Ishreal Thibodeaux

Opelousas A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, August 31, 2013, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Opelousas, LA for Ishreal Thibodeaux. The service will begin with a rosary at 10:00AM immediately followed with the memorial service. Reverend Paul Bienvenu will officiate the service. The family invites all to join in a celebration of his life after the service in the church hall.

Ishreal was a native of Bosco and a longtime resident of Opelousas. He died surrounded by his family at Opelousas General Health System on August 22, 2013 at the age of 87. Ishreal was known to be a hardworking man. He worked at the Opelousas Ice Plant for many years until its closure and was known to many as the Ice Man. He then worked for Universal Electric Company for 15 years. After retirement he began his hobby of raising rabbits which earned him the title of the Rabbit Man. Ishreal was also a very avid gardener. He was successful in growing a rare white vegetable pear which was named in his honor as the Ishreal Thibodeaux Variety mirliton. This variety is the only pure white mirliton known to be grown in the USA. Ishreal was a dedicated husband and very loving daddy.

Ishreal is survived by his wife of 63 years Vivian Lalonde Thibodeaux. Children include sons Tommy Thibodeaux and wife Connie, Dennis Thibodeaux and wife Donna, daughters Carol Duplechain and husband Lenus, Susie Rowe and husband Robert, brothers Lawrence Thibodeaux and Willie Thibodeaux, and sister Sue Bruno. Ishreal had 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Ishreal was preceded in death by parents Luke and Ida Thibodeaux, his brother Evorelle Thibodeaux, his sisters Gloria Rousell and Verlie Kattengail.

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

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