Last Roll Call

The following Compatriots from the Dr. Enemund Meullion Chapter, Louisiana, Sons of the American Revolution have crossed over the river and are resting in the shade of the big oak tree, they will be deeply missed!

Jack R. McDaniel
January 29, 1953 — March 13, 2026

Jack Rigney McDaniel passed away at his residence on March 13, 2026. Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Crowville Masonic Cemetery, Crowville, LA, under the direction of Dennard First National Funeral Home Winnsboro, LA.

Jack was known for his deep love for his family and his abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Born in Alexandria, LA, he lived his adult life in north Louisiana and was a deeply respected member of the agricultural community. A lifelong member and elder in the Presbyterian Church, he faced each of life’s joys and challenges with the love of Jesus and the hope of the resurrection always in his sights.

Jack was the picture of gentleness, humility, and quiet strength. He was slow to speak and quick to listen. When he spoke, his words were few but meaningful, marked by sincerity and quiet wisdom. He will be remembered for a thoughtfulness that revealed itself not only in what he said, but in the purposeful way he lived and the kindness he showed to others.

There was nothing that brought Jack more joy than his grandchildren and great grandson and, despite the miles between, he learned how to harness technology to make everyone feel seen, remembered, and loved. He was a true gentleman and left a legacy for them of how to live with grace, treat others with respect, and walk faithfully with ‘strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow’.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Wiiliam and Helen Hastings McDaniel, and his sisters Ann Robson and Madeleine McDaniel. He is survived by his wife and love of 48 years, Tammie Ashley McDaniel; two daughters, Lauren McDaniel Privette (Sam) and Meredith McDaniel Dixon (Trey); grandchildren, Jack, Sam, Renalyn, Eden, Max, Lily Marie, Charles; great grandson, Elias; sisters, Beth McDaniel and Susan Boyett; brothers, Gary and Rob McDaniel; and treasured nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Seeing Eye (SeeingEye.org) in honor of Jack’s first two loves, his sisters Madeleine and Ann.

Carlos Anthony Mayeux, Jr.
February 5, 1937 — January 10, 2026

Funeral Mass for Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. of Hamburg will begin at 11:00am on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Moreauville, a church he was deeply involved with since 1948, with Fr. Brian Seiler officiating. Entombment and Military Honors will follow at the Sacred Heart Mausoleum.

Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., 88, a champion of Avoyelles education, culture, and history, passed away at his residence in Hamburg, LA, on Saturday, January 10th, 2026. Until just recent years, he was very active in volunteer work for the parish and church.

His life was dedicated to improving his community, and he was a leader in several organizations and movements for the betterment of the parish.

He served 39 years in education, including a short stint as acting superintendent of education of Avoyelles. He was a co-founder of the Avoyelles Arts Council, La Commission des Avoyelles, and the Cenla Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution. He was instrumental in establishing the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism, and he was a director from 1993 until 2025.

He served as President of the Louisiana Colonial Trails Commission, which promoted historic roads of the area, and was a long-time commissioner of the Zachary Tayler Parkway Association. He was also a longtime 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Through his leadership, several projects became reality, including the acquisition of Fort DeRussy, the Big Bend Museum, the establishment of the Career Development Center, the renovation of the Desfosse home museum in Mansura, and the 1912 Sarto Bridge in Big Bend.

He co-authored numerous books about the history of Avoyelles, including Avoyelles: Crossroads of Louisiana, The Great Flood of 1927, and detailed histories of Mansura and Moreauville. He was a frequent contributor and writer for Avoyelles Publishing’s newspapers.

He was articulate in his work, preserving every detail accurately for future generations.

Carlos was born February 5th, 1937, and was a native and lifelong resident of Hamburg, son of the late Carlos Antoine Mayeux and Laura Jeanne DeCuir Mayeux.

He graduated from Moreauville High School in 1955, where he served as class president.

