William Gautreaux

William Alfred Gautreaux

Opelousas William Alfred Gautreaux peacefully passed away at Doctor's Hospital of Opelousas on Monday, June 25, 2007, marking the end of his almost three-year battle against brain cancer. Visitation with family and friends will be held on Thursday from 9 am to 11 am at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church followed by a funeral mass led by Father Tim Richard and interment at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery. In his 51 years, Bill, as he was known to everyone, was a spirited man, who committed his life to his family, his business and community service.

After finishing school at Opelousas High School, Bill went on to serve in the United States National Guard for six years and completed seven months of active duty. He later went on to start his business career, owning and operating LS Grocery on the Washington highway. Embracing his entrepreneurial spirit and his love of horticulture, Bill went on to establish Bill Gautreaux's Better Lawns and Gardens, which provided lawn and landscaping services to Opelousas residents and businesses for more than 15 years. Whether manicuring lawns or planting lilies and roses, Bill found his calling helping to make Opelousas homes beautiful and their residents happy.

In addition to his commitment to his business, Bill was also dedicated to serving others.

He volunteered countless hours to Opelousas Catholic School, where his daughters earned their diplomas. Coaching the junior high girls basketball team, working game booths at the annual fair, building 1st place homecoming floats and dance and drama club backdrops, Mr. Bill was a model in altruism.

But in recent years, perhaps Bill will be best remembered for his love of music. Following his diagnosis and first surgery in July 2004, Bill picked up his dusty guitar and refused to quietly endure his chemotherapy and radiation treatments and instead used music as his own personal therapy. Bill poured all of his energy into crafting his talent and providing entertainment for others, which became a major part of his last years. He often played at family and friends' homes and for Bethany Nursing Home, while also providing guitar lessons.

Then in January of this year, Bill learned that his cancer had returned after two and a half years, and the first thing it claimed was sadly his ear for music. Although he tried more treatments to prolong his life, this time the cancer proved more than he could handle and more than his beautiful voice and guitar could overcome.
PSPAN

Visitation

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
2125 S. Union St.
Opelousas, LA  70570
Thursday, June 28, 2007
9:0011:00 AM

Service

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
2125 S. Union St.
Opelousas, LA  70570
Thursday, June 28, 2007
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Bellevue Memorial ParkH
4833 Highway 182
Opelousas, LA  70570