Notes:

Obituary:

Felix Perres, Rayne Fire Chief, Succumbs Suddenly on Friday

Felix Perres, 55 years of age, chief of the Rayne fire department, died suddenly Friday morning after having suffered a stroke Thursday night, according to news from Rayne.

Funeral arrangements have not been completed as yet, it was stated, since plans are being held in abeyance pending the return of Mrs. Perres from Indianapolis, Ind., where she was visiting her daughter. She was notified this morning and is returning to Rayne by plane.

Mr. Perres had been chief of the Rayne fire department for something like 25 years, it was said, and had served as mayor of that city from 1926-1928.

Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Gossen funeral home of Rayne.

(Published in the Crowley Daily Signal on March 1, 1940)



Obituary:

CHIEF PERRES PASSES AWAY

Lifelong Resident Of Rayne Dies Suddenly Here Friday Morning

Death brought to a close one of the most colorful and highly respected lives in this community on last Friday, March 1, when Felix Perres, 55, passed away at his home in S. Rayne at 10:30 a. m. following an illness of only a few hours' duration.

Mr. Perres became ill during the night, and although every thing possible was done to aid him, he failed to rally and died within few brief hours after he was taken sick. He had just recently recovered following an illness of several weeks, but was apparently well on the road toward a complete recuperation when he was seized with the attack which claimed his life Friday morning.

Funeral services, widely attended by friends from over the entire state were held from St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:30 a. m Saturday, March 2, under the direction of the Rayne Fire Department. The remains were placed on one of the departments fire trucks which served as a funeral coach during the final procession to the church. A guard of honor composed of members of the Rayne department, and other prominent visiting chiefs and firemen from over the entire state, flanked the truck on either side as the funeral cortege moved slowly to St. Joseph's church for the last rites. During the services in church, this same group of honorary pallbearers stood on either side of the casket, and this tribute was maintained until the remains were tenderly laid to rest in the family vault at St. Joseph cemetery.

Pallbearers included Ovey Norris, Murphy Broussard, Whitney Junot, Joe Hebert, Desire Boullion and Emerson Chiasson, all members of the Rayne Fire department.

During the services at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rev. Father H. Lerschen, pastor, was the celebrant of a Solemn Requiem Mass, and also paid beautiful tribute to the life and character of Mr. Perres in a beautifully worded eulogy. He was assisted during the Mass by Rev. L. C. Habetz as Deacon, and Seminarian Jules Jeanmard of the Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, as Sub Deacon. In the Sanctuary were His Excellency, the Most Reverend Jules B. Jeanmard, D. D., Bishop of Lafayette, and Rev. Father J. C. Gaudin, Vice Chancellor. His Excellency, the Bisop gave final Absolution over the body in church immediately after Requiem Mass.

As the last rites were completed at the graveside, a final siren salute was sounded to the Chief who had led the Rayne Fire Department for more than 25 years, of faithful and devoted service.

Among the visiting firemen who served as honorary pallbearers were Chief Rene Bernard of Thibodeaux, president of the Louisiana Firemen's Association; Chief Bumgartner, Lake Charles; Chief Miles, Crowley; Chief Bogan and Capt. Norwood, Baton Rouge; Chief Robertson and President Hays of Opelousas Fire Department; First Assistant Chief Broussard, Lafayette; Chief McManus and Firemen Arnold of Eunice; Mayor Lassass and Joe Privat of Thibodeaux.

The Gossen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Born in Rayne on October 27, 1884 Mr. Perres was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. August Perres. He was a lifelong resident of Rayne, just as his family before him made this section their home for many years. His grandfather on his mother's side, Mathias Arenas, formerly operated a postoffice and stage coach relay station which was located on almost the exact site where the present Richard Sinclair service station now stands. This background of family history so closely interwoven into his life is probably one of the strongest reasons why Mr. Perres worked so steadily toward the upbuilding and progress of Rayne and Acadia Parish. The roots of his affection for this community were deeply imbedded in a pioneer ancestry of which he was justly proud.

Mr. Perres was a charter member of the Rayne Fire Association which was formed in 1900. More than twenty-five years ago, he was honored by his fellow-firemen who named him Chief of the department -- a position which he conscientiously discharged until death sounded the final call. His work with the local organization has proven a constant inspiration to its entire membership, and he strove always to provide the very latest methods and equipment for the association, making it one of the most outstanding volunteer groups in the nation. His work in this connection was widely recognized, and he was honored again and again by state, national and international Fire associations, having been elected several times to serve as a state representative to the International meeting held in the United States and Canada.

In addition, Mr. Perres also served his community in a civic capacity, being a member of the City Council for several terms, and serving as Mayor of the Town of Rayne from 1928 to 1930. He was also actively engaged in business thruout this period, operating for some time the Sinclair station of the corner of Adams and Texas Ave., and more recently maintaining a connection with the firm of Benton W. Mauboules, Inc. Mr. Perres was a member of the W. O. W. for many years and served as head of the Rayne Camp for sometimes.