He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from LSU in education. After LSU, he volunteered for service in the United States Army Reserve, completing basic training in South Carolina and serving as Company Postmaster in his regiment.

He began his long teaching career teaching French and Math. He worked his way up to serving as an Assistant principal in West Baton Rouge Parish. He was in supervisory positions with the Avoyelles School Board from 1973 until his retirement as a director.

He was president of La Commission des Avoyelles from 1974 until last year and was honored by the organization with a lifetime achievement award last fall. Under his leadership, numerous historical structures of Avoyelles were placed on the National Register of Historic Places of America. He also spearheaded the placement of several historical markers, which are seen throughout Avoyelles Parish today.

He personally preserved and renovated two historic homes - the ante-bellum Lougarre home of Moureauville and Mayfield, which he moved from Moreauville to Hamburg.

He was awarded the Louisiana Preservationist of the Year in 1987 by the Louisiana Preservation Alliance, where he also served on the board of this statewide group.

The Avoyelles Journal recognized and honored him as Avoyellean of the Year in 1981, citing his endeavors in historic preservation, education, and community service.

He was also a member of the St. Cecelia Chorale, which was made up of some of the most talented choir members of the area.

Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Stephen M. Mayeux, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos A. Sr. and Laura Jeanne Decuir Mayeux; siblings, Ruth Marie Fontenot, Margaret Cecilia Dupuy, and Richard Mayeux.

Visitation will begin from 5:00pm until 9:00pm, on Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at Escude Funeral Home in Moreauville, and will resume on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at 8:00am until the time of the service. The holy rosary will be recited on Thursday evening at 6:00pm and on Friday morning at 10:15am.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home (318-964-2324), 115 Lemoine Street, Moreauville, LA. 71355.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carlos Anthony Mayeux, Jr., please visit our flower store.

Clyde Matthew Neck
?? - May 28, 2025

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Clyde Matthew Neck on Friday June 6, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville, LA. Presiding at the service will be Reverend Wade DeCoste, Deacon Ken Primeaux, Deacon Stuart Neck, and other invited clergy.

Clyde, 86, passed away on May 28, 2025, at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, LA. He was a lifelong resident of Marksville and dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served faithfully in many capacities. He was a cofounder of the Apple of His Eye prayer group, member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, ACTS, Knights of Columbus, and many other Christian organizations throughout his life.

During his career, he served our Lord by helping others as an educator, counselor for the disabled and those struggling with addiction, as well as an advocate for abused and neglected children.

He loved his community of Avoyelles Parish and was passionate about preserving history and promoting tourism locally. He was the founder of the Hypolite Bordelon Society and member of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism. He loved restoring and saving historical sites and buildings to their former grandeur so that future generations might experience our history.

He is survived by his three children, Troy Neck and his wife Kim of Baton Rouge, LA; Deacon Stuart Neck of Spring, TX; and Millie Moran and her husband Don of Spring, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Abby Neck Richardson and her husband Cullen, Ali Neck, Jarrett Moran and his fiancée Emma Minton, and Collin Moran. Additionally, he is survived by his two brothers, Bruce Neck and Van Neck, along with his wife Cyd. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Aggie, as well as his parents, Mildred Bize Neck and Volice Neck.

Friends may call from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm on June 5, 2025, at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Marksville, LA. Visitation will resume at noon on Friday, June 6, 2025, until the Funeral Mass at 3:00 pm.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Troy Neck, Don Moran, Jarrett Moran, Collin Moran, Keith Rousseau, and Caleb Faul.

Special thanks to the staff at Oakmont Estates, Rapides Regional Medical Center, and especially Heart of Hospice, all of which provided excellent compassionate care.

Clyde was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a friend and mentor to many people and a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ whom he loved with all his heart and soul. Memorial donations can be made to Servant House in Marksville and Food for the Poor.

Richard Emmett Hare
December 15, 1928 - November 19, 2024

Richard Hare was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 15, 1928, to Edward and Florence Hare. He spent his childhood in Cleveland before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Engineering Administration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After graduating, he served in the army as a 1st Lieutenant during the Korean War. Upon returning from service, he earned a Master’s Degree at the University of Michigan.

