Merrick Lanclos

Opelousas- Merrick John Lanclos, 85, transitioned peacefully from his earthly home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, surrounded by the love and company of his family and friends.
He was born on September 26, 1935 in Prairie Basse, Louisiana to Moise and Agnes (Landry) Lanclos.

Merrick served in the National Guard and worked for many years as a masonry contractor, self-employed business owner, and land developer. He also worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad, which fortified his fascination with trains and their history. He treasured his home that he built with his own hands on the Atchafalaya River in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, where his love of nature and birdwatching brought him great joy. He was often heard cracking jokes in Cajun-French so that (almost) no one could understand. He had an infectious laugh, warm spirit, and loved life. He was a loving and proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Marlene Ann (Andrepont) Lanclos (married August 11, 1956 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic
Church in Opelousas, Louisiana).

He is survived by his brothers Herman Lanclos and Moise “June” (m. Sheila) Lanclos; his sisters Emma Grace (m. L.J.) Guillory and Maggie (m. Lincoln) Savoie; six children, Martin Willis (m. Katie) Lanclos of Ville Platte, Mark Christopher (m. Sherry) Lanclos of Parks, Merrick Jude Lanclos of Lafayette, Melinda Ann Granger of Lafayette, Mary Lorraine (m. Tim) Bellard of Opelousas, and Marie Janet Osti of Lafayette; grandchildren Vance Granger, Amy Granger Shamburger, Andrew (m. Brittany) Wagley, Victoria (m. Jude) Taullie, Ashleigh (m. John) Methvin, Evan Wagley, Betsy (m. Kyle) Plouhar, Shelby (m. Tim) Kerner, Wesley (m. Abby) Bellard, Bailey (m. Eddie) Ortego, Rivers Lanclos, Eloise Lanclos, Marla Osti Orgeron, and Parker Lanclos; 13 great-grandchildren; and special friend Judy Rubin.

Special thanks are owed to his patient and loving caregivers Melissa, Stewart, Judy Rubin, and Kelly Mouton.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel of Opelousas. A Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. on Friday May 14, 2021 in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel.

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