Erath- A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Roland John Girouard age 83, will be held on Wednesday January 7, 2015 at 11:00AM in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, La with Fr. Bill Melancon officiating and alter server Kallen Simon. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at David Funeral Home of Erath on Tuesday January 6, 2015 from 4:00PM until 9:00PM with a rosary at 6:00PM in the funeral home. Visitation will continue Wednesday January 7, 2015 from 8:00AM until services. Mr. Girouard a native of New Iberia and a resident of Erath passed away on January 5, 2015 at his residence. His wife of 59 years and family members were there with him when he passed. Mr. Roland, as he was known by most, graduated from New Iberia Senior High in 1947. Upon completion of high school, Mr. Roland began working in retail. He joined the Navy and served in the Korean War from February 9, 1951 until February 1955. He served on the Erenist G. Small form October 1951, to January 1952. In January 1952, he was transferred to the Bradford DD545 and served there until February 1955. He served as a Radioman Second Class. Upon his return from the service he continued in the retail industry where he became manager of American Department Stores, which in turn became C.R. Anthony, Palis Royal and later became Stage. He only just retired 16 years ago. This occupation brought him to different areas of Louisiana. When he and his wife were living in Harahan they became involved in Erath Sports. They housed their niece and friends while the Erath Track team, which included his nephew, participated in the Westbank relays for several years. Mr. Roland was eventually transferred to Abbeville, La. to manage the Anthony Store there. He and his wife made their home in Erath, La., his support in Erath High sports continued to grow and in 1980 he and Mr. Boni Suire started the Erath Backers Club. They suggested that the club start an annual barbecue to raise money for the athletic program of Erath High. He served as event chairman and chief cook for 20 years. He guided the way for the barbecue to become the Club's biggest and most successful fundraiser. He was inducted into the Erath Hall of Fame as an Honorary Inductee in 2002. Mr. Roland's love of pondering with wood and his hands, it enabled him to help decorate the stage for the "Fourth of July Mass in the Park". His decorations and hard work ensured that the alter and stage would be in good fashion, and that the people of Erath and the Association would be proud of. Due to his tireless work and involvement with the community for its betterment, he was chosen as "Grand Marshall" for the Fourth of July Parade in 2003. His love of woodworking had him doing many odd jobs for family and friends; as a result showed a product of great quality. His kind and generous heart was seen by family on many occasions as he was always there to help in any project there was. Along with woodworking, he enjoyed gardening and playing cards. Mr. Girouard was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1955 and a member of the American Legion Post 0279. Mr. Girouard is survived by his wife; Rable Comeaux Girouard, sister; Lynell Romero (Junior) of Coteau, brother; Earless Girouard (Bobbie) of Houma, sister-in-law; Vella Mae Bernard (Lee) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Sostene Girouard and Kinta Fremin and brother Earnest Girouard. Serving as pallbearers will be Shelby Bernard, Bo Bernard, Ross Simon, Wiltz Toups Jr., Jamie Romero, and Trevor Romero. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Nunez, Orris Belanger, Leland Harrington, and Russell Landry. In lieu of flowers the family request donations can be made to Hospice of Acadiana. David Funeral Home of Erath will be in charge of the arrangements. 209 E. Putnam St. Erath, LA 70533 (337)937-0405
