A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Jeanerette for Junius Joseph Legnon, 88, who died April 14, 2014 at his residence. Celebrant will be Father Jody Simoneaux. Interment will follow at St. John's Mausoleum. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 6:30 p.m. by The St John the Evangelist Rosary Group. Visitation will resume Wednesday from 11:00 A.M. until time of service. Military graveside services will be conducted by members of the United States Navy Honor Guard. A native and lifelong resident of Jeanerette, Mr. Legnon was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he served as an usher for 50 years. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and was a past member of the St. John the Evangelist Eucharistic Adorers Chapel. He was also past president and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1425; The American Legion, Post No. 26; and VFW, Post 8150. Mr. Legnon was educated by the Sisters of Mercy at St. Joseph Catholic School. He volunteered to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II and received numerous commendations and medals for his time spent in the Pacific Theatre. He was a combat veteran recognized for single-handedly saving the lives of ten comrades washed afloat during a typhoon off the coast of Okinawa. Mr. Legnon served his community on the Jeanerette Board of Alderman for 16 years, 4 of which were spent in the Mayor Pro Tem position. He coached the American Legion youth baseball team in the City of Jeanerette for 20 years. He was a self-employed oilfield production gauger with 45 years experience until his retirement in 1985. He was also retired from the Iberia Parish School Board with 26 years of service. He possessed a well known passion for the game of baseball and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the LSU Tigers. He will be fondly remembered for his outgoing personality, his compassionate spirit, his wonderful sense of humor, and as "the man who always had a smile on his face". He was extremely devoted to his wife of 65 years and to his children. Survivors include his children Michael L. Legnon and wife, Diane of Lafayette; Elizabeth "Liz" L. Buteau and husband, Steve, John P. Legnon, and Joey G. Legnon and wife, Melanie, all of Jeanerette and Mary L. Jumonville and husband, David of New Iberia; his sisters, Dorothy L. Dupre of Lafayette; Doris T. Legnon and Rita L. Gouner of Jeanerette and Luna L. Spangler and husband Bert of Collins, Mississippi; his sisters-in-law Merclyn M. Fletcher of Hood River, Oregon and Phyllis M. Mendoza and husband, Mitch of New Iberia; 14 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lauriel M. Legnon; parents Bernadette LaGrange Legnon and Leonce J. Legnon and nephew, Everett Gouner, III. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Acadiana, Dr. Stephen Boudreaux and his staff, Dr. David Baker, and the nurses and staff of Acadian Health Care for their unwavering support and care. Pallbearers will be Michael Legnon, John Legnon, Joey Legnon, Steve Buteau, Seth Buteau, and Patrick Napier. Honorary pallbearers will be Rhett Buteau, Jarrod Legnon, Jason Legnon, Chris Legnon, Stephen Legnon, David Jumonville, Joshua Jumonville, Jacob Jumonville, Ignatius Alfonso, Mitchell Mendoza, and Bert Spangler. Condolences may be expressed online at www.davidfuneralhome.com. David Funeral Home, 400 Provost St., Jeanerette, 276-5151, is in charge of arrangements.
