Joseph Soileau, Jr.

Washington - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM for Joseph Hugh Soileau, Jr. on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington, LA. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Mr. Soileau, age 78, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the Heart Hospital of Lafayette.

Hugh served his country proudly in the US Army Reserves for six years. He then attended college at Nichols State University where he received a Master's Degree in Mathematics. He was a teacher and coach for 35 years and spent most of his time at Sunset High School. He taught math and coached football, basketball and baseball. He also coached at the "Stars of Coteau Basketball Camp" for 25 years. In 1985 Hugh was given the honor and was awarded "Coach of the Year" for St. Landry Parish.

Hugh and Helen worked together as employees at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home for the last eight years.

Hugh was a parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Grand Coteau for many years. He was an outdoorsman all of his life. He loved hunting, fishing and traveling with his family. He also enjoyed going to history museums, watching westerns on TV, shooting hoops with his grandchildren and most of all spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Helen Taylor Soileau; his son, Robb Soileau, his daughters, Tammy Soileau Bryson and husband, Jerome; Carrie Soileau Reed and husband, Thomas and his brothers, James Soileau and Felton Soileau. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Heather Lynn Bryson, Luke Randal Soileau, Celeste Elizabeth Reed and Corban Edward Reed; his brothers-in-law, Earl Taylor and wife, Lee; Wayne Taylor and wife, Joyce and Harold Taylor and wife, Ammy; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Richard Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Hugh Soileau, Sr. and Bertha Marie Hollier; his son, Alan Todd Soileau; his in-laws, Herbert and Viola Fontenot Taylor and brother-in-law, Kenneth Taylor.

Visitation will be held in the Skip Montet Chapel in the LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM on Tuesday evening by Deacon Clayton Hollier. The funeral home will reopen on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM.

Pallbearers will be Felton Soileau, Robb Soileau, Luke Soileau, Jim Soileau, Greg Soileau and Thomas Reed. Honorary pallbearers will be James Soileau and Jerome Bryson.

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

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home, 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, June 5, 2018
2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Service

Rosary Service prayed by Deacon Clayton Hollier

Skip Montet Chapel
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
6:30 PM

Mass of Christian Burial

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
330 East Moundville Street
Washington, LA  70589
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
10:00 AM