Trosclair. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Burnell and staff and the staff of Hope Healthcare and Hospice for the wonderful care that was given to Darlene.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook 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.