Gilbert Lastrapes

St. Martinville - Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m ., on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 , at the St. Martinville Methodist Cemetery for Gilbert Anthony Lastrapes, Jr., who will be interred alongside his wife, partner, and best friend of 54 years, Noelie Jeanne 'Sweets' Gonsoulin Lastrapes . Mr. Lastrapes died at his residence on Sunday, October 28, 2012. He was 85 years young. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he was with the Army Combat Engineers and served in the reserves as well. During his time of combat, he was awarded the Victory Medal. Mr. Lastrapes is survived by his children, Gilbert A. Lastrapes, III of Florence, South Carolina, Lisa Lastrapes of Grapevine, Texas, Jeanne Yvonne Read of Moore, Oklahoma, TSGT. Timothy A. Lastrapes of Pflugerville, Texas, Larry Lastrapes of New Iberia, Louisiana, and Kimball Lastrapes of Hollywood, Florida; and brothers, Keith Kelley, Larry Lastrapes, Steven Lastrapes, Johnny Lastrapes; sisters, Monetta Kelley Adkerson, Joan Lastrapes Perez, and Jeanette Lastrapes Eisworth; 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mr. Lastrapes was preceded in death by his parents, G.A. Lastrapes, Sr. and Audie Thornton Lastrapes Kelley; as well as his brother, James Joseph Lastrapes. Mr. Lastrapes was a retired manufacturer of oilfield valves, and owner and President of the Burton Valve Corporation of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was a 32 Mason, and a member of the Hugh Daspit Lodge # 301, F. & A.M. of St. Martinville. He was also a full Colonel on the staff of Governor John McKeithen, during his administration. A loving devoted father and husband, a loyal friend to a multitude of people! Masonic graveside ceremonies will be conducted. Pellerin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary and sign guestbook, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com