Richard was employed as an engineer after graduating and this career led him to Dresser Industries and Alexandria in 1980. He started a second career by opening his own business in financial services.

Richard spent many years volunteering at different organizations in Alexandria. He was a past president of Friends of the Alexandria Zoo, past president of the Exchange Club, and the past president of the T.R.E.E.House Children’s Museum. He received a proclamation from the mayor for his many years of service organizing the Alexandria Veterans Day Memorial Service and for his leadership efforts that helped lead to the creation of Veterans Memorial Plaza at the Alexandria City Hall in 1999.

Richard was an avid golfer and earned his pilot’s license in 1997. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joan Hare, his two daughters Debora, and Nancy (Mark), and grandson Ryan (Zaida).

A memorial service will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to T.R.E.E.House Children’s Museum.

Daniel Philip Stagg, Jr.
February 13, 1943 - September 5, 2024

A private graveside service for Dan Stagg will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Pythian Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie.

Mr. Stagg, age 81 of Opelousas, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital.

Dan was a loving husband, father and “Papa” to his grandchildren. He was a lifelong pharmacist, and he also spent several years farming. He loved the LSU Fighting Tigers, golfing with his buddies on a weekly basis and his pugs. Most importantly, he loved the Lord!

He is preceded in death by his parents; Daniel Philip Stagg, Sr. and Hester Soileau Stagg.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Sheila Giddings Stagg of Opelousas; his children, Daniel Philip Stagg, III and wife Tami of College Station, TX, Alan D. Stagg of Whiteville and Susan Stagg Soileau and husband Mike of Rayne; his grandchildren, Hannah Renee Stagg (Marc Arcuri), Daniel Philip Stagg, IV (Celeste Brantley Stagg), Lane Stagg, Joshua Stagg and Edward Soileau; and his sister, Mary Stagg Johnston of Athens, AL.

Dr. James DeLee
May 15, 1930 - October 24, 2023

Dr. James DeLee, 93, entered into eternal life with Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, LA.

James was born on May 15, 1930 in Jackson, LA to Thomas Kernan DeLee and Rosa Spillman DeLee. He grew up as the youngest of eleven siblings with nine brothers and one sister. He spent much of his childhood working on the family farm and playing checkers. After a long day of work, he and his brothers would cool off by swimming in Thompson Creek.

He showed an aptitude for intellectual achievement at an early age and continued to pursue education his entire life. He graduated from Julius Freyhan High School in St. Francisville, LA in 1947. He attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in vocational agriculture in 1951 and a Master of Education in administration in 1956. He attended the University of Alaska in Fairbanks while serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He went on to earn his Doctorate in educational administration and supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1970.

DeLee is survived by the love of his life, Catherine Eugenia Puerta DeLee. Their relationship started over a cup of coffee in the LSU Union and became a lifelong journey of mutual love, respect and admiration that inspired everyone they encountered. They were married on August 10, 1957 at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Dequincy and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They had three children: Rosalin DeLee Gregory of Alexandria; James Anthony DeLee and wife Wanda Schexnayder DeLee of Collinsville, Mississippi; and Cathy Jo DeLee Martin and husband Carey Martin of Waco, Texas, along with twelve grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents (named above), a great grandson, Mark Anthony Huff, and all of his ten siblings: Thomas Kernan DeLee Jr., Daniel Webster DeLee, John Rufus DeLee, Arthur DeLee, Abraham DeLee, Isaac DeLee, Jacob DeLee, Rosa DeLee Kent, Andrew DeLee and Samuel DeLee.

He had many interests and hobbies. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and was known for organizing football games with his grandchildren that frequently ended in a tie. He often challenged his children and grandchildren to a game of checkers. He never tired of chatting and discussing politics with his friends and family. He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures like traveling with his wife, drinking coffee, reading, praying, studying the Bible, square dancing and watching the news. He was very active and could often be found working outside. He cared for God’s creation through planting trees and gardening. His yard was always meticulously cared for.

