Willis Joseph Theriot

St. Martinville - Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville for Willis Joseph Theriot, 85, who died Sunday, January 22, 2006 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Entombment will be in St. Michael Mausoleum in St. Martinville. Mr. Theriot worked for 35 years as a dredge operator for William - McWilliam. His passion was his horses. Mr. Theriot's courage and positive outlook on life allowed him to face challenges and obstacles. His love of life was demonstrated in his belief that a hard day of work was a "good day", and that was the just reward. He instilled in his daughters and grandchildren that no matter the task, do it well, do it with pride and never quit. This ultimately allowed him to have a life filled with overflowing contentment. He was a perpetual adorer for many years. Survivors include his wife, Rita Bernis Theriot of St. Martinville; four daughters, Louella Champagne and her husband, Ronnie of St. Martinville, Elaine Bernard and her husband, Garland of Lafayette, Dr. Shirley Theriot of Arlington, TX, and Patricia "Pat" Guidry and her husband, Larry of St. Martinville; four brothers, Dudley Theriot of St. Martinville, Cliny Theriot of Carencro, Allie Theriot and Nolan Theriot, both of St. Martinville; four sisters, Theresa Cormier of Breaux Bridge, Cecile Dupuis of Lafayette, Marie Broussard of Cecilia, and Lucille Theriot of Breaux Bridge; ten grandchildren, Shelly Poche, Wayne Champagne, Paul Champagne, Amie Bulliard, Bart Bernard, Kimberly Bozeman, David Bernard, Robert Vogleman, Erin Rita, and Kacey Guidry; and thirteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucia and Don Louis Theriot; his brother, Woodrow Theriot; his sister, Rita Romero; and an infant sister, Judy Theriot. The family requested that visiting hours be observed from 7:30 a.m. ~ 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday and continue at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday until time of service. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening. Pallbearers will be his five grandsons, Wayne Champagne, Paul Champagne, Bart Bernard, David Bernard and Robert Vogleman, and his nephew, Ronnie Theriot. Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.