Paul J. Maraist

St. Martinville- A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church-Parks for Paul J. Maraist, 84, who passed away on April 24, 2023, at his residence. 

A visitation will take place at the funeral home in St. Martinville on Monday from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM and will continue Tuesday from 7:00 AM to 10:45 AM.

A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM on Monday. 

Rev. David M. Rozas will officiate at the funeral mass. 

Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. 

Paul was born on October 6, 1938, in St. Martin Parish. He retired as a mechanic after many years in the automotive industry. He honorably served in the United States National Guard, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of Woodmen of the World. Paul took great pride in his country and the organizations he was a member of. He took part in many presentations of flags with Woodmen of the World and volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity building two houses in Georgia and Kentucky. Along with being involved in his community, he kept up with local and state politics.

Paul would say his greatest accomplishment was his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved his family and friends immensely. He enjoyed cooking at his family home on the bayou called, "Camp Lottabull." This place was where many friends and family gathered to share a meal and tell the best stories that will be shared for years to come! As one last farewell, his request was to hold his funeral mass on a Tuesday at noon, which was the when he held his dinners at the camp. Everywhere Paul went he met someone new, and they immediately became friends to him. If he didn't know you, he knew who you were related to. His memory will be cherished, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He is survived by his son, Lawrence J. Maraist (Sarah); daughters, Sherrie Wedlake (Richard), Lorrie M. Poirier (David) and Christine M. Vann (Karl); grandchildren, Spencer M. Poirier, Nigel P. Wedlake (Alainie), Dustin J. Maraist (Molly), Coy Poirier (Courtlyn), Bryce M. Vann, Harley E. Vann, Kailey M. Trahan (Jacob) and Katherine W. Longman (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Sophia R. Poirier,  Easton Trahan, Beckett Trahan, Tucker Maraist, Sawyer Vann and two on the way.

He is preceded in death by wife, Melba Champagne Maraist; parents, Lawrence and Anna Melancon Maraist; and siblings, Amelie Burke, Anna Mae Labbe and Johnny Maraist. 

Pallbearers will be Lawrence J. Maraist, Spencer M. Poirier, Nigel P. Wedlake, Dustin J. Maraist, Coy Poirier, Bryce M. Vann, Karl Vann, Richard Wedlake, and David Poirier. 

Pellerin Funeral Home (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.