Chief Perres occupied a prominent place in the civic life of Rayne, in the heart of every member of the Rayne Fire Association, and in the respect of each and every person who knew him and admired him for his sterling qualities and his death is one which will be keenly felt by all.

Death has written a final chapter in his life, and no more will the familiar figure of "The Chief" be part of Rayne's life -- but the memory of his service; his devotion to everything that was worthwhile and lasting -- and his true citizenship will be a lasting memiry and inspiration to everyone in the years to come.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Gorgiana Amy Perres; one son, Leo Perres of Eunice; one daughter, Mrs. Walter C. Chelf of Indianapolis, Ind.; one grandson; and one sister, Mrs. Frank Jeanmard of Lafayette.

(Published in The Rayne Tribune on March 8, 1940)

Felix married Georgiana Amy 27 Oct 1908, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA. Georgiana was born 8 Feb 1888, St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 2 Mar 1940, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, USA; was buried 15 Mar 1940, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery #1 - Rayne, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet]

1. Leo Anthony Perres was born 16 Oct 1909, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 28 Apr 1965, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA; was buried 5 May 1965, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery #2 - Rayne, Louisiana, USA.
2. Yolande Georgia Perres was born 9 Mar 1911, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 12 May 1957, Denver, Denver County, Colorado, USA; was buried 16 May 1957, Mount Olivet Cemetery - Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA.

Notes:

Obituary:

RAYNE PIONEER BURIED TODAY

Auguste Perres, Estimable Citizen Succumbs After Three Days Illness

Auguste Perres, one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Rayne, was buried this morning at 9 o'clock. Right Rev. J.B. Jeanmard, bishop of Lafayette, officiated. He was assisted by Rev. Father Doutre, pastor of the Catholic Church in Rayne. The funeral was largely attended because the deceased was held in the highest esteem by many friends.

Three days ago, Mr. Perres became ill with an acute attack of Bright's disease from which he never rallied. He passed into eternity at 10:30 o'clock Tuesday morning surrounded by his loved ones.

All of the time that he lived in Rayne, Mr. Perres conducted a blacksmith and wheelwright establishment. In later years he retired and his son, Felix Perres, carried on the business which his father established so well.

Besides his son, Mr. Perres is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Frank Jeanmard, of Lafayette, and a sister, Mrs. Walter McBride, of Rayne, as well as a number of other relatives.

Mr. Perres was always deeply concerned in the welfare of Rayne, more particularity because he was among the original settlers in the place. There remains but two more of the first citizens of the town, Auguste Perres and H.W. Anding, according to the information given to The Signal this morning.

We wish to extend our condolence to those who are grieved in the death of this much lamented citizen.

(Published in the Crowley Daily Signal on January 19, 1921)

Auguste married Dolores Arenas 18 Sep 1879, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, USA. Dolores was born 11 Dec 1858, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 28 Feb 1926, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA; was buried 1 Mar 1926, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery #1 - Rayne, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Obituary:

Mrs. Aug. Perres, Pioneer Resident, Passes Away

Mrs. Auguste Perres, pioneer resident of Rayne, passed away at Sunday evening, February 28th, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. Frank Jeanmard, in Lafayette following a long illness.

Mrs. Perres was Dolores Arenas, a native of Terrebonne Parish, and moved here with her husband shortly after their marriage over 45 years ago. At that time travel was still by stagecoach, and Rayne was a struggling crossroad village known as Pooperville then settled about 2 miles south of the present town. When the railroad came through the far-sighted residents of the village moved houses and all to the present location, and Mr. Perres opened a blacksmith shop here, prospered and accumulated considerable very choice real estate holdings. Mr. Perres preceded his wife in death five years ago.

At the time of her death Mrs. Perres was 68 years 1 month and 7 days of age. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. J. Frank Jeanmard of Lafayette, one son, Felix Perres of Rayne, and a niece, Mrs. E.C. Fremaux of Rayne. The body was viewed by a large number of friends and relatives Monday afternoon at the home of her son, Feli Perres, where it lay in state from 2 to 4 o'clock.

(Published in the Rayne Acadian Tribune on March 6, 1926)

Auguste married Calisse Zelonise LeBlanc 20 Jan 1854, Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, USA. Calisse (daughter of Calliste LeBlanc and Marie Cleonide Broussard) was born 4 May 1838, Lafayette, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 28 Jul 1903, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA; was buried 29 Jul 1903, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery #1 - Rayne, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Obituary:

Rayne, La., July 28. - Mrs. Don Louis Clement died this morning at 10 o'clock, at the advanced age of sixty-seven years. She will be buried at the Catholic Cemetery here tomorrow morning. She leaves two sons and four daughters.

(Published in The New Orleans Times-Democrat on July 29, 1903)

Calliste married Marie Cleonide Broussard 30 Apr 1821, St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, USA. Marie (daughter of Benjamin Louis Broussard and Marie Magdeline Hebert) was born 16 Jan 1805, St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 1876, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet]