Obituaries

Funeral services for Donald Kelly, 93, of Florien, were held on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Pisgah Baptist Church (Toro Community) with Rev. C.M. Kelly officiating. Burial followed in the Pisgah Cemetery.

Donald Buford Kelly was born on Monday, October 11, 1926 in Barham, Louisiana. He passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at his residence in Florien,. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin A. Kelly and Alice (Skinner) Kelly.

He is survived by his wife, Marion Gayle Kelly of Florien; daughters, Ladonna Gayle Christopher of Kirbyville, Texas; Belinda Annette Morgan of Cleveland, Texas; Robin Rene Tomplait of Kirbyville, Texas; Susie Kelly of Plano, Texas; Sonya Lynn Burton of Kirbyville, Texas; son, Christian Gage Kelly of Lake Charles; brother, Roy A. Kelly of Waco, Texas; eleven grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services for Frankie Johnson, 75, of Sulphur, were held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dean Johnson officiating. Burial followed in the Noble Cemetery.

Frankie Hayes Johnson was born on Tuesday, August 22, 1944 in Zwolle. He passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020 Lake Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Paul Johnson and Murriel Onida (Williams) Johnson; wife, Shirley Johnson; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Simon.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Johnson of Sulphur; daughters, Kyleen Simon and husband Joseph of Sulphur; Jenny Ardoin of DeQuincy; sons, Harold Lynn Youngblood and wife Cindy of Mansfield; Billy Youngblood and wife June of Florida; Kenny Youngblood of Arkansas; and Patrick Wilson of Sulphur; sister, Evelyn Durr of Noble; twelve grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Graveside services for Benjamin Speights, 77, of Many, were held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Little Flock Cemetery with Rev. Leland Boyd officiating.

Benjamin William Speights was born on Saturday, September 26, 1942 in Clare, Louisiana. He passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Many Health Care North in Many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Joshua Speights and Della (Gandy) Speights; brother, Dr. Earl Speights; sister, Ernestine Dees; nephew, Bob Speights; great nephew, Zachary Fordham. Ben retired from Texaco Oil Company. He enjoyed his hunting trips to Colorado with friends. He was also a devoted member of Trinity Church.

He is survived by his nieces, Nancy Wright of Many; Judy Boyd of Natchitoches; Laura Eidt of Natchez, Mississippi; Susan Fordham of Downsville, Louisiana; and Edith Nicholson of Forest, Louisiana; nephew, John Dees of Ferriday, Louisiana; along with a host of friends and his coffee drinking buddies.

Steven Rodrigues, 49, of Many, passed away suddenly on June 17, 2020 while in his sleep. Steven was known for his love of family, friends, and freedom. The business owner and Marine Corp Veteran was quick to make friends and never met a stranger.

Steven is survived by his adoring wife, Kim; children, Keely of Headland, Alabama; Jacob of Demopolis, Alabama; and Teagan of Many; father-in-law, Grady Burl Cotton; three overprotective older sisters, Sharon Lunbeck; Kayla Hataway (Larry); and Ramona Mason; who lovingly referred to him as the “Golden Child” since he was the only son. Numerous nieces and nephews, who loved their fun uncle. Host of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and Marine Corp brothers.

His parents Ernest and Shirley Rodrigues and Mother-in-law Jo Ellen Cotton of Many preceded Steven in death.

Funeral services for Wilmer Rond, 93, of Fisher, were held on Sunday, June 21, 2020 in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Leesville with Rev. Trent Sheerin officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Florien, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville.

Wilmer was born on May 5, 1927 in Natchitoches to his parents, Sanders and Mary Antley Rond. He passed away on Wednesday, June, 17, 2020 at his home in Fisher.