Gateson J. Segura

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 25, 2012 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM and resume on Monday, March 26, 2012 at 9:00 AM until services. V.F.W. Post 1982 will have a ritual service at 6:00 PM in the funeral home and a rosary will be prayed in the funeral home on Sunday at 7:00 PM.

A native and resident of New Iberia, Mr. Segura died on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 7:35 PM in a New Iberia hospital. He was an electrician and retired from E. P. Breaux Electric and also retired from the Teche Area Technical School, served in the Louisiana National Guard, was a member of the American Legion Post 4 and played taps with the V.F.W. Post 1982 Honor Guard for many area funerals.

As a descendant of Francisco Segura, who came to America from Malaga, Spain in the late 1700s, Gateson was extremely proud of his heritage. He was active in many community activities and enjoyed a variety of interests and experiences.

Gateson has been recognized by many individuals and groups for his lifelong commitment and dedication to the Cajun heritage in promoting Cajun music and culture. He has received many certificates of appreciation for giving so generously of his time and musical talents to bring inspiration and joy to many groups, including citizens in the local nursing home facilities, as well as surrounding areas.

For ten years, Gateson was a member of the National Guard. Four of those years, he was a member of the Louisiana Rifle Team. He was selected four years in a row to attend the National Rifle Meet in Camp Perry, Ohio, where he received the highest rating of Master.

Several years ago, Gateson received local recognition for his air cycles, which were featured in the Fourth of July parade that year. He had built two air-powered cars from his own design, using motorcycle parts, sheet metal, fiberglass material, etc. They were licensed to travel on highways and could reach a top speed of 37 mph.

Gateson also graduated from the Pelican Aviation Flight School and obtained a license to fly a private pilot airplane.

As an electrical instructor at the Teche Area Technical School for 17 years, Gateson taught many young students to prepare themselves for an electrical trade, which provided them with a means of support for themselves and their families.

He will be sadly missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elaine Breaux Segura of New Iberia; his daughters, Susan Segura Hammer and her husband Bruce of Lafayette and Sally Segura Bourque and her husband Paul of New Iberia; his sons, Patrick J. Segura and his wife Chris of New Iberia and Scott W. Segura and his wife Joyce of Lafayette; his sister, Sherdell Breaux and her husband Robert of New Iberia; his granddaughters, Melanie Beard and her husband Doug, Heather Segura, Bailie Bourque, Blaire Bourque and Shannon Williams; his grandsons, Shane Milazzo and his wife Maria, Beau Segura and his wife Meg, Seth Segura, Ben Segura and his wife Jennifer, Blake Segura, Brant Segura and his wife Jenny, Cody Comeaux, Jordy Comeaux and Brock Comeaux; his great grandchildren, Luke Hulin, Amber Milazzo, Steve Milazzo, Collin Segura, Jillian Segura, Mariah Segura, Grayson Williams, Carrington Williams, Wade Segura and Maisie Segura and also survived by his son Marks fiance Angella Romero and her children Amy and Corey all of Pineville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard J. and Dola Hebert Segura; his son, Mark H. Segura and his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Lester Richard.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the Catholic High Endowment Fund.

David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St. (337) 369-6336 is in charge of arrangements.