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]

Notes:

Obituary:

Perres Rites are Held Wednesday

Funeral services were held for 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church for Leo A. Perres, 55, who died suddenly at his home at 220 South Polk Street in Rayne at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Perres had been mowing his lawn when he was stricken, and died a few minutes later of a heart attack.

Until the hour of the funeral, the body was held at the Chapel of Gossen Funeral Home. Burial followed in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Born October 16, 1909, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Felix Perres, early residents of this area. Veteran of World War II, Perres had been a mail carrier with the Rayne Post office for the past 15 years. He was a relative of the late Bishop Jules B. Jeanmard.

He is survived by his widow, the former Leora Thibodeaux of Rayne; two daughters, Miss Marie Jeanne Perres of Rayne and Mrs. Gary Fruge of Branch; and three grandchildren.

(Published in the Rayne Acadian Tribune in Rayne, Louisiana on May 6, 1965.)

Obituary:

Leo A. Perres

RAYNE - Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, for Leo A. Perres 55, who died at his home at 220 S. Polk, Rayne, at 6:30 p.m. yesterday. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Born Oct. 16, 1909, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Felix Perres, early residents of the parish.

Survivors include his widow, the former Leora Thibodeaux; two daughters Miss Jeanne Perres, Rayne, and Mrs. Gary Fruge Branch; and three grandchildren.

The Gossen Funeral Home, Rayne, is in charge of arrangements.

(Published in The Lafayette Daily Advertiser on April 29, 1965)

Leo married Leora Thibodeaux 8 Jun 1935, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA. Leora was born 12 Sep 1917, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 12 Nov 1999, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA; was buried 16 Nov 1999, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery #2 - Rayne, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Obituary:

Last Rites Held In Denver For Former Rayneite

Mrs. Walter Chelf of Denver, Colo., the former Yolande Perres of Rayne died unexpectedly at her home in Denver Sunday, May 12. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 16, at 9 a.m. in the Caholic cathedral in Denver. Burial was in the cathedral cemetery. Rev. Jules A. Jeanmard, pastor of the Catholic church in Eunice and relative of the deceased officiated.

Mrs. Chelf was employed at the Municipal and Justice Court in Denver for the past 11 years.

Her husband preceded her in death a few years ago.

Survivors include one son, Bringal S. Chelf; one brother, Leo Perres of Rayne; and two nieces.

(Published in the Rayne Acadian Tribune on May 23, 1957)

Death Notice:

Former Rayneite Succumbs in Denver, Colorado

RAYNE - Mrs. Walter Chelf of Denver, Colo., succumbed Sunday. Mrs. Chelf is the former Yolande Perres of Rayne, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Felix Perres and sister of Leo Perres of Rayne.

Mrs. Chelf was preceded in death by her husband several years ago. She is survived by one son, Bill Chelf, in addition to her brother.

Funeral arrangements were not available at the time of this report.

(Published in the Church Point News on May 14, 1957)

Yolande married George Westley Casazza 3 Jul 1933, Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, USA. George was born 8 Nov 1899, Hoboken, Hudson County, New Jersey, USA; died 19 Jan 1954, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; was buried 23 Jan 1954, Saint Charles Cemetery - East Farmingdale, New York, USA. [Group Sheet]

Yolande married Walter Brengle Chelf 29 May 1939, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA. Walter was born 13 Jan 1904, Hardin County, Kentucky, USA; died 21 Mar 1945, Marion County, Kentucky, USA; was buried 23 Mar 1945, Ryder Cemetery - Lebanon, Kentucky, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Obituary:

Brengle C. Perres age 83 passed away on November 13, 2023 at The Lafayette Heart Hospital surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Roberta Perres and his children; Christopher Perres from Hazel Green, Al., Scott Singletary from Sunset, Cherie Perres Grayson from Lecompte, Michelle Perres Stanley from Hot Springs, Ark., Vanessa Singletary from Vesper, Wi. and 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Mr. Perres was employed with the Bayer Corp. for over 35 years before his retirement where he was a Diabetes Specialist. There will not be services held at this time. It is Robin's desire to have a service mid to late summer next year, in Harrison, Ar, at Holt Memorial Chapel, when she brings his cremains for inurnment in the Maplewood Cemetery.

(Published by Colligan Crematory and Funeral Services of Lafayette, LA)

Brengle married Helen Jane Weekly 8 Aug 1960, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA. Helen was born 13 Feb 1940, Gueydan, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 3 Mar 2007, Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, USA; was buried 6 Mar 2007, Istre Cemetery - Morse, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet]

Brengle — R.J. Popejoy. [Group Sheet]

G.A. married R.G. Fruge [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Obituary:

Memorial services were held Friday, August 18, 2000 at 11 a.m. at St. Edmond's Catholic Church in Lafayette for Marie Perres Carter, 56, who died Monday, August 14, at her residence in Lafayette.

Survivors include a daughter, Georgianna Clements of Spring, Texas; a sister, Georgia Fruge of Monroe; a brother, Brengle Perres and four grandchildren.

Gossen Funeral Home of Rayne was in charge of arrangements.

(Published in The Rayne Independent on August 24, 2000)

Obituary:

LAFAYETTE - Memorial services for Marie Perre's Carter, 56, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday Aug. 18, 2000, at St. Edmond Catholic Church in Lafayette.

A resident of Lafayette, Marie Perre's Carter died Monday at her residence.

Survivors include one daughter, Georgianna C. Clements of Spring, Texas; one brother, Brendle Perre's of Lafayette; one sister, Georgia Fruge of Monroe; and four grandchildren.

Gossen Funeral Home of Rayne in charge of arrangements.

(Published in The Lafayette Daily Advertiser on August 17, 2000)

Marie married Don Richard Carter 16 Aug 1965, Rayne, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, USA. Don was born 13 Jul 1943, Gonzales, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, USA; died 28 Jul 2022, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, Louisiana, USA; was buried 6 Aug 2022, Holy Family Cemetery and Mausoleum - New Iberia, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet]

C.B. — K. Douglas. [Group Sheet]

M.C. — H.W. Stanley. [Group Sheet]

M.G. married C.M. Christiansen [Group Sheet]

M.R. married R. Breaux [Group Sheet]

G.P. — T. Clements. [Group Sheet]