Francis Henry Soileau

VILLE PLATTE - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Francis Henry Soileau on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church at 1:00 PM.  Burial will follow in the Evangeline Memorial Park Cemetery with Father Mitch Guidry celebrant.  Francis passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the age of 86 in Grand Prairie.

On Thursday, October 8, 1936, Francis H. Soileau was born in Ville Platte, Louisiana to Johnnie T. Soileau and Hermance Vidrine Soileau.  Francis was a hard worker and most often didn’t see his tasks as work.  Francis worked as a bridge inspector for 33 years.  He loved being outdoors growing sweet potatoes, raising cattle, and working the fenceline.  He also enjoyed hunting and also raised beagles at one time.  Working hard and providing a loving home for his family were things Francis saw as important and meant the most to him.  He will be greatly missed by those he loved and his memory will live on in their hearts.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his sons, Ricky Soileau and companion, Tina Ortego and Jody Soileau; four grandchildren, Chad Soileau and wife, Chelsie, Corey Soileau and wife, Amanda, Jordan Soileau, and Tristan Soileau; and five great-grandchildren, Carleigh Soileau, Ainsley Soileau, Jaidyn Soileau, Jace Soileau, and Briar Soileau; and brother, Eddie Soileau.

Francis is preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Charlene Claire Soileau; parents, Johnnie T. Soileau and Hermance Vidrine Soileau; sister, Myrtle Ann; and great granddaughter, Sydney Soileau.

The family request that visitation be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary, led by Deacon Gary Gaudin, being prayed in his honor at 6:00 PM.  Visitation will continue on Friday, May 5, 2023 beginning at 8:00 AM until time of service.

Family and friends may send condolences to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte has been entrusted with handling arrangements.