John Kirt Soileau

Opelousas – John Kirt Soileau, age 94, was born on September 27, 1930, and passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, at his residence in Washington, Louisiana.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas. Deacon Jerome Collins will conduct the service, and burial will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington, La.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas beginning at 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home by the Immaculate Conception Ladies Altar Society.

Kirt was born in Grand Prairie, Louisiana in 1930, at the height of the Great Depression to parents that worked as sharecroppers. Kirt was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and graduated from the Army Medical School after which he served as a medical technician stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. After his service, Kirt earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University Southwest Louisiana (USL) then went on to earn a master’s degree plus 30 hours in supervision and administration from Louisiana State University (LSU).

Kirt was an educator for over 20 years serving as a teacher and assistant principal at various schools in Opelousas and Krotz Springs. Kirt retired as Principal of Washington High School in 1979. For the next 45 years Kirt became an entrepreneur and civil servant. During this time, he owned and operated Kirt’s Auto Supply in Washington, La., and was elected to various offices such as Justice of the Peace, Washington Town Council, and served as the Mayor of Washington for 28 years. During this time, he developed 3 subdivisions in the Washington area, managed several rental properties and served on various boards for various organizations. He enjoyed weekly suppers and card games with family and friends at The Camp. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing and watching LSU Football games.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeannie Lalonde Soileau; his stepson, Carl Latiolais; his three grandchildren, Ashleigh Mayfield, Matt Richard, Ryan Richard and two great-grandchildren, Kale Killingsworth and Janelle Richard.

Kirt is preceded in death by his parents, Martin Soileau and Leola Stears Soileau; his sisters, Betty Bellard, Ruth Soileau and Lou Santillo and his brothers, Louis Soileau, Avie Soileau and his stepdaughter, Valerie Latiolais.

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.