He was passionate about learning and teaching. He spent his life imparting his knowledge to others, and he endeavored to inspire everyone he encountered to realize their educational goals. His professional experiences were numerous. He began his career as an adult education teacher in Plaquemines and East Baton Rouge Parishes. He taught junior high math and science in Calcasieu Parish. He was an associate professor of elementary education at Louisiana College, and he was the director of student teaching at McNeese State University. DeLee served in the Louisiana State Department of Education as a supervisor of elementary schools and later as the director of teacher education and certification.

He relocated and made Alexandria his home in 1975 when he accepted a position at LSU-Alexandria as the assistant dean of admissions and academic affairs. He served in various positions during his 15-year tenure at LSU-A including acting dean and chief academic officer, professor of education, and the coordinator of the LSU Baton Rouge Graduate Program. He retired from LSU-A in 1990. He then became the Alexandria area graduate education coordinator for Northwestern State University from 1990 to 1995. He also owned and operated the Louisiana Real Estate School in Alexandria. During his extensive career, he authored a number of books and his expertise, knowledge and research were published in numerous educational periodicals and pamphlets.

DeLee was a United States Army Veteran and he proudly served in the HQ 4th infantry during the Korean Conflict. He received a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal during this time.

He was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where he served throughout the years as a Deacon and a Sunday School Teacher. He was a member of several organizations including the Louisiana Association of Teacher Educators, Sons of the American Revolution, Alexandria Lions Club, Phi Delta Kappa, the Masonic Lodge, El Karubah Shriners and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Dr. James Lee, registered on 26 Apr 1974. He was a Charter member and Past President /Secretary /Treasurer (Jan 1, 1990-December 31, 1991) of the then Alexandria Chapter, changed to Dr. Enemund Meullion Chapter in 1997.

Kenneth L. Gremillion
October 13, 1954 - April 2, 2023

Graveside services honoring the life of Kenneth Gremillion will be held at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 3348 University Pkwy, Leesville, LA 71446, on Thursday, April 6 at 1:30 PM, under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

Kenneth L. Gremillion, a proud veteran of the Air Force, passed away on April 2, 2023, beloved husband of Linda Sue Edgerton, also an Air Force veteran serving our country for 20 years retiring as a Technical Sargent, the loving father to their three sons Christopher and his wife Terri Moreau who live in Bristol, England), Robert and Patrick (Lecompte, LA).

The son of Tellis and Arvilla Gremillion, Kenneth grew up in Lecompte, Louisiana. He was also predeceased by his sister Maureen Sands and his brother Walter Gremillion and is survived by his sister Kathy Cleveland and his brother David Gremillion.

He was born October 13, 1954, in Alexandria and graduated from Holy Savior Menard High School.

At the age of 19, Kenneth enlisted in the Air Force and served for fourteen years. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Technical Sargent. He was a Communications & Navigation Systems Technician, and his assignments and the aircraft that he serviced took him to McClellan AFB, CA, EC 121 AWACS; Beale AFB, CA, SR-71, U-2 and KC 135; Eielson AFB AK, RC-135 and Cobra Ball; Offutt AFB RC-135 and NEACP; Okinawa AB, Japan, RC-135, AWACS and KC-135.

He received the AF Outstanding Unit Award, w/3OLCS; AF Good Conduct Medal, w/3OLCS; National Defense Service Medal; AF Long Tour Ribbon; AF Longevity Service Ribbon, w/2OLCS; NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon; and the AF Training Ribbon.

Ken enjoyed family gatherings, including hosting reunions, and was particularly devoted to the nutritional and medicinal value of crawfish. Ken enjoyed weekend flea markets and the wonderful people that he met there. He was also a member of the local Enemund Meuillion Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) which is an organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and teaching American history to future generations.