James Martin

Funeral services for James E. Martin will be Saturday May 5, 2007 at 1:00pm in the St. Landry Catholic Church with burial at Bellevue Memorial Park. Monsignor Robert Romero will conduct the services.

Mr. Martin, age 82 , a resident of Opelousas died Thursday May 3, 2007 at Opelousas General Health Systems.

He was retired from Texas Eastern and he loved hunting and gardening. Most of all he loved his family and visiting with his lifelong friends in his shop every morning. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the American Legion and a parishioner of St. Landry Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife; Mattie Wimberley Martin of Opelousas, daughters; Jacqueline Martin of Opelousas, Janet Martin Guidry and husband Jude of Jennings, Melanie Martin Ryals and husband Rick of Little Rock, Ar., sisters; Clara Martin LeFleur of Opelousas, Mary Alice Martin Clark of Jena and Elsie Martin Stelly of Washington, 4 grandchildren; Julie Guidry and fianc Paul Laperouse of Jackson, Ms., D. Brent Ryals of Little Rock, Ar., Andre Guidry of Baton Rouge and Katharine Ryals of Savannah, Ga.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Conrad O. Martin and Alice Joubert Martin, brothers; Ivan, Otis and Ezra Martin, sisters; Elvina M. Johnson, Onie M. Nazat, Prudie M. Ray, Ily M. Ray, Nettie M. Carrier and Lottie M. Shumard.

Pallbearers will be his nephews; Keith Latiolais, Donny Latiolais, Kelvin Latiolais, Barry Darbonne, Larry Darbonne and Herman Darbonne, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Huey Ardoin, Donald Harmon, Herbert Bergeron, Robert McClelland, Burl Clark, Donald Carrier and Rev. Frank Ford.

Fr. James Liprie, OSB and Fr. Bernie Lebiedz, OSB will recite a rosary at 7:00pm. on Friday.

Visitation will be Friday May 4, 2007 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm and will reopen on Saturday from 10:00am until time of services.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on the Old Sunset Hwy is in charge of the arrangements. 337-942-2638