Reverend Soileau

OPELOUSAS The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Rev. Charles Soileau, 82, a retired priest of the Diocese of Lake Charles, at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2011 at St. Landry Catholic Church, 1020 N. Main Street. Rev. Msgr. Louis Melancon will be the main celebrant with Rev. James Brady, pastor of St. Landry Church, concelebrating.

Father Soileau died Sunday, June 5, 2011, at the Opelousas General Health System. His family would like to thank the staff of TriCommunity Nursing Home for the loving care given to Father Soileau.

Father Charles Soileau was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Lafayette on June 8, 1957 at St. John Cathedral in Lafayette. He was born Nov. 10, 1928 in Washington, La. and studied at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, La., and did his Theological studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

Following his ordination, Father Soileau served as assistant pastor at St. Peter Catholic Church in New Iberia and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath. He was named pastor of St. Eugene Catholic Church in Grand Chenier in 1967, serving there until 1969 when he became pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arthur. In 1974, he was transferred to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Eunice as pastor, serving there until late 1975 when he was named pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Oakdale. During that time, he also served a Dean of the Eunice Deanery.

When the Diocese of Lake Charles was established in 1980, Father Soileau remained at Sacred Heart. In 1985, he was appointed pastor of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Raymond. During that time, he also served on the Diocese of Lake Charles Parish Boundaries Commission and the Clergy Personnel Board.

In November 1986, Father Soileau was named pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vinton remaining there until his retirement from active ministry in June 1999.

Survivors include his brother Albert Soileau and wife Irene of Opelousas, his sister Alice McCLelland and husband Robert of Opelousas, and sisterinlaw Kathleen Soileau of Ville Platte as well as nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Louise Fisher Soileau brother, Willis H. Soileau and a sister, Frances Ortego.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, with a Rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue from 8 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2011 in the funeral home until the funeral Mass.

Friends and family are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of LaFondArdoin Funeral Home, 2845 S. Union St, Opelousas, LA, 70570, 337 9422638.

Visitation

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Service

Church

St. Landry Catholic Church
1020 North Main
Opelousas, LA  70570
Thursday, June 9, 2011
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Cedar Hill Cemetery
715 West Vine Street
Washington, LA  70589