Robert Casanova, Sr.

OpelousasBorn in 1925 to Mildred Thiel Casanova and Thomas Henry Casanova, Robert Bob Thiel Casanova, Sr. passed away peacefully on February 5, 2013. He was 87 years old. He very proudly served his country in World War II and again in the Korean War. Bob served as a Medical Corpsman in the Navy and was attached to and trained with the Marine Corps for 13 years. He attended SLI ULL and LSU and was the first football player from Opelousas to letter at LSU. Bob also played in the Orange Bowl. Casanova was a past member of the Opelousas City Council and served as Mayor ProTem. He served as President of the local chapter of the Red Cross. Bob was a past President of the Methodist Men and Chairman of the Board at Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church. He operated a successful, independent insurance agency for many years with his partner, Julian Kurtz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings, Mildred L. Casanova, Dorothy C. Landry and Eugene A. Casanova. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Billie Jo Mayer Casanova, and 3 children, Jo Lyn Casanova, Jean Claire Casanova and Dr. Robert T. Casanova, Jr. Bob is also survived by his brother Dr. Thomas H. Casanova, Jr. of Crowley, 10 grandchildren, Ted Villien, Rachel Guidry Marcel, Erin Couvillion, Adrienne Couvillion, Carolyne Casanova, Stephen Casanova, Katelyn Casanova, Robert Wilson, Lindsey Casanova, Laura Casanova and 1 great grandchild Madeleine Guidry.

Bob often said that he had a storybook life. His parents instilled the importance of faith, family, and love of country. His father led the Civilian Conservation Corps and was the first County Agent in St. Landry Parish, teaching about agriculture and animal care and at the same time, teaching his children about community service. Bob told heartwarming stories about he and his brothers childhoods, lighting the fires at church for Sunday School, finding arrowheads in the woods, milking cows while singing church hymns early in the morning, playing marbles and coming home at night to a mother who was nothing less than an angel. He often said he still remembered the smell of his mothers Sweet Olive Tree as he rounded the corner to home after his military service. Bob and Billie Jo enjoyed many wonderful years of travelling and camping, covering most of the United States. He loved Opelousas, his family, and his country. Family and friends will always remember him for his quick wit, humorous stories, and love of life.

A Celebration of his Life will be held from 5 9 PM on Sunday, February 10 at Lauman Hall, Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church, 510 E. Bellevue Street in Opelousas. Please join family and friends in this special time of remembrance at anytime during these hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society, Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church 515 E. Bellevue Street, Opelousas, Opelousas Lighthouse Mission 704 W. South Street, Opelousas, or Hope for Opelousas 330 E. Madison Street, Opelousas.

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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