James Vercher

Lafayette - James O. Smokey Vercher, devoted family man and retired businessman, died on the 21st day of September, 2006 attended by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM on Sunday, September 24, 2006 at David Funeral Chapel of Lafayette. Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mabel Adams Vercher of Youngsville; Four children, James O. Vercher, Jr. and his wife Diane of Lake Charles, Roxie Vercher Comeaux and her husband Brent Comeaux of Lafayette, Jolene Vercher Fontenot and her husband Billy Fontenot of Youngsville, and Yolanda Vercher Hutchens and her husband Charley Hutchens of Lafayette; a brother, Edward Vercher of Alexandria; sixteen grandchildren, Evangeline Vercher, Cyril, Grant, Lance, and Lauren Vercher, Shannon Blanchard, Craig Meyers, Denice Duhon, Shawn Trahan, Tallie Jackson, Eddie LaBauve, Drew Fontenot, Jamie Lowe LeBlanc, Jeremy and Taylor LeBlanc, and Casey Hutchens; twenty - four great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ramie Vercher and Lucille Vercher of Alexandria; two sons, Carson Cecil and Michael James Vercher; three brothers, Herman, Ramie, and Ambrose Vercher

Smokey was born in Derry, LA on December 5, 1921 and would have celebrated his 85th birthday this year. He inlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after the outbreak of World War II and was trained as a Machinist Mate. He was based at the Naval Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS, where he assisted in the construction and shaking down of the ship after construction. Thereafter, he assisted in sailing the vessel to the Brooklyn Navy Yard through the submarine infested Gulf of Mexico and eastern seaboard where they were then placed into active duty in the war effort.

Following the end of the war, Smokey relocated to Lafayette where he managed the Roof Garden Lounge; thereafter, he owned Smokeys Sugar Shack on Jefferson St. in Lafayette, where his many Patrons will recall him unselfishly instructingthem in the finer points of Billiards, cards, and wagering; he later owned Evangeline Bonding Company.

After his retirement from self employment, he worked for Pop-A-Lock car unlocking service for many years and retired from active employment at age 82.

Pallbearers will be Mitch LeBlanc, grandsons, Grant Vercher, Craig Meyers, Eddie LaBauve, Casey Hutchens, and Drew Fontenot.

Honorary pallbearer will be Mr. Verchers brother, Edward, who will also present a eulogy.

The family expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Bob Rivet for his personal attention to Smokeys care and the Hospice of Acadiana.

David Funeral Home of Lafayette (337)837-9887 will be handling the arrangements