LEONVILLE ~ Funeral services will be held Friday, August 9, 2024 at a 1:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville for John A. Lemelle, age 83, who passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette.

Interment will be in St. Leo the Great Cemetery in Leonville. The Rev. Darren Eldridge, pastor of St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, will officiate at the services.

Mr. John, born October 18, 1940, was a native of Leonville and a resident of Houston, Texas for over thirty years before retiring to Leonville. A parishioner of the church, he attended St. Leo the Great in Leonville.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force; by serving during the Vietnam War, he received various medals. Always being productive, he was a hard worker, and enjoyed giving back to his community by volunteering with Hospice of Acadiana. Wanting to strengthen his community, he joined the Knights of Columbus in Houston, Texas. He presented a method

of living as a Christian in the world, which is taught through cursillo retreats he attended.

Survivors include his wife of twenty- five years, Vashti Jackson Lemelle; one son, Donald Lemelle of Leonville; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolores Guillory Lemelle; his parents, Elmer Lemelle and Pearl Auzenne Lemelle; and one brother, Jude Elmer Lemelle.

A rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. Friday in the funeral home.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Melancon Funeral Home of Opelousas.

Melancon Funeral Home of Opelousas, 4708 I-49 North Service Road, (337) 407-1907, is in charge of arrangements.