Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, at a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Broussard, for John O. Sonnier Jr., 63, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct, 25, 2008, at his residence in Lafayette.

Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park.

Reverend Keith Landry, Associate Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Broussard, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.  Lectors will be Kelly Guidry and Marie Broussard.  Eulogist will be Ronald Dowda.  Jodi Bollich, organist and soloist, will sing “Shelter Me O God”, “Be Not Afraid”, “On Eagles’ Wings”, “May the Angels Lead You Into Paradise” and “Earthen Vessels” for the services.

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Survivors include his beloved wife of 30 years, Doris J. Otter Sonnier of Lafayette;  one daughter, Cyndi Hare of Lafayette;  three sons, Duston Sonnier and his companion Marie Broussard of Youngsville, Ronnie Dowda of Covington and Waverson Guidry and his wife Kelly of Breaux Bridge;  nine grandchildren, Jacqui Baudoin, Sammy Dowda, Sarah Dowda, Ryan Bowers, Timmy Hare, Shawn Hare, Christopher Bergeron, Andrea Guidry and Andre Broussard;  one great grandchild, Kyle Bowers;  four sisters, Jean Lopez and her husband Preston of New Iberia, Shirley Darby and her husband Carroll of New Iberia, Betty Guillot and her husband Rickey of Arnaudville and Jeanette Byrd;  and two brothers, Paul Sonnier of Alexandria and Bryan Sonnier of Alexandria.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Oriest Sonnier Sr. and Hazel Benoit Sonnier; one daughter, Tammy A. Sonnier;  one sister, Belinda Stevens;  and one brother, Jimmy Sonnier.

A native of New Iberia and a resident of Lafayette for most of his life, John was a devoted employee of Cox Communications for 31 years.  He was a foster parent, Boy Scout leader when his children were growing up and coached baseball for many years.  

His passions were fishing and watching football, never missing his grandchildren’s games.  He was not a selfish person and always wanted to help others.  He never let his family down, especially his grandchildren.  Mr. Sonnier will be dearly missed by family, friends and all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Dowda, Waverson Guidry, Nicholas Campo, Randy Tibbit, Duston Sonnier and Mike Montgomery.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jacqui Baudoin and Sammy Dowda.

A Rosary will be prayed Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, at 7 p.m. in Martin & Castille Funeral Home.

The family requests that visitation be observed on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Sonnier’s name to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 52884, Lafayette, LA 70505 or to Hospice Care of Louisiana, 302 La Rue France, Lafayette, LA 70508.

The Sonnier family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Joseph Brierre and staff, to Lynn Guidry, and to Kim and Stephanie (his hospice nurses) for the compassionate care they offered to John and their family during their time of need.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille-Lafayette, 234-2311