Larry James Comeaux, Sr.

Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all. Gal 6:9-10 Larry James Comeaux, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully the morning of Thursday, October 2, 2014, at Lafayette General Medical Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 4, at 11:00 AM at St. Martin de Tours Church in St. Martinville, Louisiana. Reverend Rusty P. Richard will conduct the funeral services and serve as Celebrant of the Funeral Mass along with Reverend Monsignor Keith DeRouen. Larrys granddaughters Nicole Comeaux Zaunbrecher and Ashley Hollier will serve as Lectors, and Pallbearers will be, Tim Zaunbrecher, Joe Quinlin, Paul Durand, Danny Guidry, Guy Labbe, and his grandson Timmy Comeaux. Honorary pallbearers will be Emile Barras, Mark Aubrey Cole, Paul Hardy, L.C. Boo Levert, and Dan Menard. Entombment will follow at St. Michaels Mausoleum in St. Martinville. He was born in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1928, one of five children of the late Lucien and Alice Comeaux. He is preceded in death by siblings Flora Mae Comeaux, Walter Comeaux, and Clara Comeaux Cross, and survived by his younger brother Francis Earl Comeaux of Lafayette. From a young age Larry had great ambition to be successful in business, and he knew the value of hard work. He was a graduate of Lafayette High, Spencer Business College in New Orleans, and the Western Union School in Springfield, MO. Larry served in the Louisiana Army National Guard for seven years. He fondly remembered his career beginnings as a telegraph boy. It was in 1951, during his service as manager of St. Martinvilles Western Union, that he was given the life-changing opportunity to enter the banking industry at St. Martin Bank & Trust. He was quickly appointed Cashier and in 1955 promoted to President a position he would hold for 47 years. During his tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer, he guided St. Martin Bank through challenges, successes, and expansion into the Lafayette market. He remained involved after his retirement in 2002, as Chairman of the Board for the next 10 years and Chairman Emeritus until his death. During his lifetime career, he was a dedicated member of many banking community organizations and events he was President of Louisiana Young Bankers in 1964, a long-time member of the First National Bankers Banks Board of Directors, and a member of both the Louisiana Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association. His vision, passion, and commitment leave a profound impact on the banking industry of Acadiana and in Louisiana. Larry had great pride in St. Martinville, where he lived for 65 years. He showed his love through dedicated service as St. Martinville Rotary Clubs longest standing board member. He worked diligently for the beautification of church grounds as a trustee of St. Martin de Tours Church. He had a great interest in preserving the history and culture of his community and family, and he proudly served as a board member for the Acadian Memorial. Throughout his life Larry maintained a joyful spirit, sense of humor, and positive outlook, even through his fight and triumph over laryngeal cancer. He enjoyed travelling, hunting, fishing, watching the sunset over Bayou Teche, and a good Old Fashioned; but most of all, he loved his family. Each member of the Comeaux family knew how proud PawPaw was of them and cherished his unconditional love. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of nearly 64 years, Hazel Laperouse Comeaux; their son Larry Comeaux, Jr. and his wife, Cindy, and their two daughters Stephanie Comeaux and Maxine Comeaux Hollier and her husband Aaron; three grandchildren Nicole Comeaux Zaunbrecher and her husband Tim, Timothy Comeaux, and Ashley Hollier; and four great-grandchildren, Brice and Mia Zaunbrecher and Elizabeth and Lauren Comeaux. His family would like to extend special gratitude for the care Larry received from the loving caregivers Vicky Guidry, Sandra Martin, and Julene Fredrick. Larrys life was a testament to the values of ambition, determination, faith, and generosity. He has been an exemplary businessman, community servant, and patriarch, and he will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville. The family requests that visitation be observed on Friday, October 3, 2014 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Saturday from 8:00 AM until time of service. A Rosary will be recited on Friday at 6:30 PM, followed by a Eulogy given by Paul Hardy. Donations in Larrys name can be made to St. Martin de Tours Church, the Acadian Memorial, or to the American Cancer Society. Pellerin Funeral Home, 112 New Market Street, St. Martinville, LA 70582, 337.394.9121 To view on-line obituary and sign guestbook, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com