Clayton D'Avy, Jr.

Clayton Joseph D'Avy, Jr.

Opelousas A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 12:00 P.M. at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Opelousas, La for Mr. Clayton Joseph D'Avy, Jr., age 87, who died on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 12:35 pm at his home. Father Paul Bienvenue, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy will celebrate the Mass.

Mr. D'Avy was born in Opelousas in 1920 to Jeanne Ducote and Clayton J D'Avy, Sr., the eldest of six children. Clayton graduated from Opelousas High School and began college at Southwest Louisiana Institute in Lafayette. He then transferred to Texas AM to study architecture. Clayton was a distinguished rifleman in the ROTC on campus and joined the U.S. Army after graduation. He was dispatched to the European Theater during WWII and served as an interpreter in France. Clayton was commended for his part in the re-design and rebuilding of Orly airport just outside of Paris. He was an Army Liaison Officer under General Dwight Eisenhower, separated as a Captain after the war and then joined the Air Force Reserve, separating as a Major.

At the end of the war, Clayton returned to the U.S. and married the love of his life, Clara Lindsly, of New Roads. They had been engaged before Clayton left for France, and Clara has all of their handwritten correspondence from those long months of separation. Clara and Clayton shared 62 years of marriage. Together they raised nine children.

Mr. D'Avy was the first architect in St. Landry Parish and brought the era of modern architecture to the area. Mr. D'Avy was responsible for the construction of many churches, schools, banks, residences and commercial and industrial buildings throughout South and Central Louisiana, including Opelousas General Hospital and Opelousas High School.

He practiced with A.E. Manny Veltin from 1958-1983 and with his son, Donald, from 1979-1993.

Mr. D'Avy was a member and past Louisiana Chapter president of American Institute of Architects, as well as a member of the Louisiana Architects Association Ethics Committee. he served his community as chairman of the Opelousas Planning Committee, member of T.H. Harris Vocational-Technical School Advisory Committee, and board of Opelousas Chamber of Commerce, and president of Opelousas Rotary Club. Mr. D'Avy was active in his Church as Parish Council trustee, lector, religion teacher, and professional advisor in the renovation and maintenance of church buildings. He was an active member of the Catholic Cursillo movement and was presented the Bishop's Medal for service to Church and Community in 1996. He donated much of his time and talent to activities at Opelousas Catholic and the former A.I.C. Academy of the Immaculate Conception where he and Mrs. D'Avy chose to educate their children.

Mr. D'Avy was preceded in death by his parents; Clayton J. D'Avy, Sr and Jeanne Ducote D'Avy, siblings; Gloria D'Avy Acker, Earline D'Avy Bond, and Gael D'Avy, grandson John Thomas Alexander, niece; Sharon Bond and nephews; James Bond, Jr. and Perry D'Avy. He is survived by his beloved wife; Clara, and their children and spouses; Don and Faith D'Avy of Opelousas, Dianne and Peter Mutty of Baton Rouge, Dane and Mary Ann D'Avy of Alexandria, Darryl and Lennie D'Avy of Broussard, Mary Catherine and Samir Harawi of Zahle, Lebanon, Chris and Susan D'Avy of New Iberia, Vicki Alexander of Corinth, TX., Tim and Diana D'Avy of Deltona, Fl and Jeanne Louviere of Carencro, and by siblings; Sylvan D'Avy and Jaqueline D'Avy. He is also survived by numerous nieces, and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all who helped care for and support Clara and Clayton during his illness, especially Dr. Richard Tate and his staff, Eva Meche and Hospice and Palliative Care of Louisiana, and home caregivers, Virgie Chenier, Rose Hodges, Annabelle Jones, Rita Gant, Sarah Williams, and in particular, Regina Harnsberry. The family is also very grateful to Deacon Tom Lindsey and his wife, Patty, who visited weekly to pray and bring Holy Communion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Louisiana Hospice Foundation, 336 Heather Dr., Opelousas, La 70570, to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, to Opelousas General Health System Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 27, 2008 from 4:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and the Funeral Home will reopen on Monday from 8:00 A.M. until 11:30 A.M when we will leave to go to celebrate the Mass. Following the Mass with Rev. Paul Bienvenue, interment will follow at Bellevue Cemetery in Opelousas, La. The Pallbearers will be Mr. D'Avy's grandsons.

A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.
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Visitation

Sibille Funeral Home
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Sunday, April 27, 2008
5:00 p.m.to 9:00 p.m.

Service

Mass of Christian Burial

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
207 North Camille Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Monday, April 28, 2008
12:00 pm

Cemetery

Bellevue Memorial ParkH
4833 Highway 182
Opelousas, LA  70570

Memorial Contributions

Louisiana Hospice Foundation
336 Heather Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570