A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Milton, for Chester J. Henry, age 79, who passed away on Tuesday, January 14,
2025 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. The family requests that visitation be observed
at Martin & Castille’s SOUTHSIDE location on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM
and will continue on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM of services. A recitation of the Holy Rosary
will be led by Linda Dartez on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM in the funeral home.
Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Reverend William Schambough will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will officiate the
services.
Chester J. Henry, known affectionately as Ches to his friends and family, passed away suddenly on
January 14, 2025, in Lafayette, LA, due to complications with leukemia. Born on December 5, 1945 in
Kaplan, LA, Ches lived a life marked by enthusiasm, love and a steadfast optimism that touched the
hearts of all who knew him.
Ches was a man of admirable character and was loved deeply by his family. He is survived by his
devoted wife, Rosa Bernard Henry, with whom he shared a beautiful and unwavering partnership of 18
years. He was a cherished father to his children: Chad Henry (Stacy), Faithann Bran (Luis), Clifton
Henry (Shana), Jonathan (JP) Henry (Tori), Hope McClelland (Joe), and Jade (Jess). His legacy
continues through his sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, who brought him
immeasurable joy and pride. He was the beloved brother of Gloria Champine (Roger), Lud Henry (Christine), Belinda Boudreaux (Ashley), and Ernie Henry (Kim).
Awaiting Chester when he arrived home with his Heavenly father was his parents, Ludness and Theresa
Dubois Henry, his sister, Brenda Henry, and his three infant brothers.
After attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) on a football scholarship in 1964,
Ches built a reputable career as a welder at Cameron Ironworks, dedicating 30 years of service. His
commitment and work ethic were as strong as the bonds he forged with his colleagues and within his
community. Ches’s passion for sports was a defining aspect of his life. A true sports fanatic, he
reveled in the excitement of the game, whether it was cheering for his beloved New Orleans Saints,
LSU Tigers, UL Ragin’ Cajuns, Nicholls Colonels, or his Berwick High School Panthers, however
Sunday game day was his favorite and his house was filled with cheering and excitement. His pride
swelled when watching his great-grandson Jayden play football for Nicholls University. Ches found
great joy in supporting his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in all their athletic endeavors.
Those who knew Ches would describe him as spirited, loving, and unwaveringly optimistic. His presence was a source of energy and encouragement, and he had a unique ability to uplift others with his infectious spirit. Ches lived by the words of Helen Keller: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates the ethos by which Ches led his life-a life characterized by hope
and the confidence to face challenges with a positive outlook.
Ches’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him, but his spirit will continue to
inspire and guide us. His was a life lived to the fullest, rich in experiences, and abundant in
love. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
We will gather to celebrate Ches’s life and honor his memory. His story will be told with smiles
and laughter, as he would have wished, reflecting on the joy and happiness he brought to us all.
Chester J. Henry’s life was a testament to the power of positivity and the enduring strength of
family and community. He will be deeply missed, but his light will continue to shine in the
memories we hold dear.
“When we get to the end of our lives together, the house we had, the cars we drove, the things we
had won’t matter. What will matter, is that I had you and you had me.”
Pallbearers will be Logan Bran, Parker Bran, Brennon Henry, Tahner Raphael, Jayden Milton and Ryder
McClelland.
We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with
the Henry family by visiting “Share a Memory” on Chester’s online obituary and tribute wall at
www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille – SOUTHSIDE, 600 E. Farrel Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, 337-984-2811