New Iberia - Funeral services will be conducted for Francis A. Oliva, 93, on Monday, March 23, 2015, at 10:00 AM in the David Funeral Home Chapel with Father Gregory Chauvin officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 22, 2015, from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM and resume on Monday, March 23, 2015, at 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM. A rosary will be prayed in the funeral home on Sunday at 6:30 PM. A native of Abbeville and a resident of New Iberia, Mr. Oliva passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015, at 5:40 AM in a Jeanerette nursing facility. Mr. Oliva was born June 7, 1921 in Abbeville. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 15, 1942 and was a Veteran of World War II. He was deployed overseas on December 6, 1943 where he was assigned to the 183rd Field Artillery Battalion, Battery "A", as a Cannoneer 864. The 183rd was a 155-mm howitzer unit which was part of the VII Corps under the command of General Joseph L. Collins. Francis, "Pop" fought in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Part of this time was known as the infamous Battle of the Bulge, December 16, 1944 thru January 25, 1945. He told limited number of stories, but does remember how cold it was and how they forced marched from one battle to the next. He did relate one particular story where Battery "A" commander called for a three day rest. He decided on a nice rural farm somewhere in France. He wanted to let the farmer know what his intentions were so he asked "Pop" to come along as his interpreter. That went over better than expected as he was invited to return and eat a home cooked meal with the farmer and his family. Oh and yes, he brought along his commander! "Pop" was discharged from active duty on October 29, 1945 from Fort Shelby, Mississippi, where he returned to his hometown of Abbeville. He is survived by his children, Douglas "Doug" Oliva and his wife Jean, Geri Sandoz and her husband Ed and Francine Prince and her husband Mark; his brothers, Edward and Clarence Oliva; her grandsons, Ted Sandoz and his wife Nicole and Tim Sandoz; his granddaughters, Crystal Gautreau and her husband Barry and Bridget Leleux and her husband Shane all of New Iberia; his great granddaughters, Morgann, Kristynn and Reagann Leleux and Braelynn Gautreau; his great grandsons, Colin and Camrin Sandoz and Gavin Gautreau; his caregiver, Wilma Polk and his friend Quida Lee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Stelly Oliva; his father, Moleus Oliva; his mother, Edith Romero Oliva and his brother, Elise Oliva and his sister, Gladys Schexnider. Pallbearers will be Ted, Tim and Colin Sandoz, Barry and Gavin Gautreau and Shane Leleux. Honorary pallbearers will be Morgann, Kristynn and Reagann Leleux, Braelynn Gautreau and Carmin Sandoz. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the Louisiana Special Olympics and Mass Intentions. You can sign the guest register book and / or send condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St. (337) 369-6336 is in charge of arrangements.
