Harry Simoneaux, Jr.

Opelousas- A funeral service will be held for Mr. Harry Simoneaux, Jr., age 80, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas, LA. Reverend Jared Suire will conduct the services. Burial will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington, LA.

Mr. Simoneaux, a resident of Lafayette, LA died on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Opelousas General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Harry Simoneaux began playing the saxophone at the age of 11. Soon, he was playing gigs in his hometown of Galliano, LA and up and down Bayou Lafourche and Grand Isle, LA. He played gigs on Bourbon Street in nearby New Orleans as well, on both saxophone and clarinet. He was a member of the Riff Raffs and the Dukes of Rhythm. There, Harry played with Joe Carl, Joe Barry and Vin Bruce, among others. He then moved to Lafayette to attend Southwest Louisiana Institute in 1956. He began playing gigs then with various bands around the Acadiana area. It was during this time that he met Johnnie Allan, who would become a life-long friend, both in music and in life. During this time, Harry became a member of the fabulous Swing Kings, which was a popular band here in the Acadiana area. It was in this band that he met another life-long friend, Earl Taylor. After the Swing Kings disbanded, he joined with Johnnie and became a member of "Johnnie Allan and the Memories." This band recorded many records and were widely known as one of the top Swamp Pop bands in the Acadiana area and around the world. After they disbanded, Harry played with the Joe Douglas band and the Sonny Bourg band. However, he and Johnnie continued to perform together, touring and performing in England, Sweden and Austria. He always got a kick out of how well received Swamp Pop music was in Europe, and how he had fans over there.

Harry's musical honors were numerous. He played on the famous record, "See You Later Alligator" by Bobby Charles. He received a Grammy award certificate as a guest soloist on the Beausoliel cd " L'Amour Ou La Folie" in 1999. He represented the Tabasco corporation in a band, playing several gigs in countries in South America. Harry was instrumental in coining the definition of Swamp Pop music. Harry said it was "half Domino, half fais do-do." He said this to an interviewer off the top of his head to try to explain what Swamp Pop was all about, and he never dreamed he would be quoted world-wide. He really got a kick out of that!

Harry had a dry wit and made up his own corny jokes and sayings, which were quite good. Harry loved to learn. He learned a new word every day, and was a fan of difficult crossword puzzles. When he was well, he was happiest fishing behind Cut Off, Leeville and Larose, or down by Fourchon or in the Gulf of Mexico with his buddies. He was a great chef and once won a cooking contest with his Crawfish Spaghetti.

Harry was humble about his musical ability. He was always surprised when his name would appear in an article or he would be asked for an interview about his music career.

Harry was a gentle giant. He loved his family dearly, and we loved him. He was my Dad, and I could not have been prouder of that. Dad was weary and ready to be free, and now he abides with his beloved Jesus!

He is survived by his wife, Daphne Buller Simoneaux; his daughter, Elizabeth ''Liz'' Simoneaux Dorsey and husband, Stuart; his brother, Steve Simoneaux; his sister, Cynthia Cousins and his two grandchildren, Benjamin and Samuel Dorsey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry G. Simoneaux and Gladys Galiano Simoneaux.

Visitation will be held in the LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday by Reverend Jared Suire. The funeral home will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

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.

Visitation

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
8:00 a.m. until time of service

Service

ROSARY SERVICE

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
6:30 p.m.

FUNERAL SERVICE

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
10:30 a.m.

Cemetery

Cedar Hill Cemetery
715 West Vine Street
Washington, LA  70589