John E. Soileau

Opelousas- A Funeral Service will be held for Mr. John E. Soileau on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12 NOON in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel of Opelousas. Deacon Jerry Wyble will conduct the service. Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington.

John E. Soileau, a cherished member of the community and retired assistant fire chief of Fire District 3, City Fire Department Hope Hook and Ladder, has passed away at the age of 87. Surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his Sunset residence, John departed this earthly realm on January 13, 2024.

With courage and selflessness ingrained in his spirit from an early age, John embarked on a noble path by serving in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1957. He held the rank of AN during his time in military service and forged lifelong friendships with fellow servicemen who shared his sense of duty and honor.

After completing his military service, John E. Soileau brought his incredible fortitude and leadership skills to the esteemed ranks of the fire department. With an unparalleled devotion to public safety, he dedicated himself to protecting lives and property as an assistant fire chief. The City Fire Department Hope Hook and Ladder had no greater ally than John, whose years of experience and unwavering commitment were evident through every endeavor undertaken for the safety of others.

John's role as a certified Emergency Medical Technician further exemplified his commitment. He skillfully combined compassion with expertise, acting as a guiding light during times of distress for countless individuals whom he aided with immeasurable kindness.

Beyond his valiant work in fire services, John possessed an ardent love for cultivating life on the land. An avid cattle-raiser throughout his retirement years, he found solace and contentment amidst the beauty of a rural existence. This deeply ingrained passion was a testament to his character, as it showcased his ability to find peace in the simplicity of life's pleasures.

John is survived by his wife, Rose Soileau; children, Monica Soileau Boutte (Steve), Susan Soileau Lalonde, and Marion John Soileau (Vonda); mother of his children, Louise Soileau; grandchildren, Lauren d’Augereau, Matt Boutte (Susan), Landon Ansley (Christine), Brett Ansley, Nicholas Soileau, Maggie Soileau, Nicholas Lalonde, Timmy Lalonde and Christopher Lalonde; and 14 great-grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Marion “Pie” and Beaulah “Nan” Soileau, Jean and Euphemie Stelly; siblings, Lou Alice Hebert, Robert Soileau, Mary Stelly, Dolphie Stelly, Evelyn Fuselier, Easton Stelly and Ida Soileau.

Pallbearers will be Donald Hebert, Steve Boutte, Austin Pitcher, Marion Soileau, Brett Ansley and Don Davis.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Hospice of Acadiana and their staff, Coleen, Joy, Tonya, Tara, Patrice, Brandy and Christine. As well as Tam with AFNB, Sandra with the VA and his special friend Donald Hebert.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable soul, let us remember John E. Soileau for his selfless commitment to public safety, for his steadfast devotion to those he held dear, and for etching an indelible mark on the tapestry of our lives.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.