James Albert Reed Sr.

April 6, 1924 - September 24, 2014
Funeral services were held for held for James Albert Reed Sr., 90, of Ville Platte, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ville Platte at 1:30 p.m., Friday, September 26. Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Mausoleum.
Mr. Reed died Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at his residence surrounded by members of his beloved family. He served his beloved country with great honor and pride during World War II as a member of the 87th Troop Carrier Squadron. He continued his service as a dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post #3803. He was a man of strong faith and believed in serving his Savior. He was a long-time usher at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1754. He provided for the well being of his family as an educator. He influenced many young lives while teaching at T.H. Harris Vocational Technical Institute of Opelousas. After retiring in 1995, he began pursuing another passion when he became very active in the Evangeline Parish Genealogical and Historical Society.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 56 years, Betty Fontenot Reed of Ville Platte; and their children, James Albert Reed Jr., Cynthia R. Soileau and her husband, Jody, William Louis Reed, Catherine R. Lafleur and her husband, Mark, Christopher Paul Reed and his wife, Natalie, Joseph Odin Reed and his wife, Krista, Gregory John Reed and Kenneth Luke Reed and his fiancé, Ashlee Dupre. His legacy will be carried forward by his 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his only surviving sibling, Hampton Reed; one aunt, Bessie G. Shannon; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was blessed with a large and loving family, and their cherished memories of him will forever remain etched upon their hearts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Elta Guillory Reed; and his siblings, Clinton Reed, Margaret R. Fontenot and Alice R. Marcantel.
The family would like to send their most sincere gratitude to the devoted nurses, private sitters and all of the wonderful staff at Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care for their excellent care and loving support during this most difficult time.
Father Brian Harrington officiated.
Family and friends may view the online obituary and/or sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements.