Erath " A Funeral Service of Christian Burial with military honors, for Mr. Travis A. Kendrick, 94 , will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 3:00PM, at David Funeral Home of Erath. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Erath on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from 9:00AM until time of the services. Mr. Kendrick passed away peacefully the morning of Monday, May 4, 2009 at Abbeville General Hospital. Mr. Kendrick was born on November 13, 1915 in Haynesville, Louisiana. Mr. Kendrick grew up in Haynesville where he graduated from Haynesville, high school. He attended Northwestern State University where he was the quarterback of the football team, and also where he met his best friend and future wife Ethel Flowers. His college years were cut short as he proudly joined the army to serve his country in World War II. Mr. Kendrick later became a member of American Legion Post #279 in Erath. Mr. Kendrick assisted Robert Segura as the only coaches of Eraths six man football legacy. Mr. Segura along with Mr. Kendrick at his side, coached from 1949 until 1952. Through the time and effort of Travis Kendrick and the openness of Robert Segura, a new sport was bred among Erath High athletes. Many of their former players believe that Kendrick and Segura together were the driving force in the new football program in the fifties. Comments linking Kendricks and Seguras dedication to the early program still echo years later. Former players such as Voohries Stoutes, Donald Red Fox Primeaux and others claim that both were outstanding teachers, mentors, and leaders in their lives. Mr. Kendrick worked for the Texaco Plant in Henry for 31 years until his retirement. Mr. Kendrick Papa K lived out his retirement along with his loving wife Mama K in Erath, Louisiana surrounded by family and friends. The Kendricks were members of the backers club in Erath, die hard fans, and huge supporters of all Bobcat Athletics . Mr. Kendrick more fondly referred to by many as Papa K , has touched the hearts of several generations; he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Mr. Kendrick will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend. We will remember you always Papa K , especially on Friday nights when the sun goes down and the stadium lights come on in Erath. Your legacy will live on in the young men who proudly wear the Blue and white, and the many fans of Erath, that share your love for the success of our young people, and Bobcat football. Survivors include his sister-in-law Doris F. Melancon of Erath; his beloved foster son, Paul M.C. Trahan and his wife Marilyn M. Trahan of Erath; grandson, Paul F. Trahan, and his wife Pearle, and their 3 sons Blake, Trevor, and Garrett all of Erath; granddaughter Mary Elise Trahan of Erath; grandson John Travis Trahan and his wife Melissa, and their son John Paul Trahan of Youngsville; nine nieces, Ruth White Elkins, Maurie Kendrick, Sarah Ruth Whisenhunt Saunders, Frances Kendrick Wren, Sarah Kendrick Hamilton, Patsy Stevenson Garrison, Mary Pat Huval, Celina Bergeron, and Marilyn M. Trahan; four nephews, Wayne Kendrick, Andrew Whisenhunt, Dougles Kendrick, and Ken Stevenson; five great-nieces Amy Wilson Stakes of Abbeville and her husband Alan Stakes of Abbeville, Kelli Hollier of and her husband John Derek Hollier and their two children Karoline and Isabella of Erath, Ahna Maria Bergeron of Erath, and Katie and Chelsey Huval both of Henry; and great-nephew Guy Toogie Bergeron of Erath. Mr. Kendrick was preceded in death by his best friend and loving wife of 63 years Ethel Mama K Flowers Kendrick; a son baby Kendrick who died in childbirth; his parents, Samuel Alexander and Della Prestidge Kendrick; two brothers, Leland Kendrick and Stanley Kendrick; brother-in-law, Iry Joseph Melancon; five sisters, Lalia Kendrick White, Gladys Kendrick Lowe, Ruth Kendrick Whisenhunt, Edna Kendrick Cope, and Theo Kendrick Stevenson; three nieces, Nina White Hammontree, Clarice Lowe and Betty Kendrick Phillips; and six nephews, Ben White Jr., Gladney White, Conrad White, Sonny Kendrick, Sam Lowe and Buddy Cope. The family would like to thank Papa Ks most kind and caring sitters: Carol Lynn Ozenne and Tamika Mitchell both of Abbeville. David Funeral Home of Erath, at 209 E. Putnam St., (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.
