New Iberia- Funeral services will be held for Mr. Milburn "Mel" Gaspard, age 85, on Saturday August 2, 2014 at 1:00pm at the David Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend David Denton to serve as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at Holy Family Mausoleum. Visitation will begin on Saturday August 2, 2014 at 9:00am and conclude at 12:45pm. A native of Avoyelles Parish and resident of New Iberia, "Mel" as he was affectionately known, passed away on Tuesday July 29, 2014 at 1:01pm at a Lafayette Hospital. Mr. Gaspard was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a Military Policeman during the occupation of Japan after World War II. "Mel" worked for the railroad in the early 50s, and then worked at Schlumberger as an HRD operator for 35 years until his retirement. He loved being with his family especially the love of his life, Jean, his children, and grandchildren. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, working in his yard, refinishing furniture, and Cajun dancing on Sunday afternoons with his special friend. His words of wisdom to his family were, "To do constructive things with your life and to educate yourself before making a decision." His family remembers him as a Jack of all trades and he will be dearly missed by all. He is survived by his children, Cindy Ransonet and husband Lynn of New Iberia, and Jim Gaspard and wife Maxine of New Iberia; grandchildren, Brent and Jessie Gaspard, Jamie Ransonet and wife Jessie, Jacob Ransonet and wife Angelle all of New Iberia; great grandchildren, Chet Ransonet, Chase Ransonet, Hailey Ransonet, Cammy Ransonet, Hobie Ransonet, Arien Ransonet, Jensen Ransonet, Harley Gaspard, and Paige Ardoyne all of New Iberia; sister, Joyce Miller of Metairie, La.; brother, Lawrence Gaspard of Kenner, La.; and his special friend. He was prededed in death by his wife of 50 years, Jean Gaspard; parents, Luna Paul and Minnie Ducote Gaspard; and brother, Raymond Gaspard. Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob Ransonet, Jamie Ransonet, Brent Gaspard, Lynn Ransonet, Jim Gaspard, and Chase Ransonet. Honorary pallbearers will be Chet and Hobie Ransonet. David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St. (337)369-6336 is in charge of arrangements.
