Gerald R. Soileau

A Mass of Christian Burial for Gerald R. Soileau will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 23, 2017 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Bossier City. Celebrant will be Father Karl Daigle of St. Jude Catholic Church. Concelebrant will be Father Mark Watson of Christ the King. Interment with United States Air Force Honors will follow at Plain Dealing Cemetery, Plain Dealing, LA. Visitation will be at Christ the King prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Gerald died October 19, 2017 at home with his family. He was born October 12, 1930, the first of four sons to Alida Fontenot and Hilary V. Soileau of Grand Prairie, LA. Raised in Cajun country, he spoke "French" until plucked from the farm to attend school. At that time there were few opportunities for a young man, so as a teenager he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Randall. After thirteen months he was honorably discharged and returned home to Washington, Louisiana. A short time later he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1971 as a MSgt. Afterward he worked at the V.A. Hospital in Shreveport, serving other veterans until again retiring in 1992. On October 9, 1953, he married a young girl from Plain Dealing, LA and they were proud parents of three daughters and a son. Knowing how important education was, he took great pleasure in attending all four children's graduations from college. After retiring, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leo. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patsy; son, Steven and wife, Karen; daughters, Susan Larey and husband, Gary; Sandra Salter and husband, Glen; Stacy Soileau and husband, Gary Bauer. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jason, Justin, Rachel, Holly, Ben, Alida, Arin, and Adam; great grandson, Jaxon; brothers James "Jimmy" and wife Elaine, and Beverly and wife, Glenda. He loved and respected his children and their spouses. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchild. We loved him, we will always miss him. He was a humble man and truly the finest man we ever knew. Gerald faced his illness with strength determination and dignity. Sincere gratitude to Dr. Scott Boniol and the Christus Schumpert Cancer Center staff and their hospice team for their compassionate care. Thanks are owed to the many family members and friends who provided strength and support. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Wall Street Plaza 88, Pine Street Suite 2400, New York, NY 10005 or Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home, 3130 Arthur Ray Teague Pkwy, Bossier City, LA 71112.