Merlin Peter 'Butsy' Walet Jr

Loreauville - Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Monday, May 18, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Loreauville, for Merlin Peter Walet, Jr., 72, who passed away on Friday, May 15, 2015 in New Iberia. A gathering of family and friends will be Sunday from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia. A rosary will be prayed on Sunday at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Monday from 8:00 AM until 10:15 AM. Rev. Ed Degeyter will be the Celebrant. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Loreauville. A native of Loreauville, Mr. Walet was born April 1, 1943 to Merlin Peter Walet, Sr. and Edna Dugas Walet. Mr. Walet coached students in Iberia Parish for 41 years. He enjoyed planting flowers, fishing and cooking. Most importantly, he found great pleasure in bringing people together. One of his best qualities was finding potential in people where others could not see it. He is survived by his wife, Marla M Walet, daughter, Kathryn Claire Walet, son, Ross Michael Walet, sisters, Kathleen W Heitkamp, Deanna W Gondron, Jodie D McHugh and husband David all of Loreauville, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Walet is preceded in death by his parents, Edna D. Walet and Merlin Walet, Sr; his brothers-in-law, Alton Gondron and Harold Heitkamp. Pallbearers will be Cecil Landry, Kirk Crochet, Brett Rhymes, Robert Segura Sr., Rod McHugh, and Alton Gondron, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be David McHugh, Greg Boudreaux, Jo Judice, Ronnie Breaux, Mike Johns and the student athletes Mr. Walet coached over the last 41 years. The family would like to give special thanks to his caregiver, Helen Anthony. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of the arrangements.