John Clary, Sr.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Opelousas Funeral services for Mr. John Joseph Clary, Sr. will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2012, with a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Interment will follow in St. Landry Cemetery. The Rev. Msgr. Keith DeRouen, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Angels, will celebrate the Mass.
Mr. John Joseph Clary, Sr., lovingly called Gramps, died peacefully on March 12, 2012, at his daughters residence. He was 83 years old.

Survived by his four children and spouses, Deborah Clary Deshotel Aubrey and John Skip Clary Liz of Opelousas, Lynn Clary Lacaze Danny of Belmont, and Charles Chuck Clary Denise of Lafayette. He had seven grandchildren whom he loved to exchange life stories with, Brian, Alison, Lindsay, Haley, Jake, Ryan, and Colin and a great grandson, Charlie. Lorraine C. Bertinot, Johns sister, ensured he received Holy Communion weekly and was always there along with her children and grandchildren. Additionally, his faithful companion, Maxie, kept him company and brought much enjoyment to him.

John was born in Opelousas on July 31, 1928. He graduated from the Academy of the Immaculate Conception A.I.C., received his Bachelor of Science from S. L. I. now University of Louisiana, Lafayette and postgraduate studies at Loyola University, where he played in the orchestra. After earning his registry as a Medical Technologist from Baton Rouge General Hospital, he served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He married his lifelong sweetheart, Dona Claire Hebert and enjoyed 56 fun and loving years. Together they enjoyed sharing life with their children, grandchildren and many dear friends. Their love of dancing grew through the years, John could often be found practicing a step in the hospital halls and on those steps he waltzed to meet his beloved Dona.

Johns love of life and people kept him active. His profession in the medical field allowed for him to be part of the bricks and mortar on which Opelousas General stands today. Opening the medical laboratory, he had a passion for the hospital and what it represents in this community. Dedicated to youth, he always had time to teach the interested how to use a microscope and was significant in the lives of numerous health care professionals today. Involvement in the Catholic School system found him serving on the school board and was awarded the National Catholic School Distinguished Graduate Award in 2005. His drive to always try more challenged him to be an active Toastmaster member and debater.

Having earned his Eagle Scout, he shared his love of scouting, serving as a Boy Scout leader and enjoyed camping with his sons and fellow scouts. During the summer, John would be found on the baseball fields at South City Park coaching his team. An avid LSU football and baseball fan, John ensured his children knew how to root for the tigers from an early age, and it was on the LSU campus that he pinned his grandson Brians pilot wings at his Air Force commissioning.

Following 41 years of service at Opelousas General, he retired to take up another career, that being the practice of Residential Appraising, maintaining his Louisiana Real Estate Appraisal License as long as his health allowed.

A humble man, devoted to his family, career and friends, John practiced a strong Catholic faith with a special devotion to the Carmelites. For decades he attended First Saturday Mass at the monastery and was a member of the Mens Guild, where he served as president for a term. He was a lecturer and Eucharistic Minister at Queen of Angels Catholic Church and a committed Adorer in the Adoration Chapel since it was established. He served on the building committee when Queen of Angels parish hall and, later church, was built.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Alphonse Clary, and his wife, Dona Hebert Clary.

Sincere appreciation to special caregivers: Gerard Charles, Richard Odis, Edward Augustine Cal, Dee Lamb, Unrica Richard, Pat Bias and Belinda Stevenson. Each brought a unique love to Mr. John. Additionally, Central Louisiana Home Health nurse, Cheryl, Dr. Gary Blanchard, Avia Meche and staff. Each was so helpful during the past 3 years.

Visiting hours will be observed in the Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. On Thursday, visitation will continue in the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

A Rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening in the funeral home.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.

Visitation

Sibille Funeral Home
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
48 p.m. Thurs. 911:30 a.m.

Service

Mass of Christian Burial

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
2125 S. Union St.
Opelousas, LA  70570
Thursday, March 15, 2012
12:00 p.m.

Rosary Service

Sibille Funeral Home Chapel
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
7:00 p.m.

Cemetery

St. Landry Cemetery
1020 North Main Street
Opelousas, LA  70570