June 24, 1927 – February 8, 2023
Earlon Arnaud passed away peacefully at the age of 95 during the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 8, 2023, with his family at his side.
Earlon was born in Opelousas on June 24, 1927 and raised in Arnaudville. He moved in 1963 to Franklin where he has resided since. He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during the end of World War II on the Battleship Texas. Known to his family as “Pop” and as “Cap” to his friends, Earlon was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, of which he made many lasting friendships. A welder by trade, he believed in working hard and took great pride in being able to fabricate just about anything. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to lend a helping hand with his skills and knowledge to anyone in need. If you knew him, you knew he was meticulous about everything he did and didn’t mind sharing his opinion if he thought you did it wrong. Other favorite pastimes included watching football, of which he was a big Saints fan, also tending to his yard, which was always perfectly manicured. Most importantly, Earlon was a family man who cherished those he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to have known him, especially at the “Coffee Club” and suppers.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his children, Julie Cordova and her husband David, Paggi Lancon and her husband Neal, Mark “Sonny” Charpentier and his wife Mary, Rhonda Todd and her husband Mike, Jamie Wilkinson and her husband Eric, and Kelly Blakemore and her husband Tom; nine grandchildren, Brian Cordova, Todd Cordova, Lauren Leskinen, Brandon Charpentier, Dane Charpentier, Roch Charpentier, Elizabeth Martin, Reese Wilkinson, and Chad Wilkinson; 16 great grandchildren; his brother, Vedrie Arnaud; his brother-in-law, Burt Ortego; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Barrilleaux Arnaud; his daughters, Glenda Stone and Rita Arnaud; granddaughter, Brooke Chaffee; and five siblings, Ethel Thompson, Ashton Arnaud Jr., Audrey Vidrine, Larry Arnaud, and Janet Ortego.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin beginning at 10:00 AM with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 12:15 PM. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at St. Jules Catholic Church in Franklin at 1:00 PM followed by inurnment in the Franklin Cemetery Mausoleum. Father Joel Faulk will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers, Melvina Morris and Raquel Matthews, as well as to his close friend, Bobby Boney, who did so much for Earlon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.