Breaux Bridge - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 13, 2017, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge for Joseph J.C. Latiolais, 92, who passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at St. Martin Hospital.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Thursday, and continue on Friday at 9:00 am until 1:30 pm.
A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm on Thursday by Deacon Butch Herbert.
Rev. Joseph Campion will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2 in Breaux Bridge.
Mr. Latiolais was a highly decorated veteran of WWII, honorably serving his country in the United States Army. During his enlistment during the war, J.C. was involved in numerous battles and campaigns which included; the D-Day invasion when armed forces invaded France at the beaches of Normandy; he led the 1st Platoon breaching at the Siegfried Line; and fought in what was the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II, the Battle of the Bulge.
For his meritorious service to his country, J.C. received the Bronze Medal and several years ago he received the French Legion of Honor Award, an award presented to American World War II veterans who fought in that country and contributed to its liberation. The award was created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte to reward extraordinary accomplishments and outstanding service to France.
J.C. was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W., and Pelba Hunting Club. As a pastime, he enjoyed hunting, going to the camp, and spending time with his great grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Doris Guidry Latiolais; his sons, Dr. Terry Latiolais, DDS and wife Cheryl of Breaux Bridge, and Kenny Latiolais of New Orleans; his daughter, Cindy Cormier and husband Craig of Breaux Bridge; his sister, Vival Guidry of Cecilia; three grandchildren, Jared Latiolais and wife Mary Elizabeth, Jeremy Cormier and wife Melissa, and Remie Blanchard and husband Dannah; and three great grandchildren, Jackson Cormier, Caroline Cormier, and Ethan Blanchard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clebert and Cecilia Huval Latiolais; his grandson, Brandon Latiolais; and his sister, Mary Bonin.
Pallbearers will be Craig Cormier, Jeremy Cormier, Dannah Blanchard, Pat Lanaux, Don Guidry, and Jared Latiolais.
Memorial donations can be made to the: Brandon Joseph Latiolais Memorial Scholarship Fund College of Science, in care of: Louisiana State University, 124 Hatcher Hall, Baton Rouge, LA. 70803.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge, 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com