Joseph Paw R Viator

New Iberia - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church in New Iberia, for Joseph "Paw" R. Viator, 71, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at his residence surrounded by his family A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday, from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM on Wednesday. Visitation will continue on Thursday from 8:00 AM until 10:15 AM. Rev. Ed Degeyter will be the Celebrant. Entombment will follow in the church mausoleum. A lifelong area resident, Mr. Viator was born on May 29, 1943 to Rene and Edia Poirrier Viator. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having proudly served our country during the Vietnam War. After farming sugar cane, Mr. Viator worked for the Cajun Sugar Mill, and is currently a Deputy City Marshall. He was an avid golfer and bowler, having served in many different positions with the New Iberia Bowling Association and Jr. Bowling Association, and the Louisiana State Bowling Association and Jr. Association. Mr. Viator was the secretary of the Gator Golf Club, and participated in 15 KC International Golf Tournaments. He was a Louisiana State High School Boxing Champion, State Golden Glove Champion for 3 years, Mid South Champion for 3 years, and also a Navy Boxing Champion. Mr. Viator was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1208, having served as Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight, and secretary. He was also a member of the Msgr. J.M. Langlois Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, serving as Faithful Navigator, and Color Cap Commander. Mr. Viator was also a member and past president of the Ancient Order of Creole Gourmets, and had cooked for the Drug Court for 10 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His family was his greatest love in life. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Joy Rita Crochet Viator of New Iberia; daughter, Linda Viator McGhee and husband Randy of New Iberia; grandchildren, Heather Landry and husband Marcus of Youngsville, and Myles McGhee and wife Kaela of New Iberia; great-grandchildren, Reagan Landry, and Mason McGhee due to arrive in July; brothers, Dennis Viator and wife Anne of Cutoff, Harris Viator and wife Anna-Lee of New Iberia, Connie Viator of New Iberia, David Viator and wife Cheryl of New Iberia, Calvin Viator of New Iberia, Presley Viator of New Iberia; sister, Anita Latiolais and husband Francois of Plaquemine. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Earlis J. Viator; sister, Doris Viator Bourque; father-in-law, Sandy Crochet, Sr.; and mother-in-law, Eve Borel Crochet. Pallbearers will be Randy McGhee, Myles McGhee, Marcus Landry, Shane Crochet, Sandy Crochet Jr., and Sandy Crochet III. Honorary pallbearers include Heather Landry, Kaela McGhee, Larry Crochet, Gregory Durand, Allen Badeaux, and Dickie Broussard. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of the arrangements.