The Below family will receive friends at a wake service at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday evening, April 1, 2018 from 6:00 p. m. to 10:00 p. m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 911 5th Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 Monday, April 2, 2018 at 1:00 p. m. The remains will lie in state a the church Monday from 11:00 a. m. to service time with a recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 12:30 p. m. Interment will follow the Mass at Lawrence Serenity Sanctum.
"A true statesman and public servant"
He will be remembered as a dutiful son, a loyal brother, a loving husband, a caring and providing father and grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, a favorite uncle, a dependable relative, a determined entrepreneur, an unwavering spokesman for his community and his people and a faithful Catholic parishioner. This stalwart gentleman was born in a rural settlement of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana near the St. Savior Baptist Church on Cane River (Lake) June 24, 1938 to the parentage of the late Louis Below and Mary Paralee LaCour. God gave him a peaceful passageway from earth to glory March 25, 2018 while a patient in the Louisiana Extended Care Center favored by the caring presence of his loving family.
Preparation for eternal life began in his childhood with conversion to Catholicism, the making of his First Communion, being confirmed in the faith and maintaining a close relationship with God as he faithfully practiced in worship and daily living. He was a staunch member of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church until his passing.
This memorable man among men began his educational journey at the St. Savior Baptist Church School as was the custom throughout Natchitoches Parish at that time. He was a self-made man who achieved and accomplished in spite of life's challenges.
His adult life was made more complete when he met, fell in love and entered the Sacrament of Matrimony with the late Florence Balthazar Below, his beautiful wife and partner of more than sixty- four years. Together, they built a nurturing home for their blessing of nine children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and an ever-growing circle of friends.
Mr. Below was a hard-working person and never idled his time away. Being a person of many talents he was a fixture in the retail grocery business for many years and then became a law enforcement officer with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's office where he truly lived their motto—"To Protect and Serve". He retired from that position with honors.
He intensified his calling to serve humanity through becoming one of the first Black City Councilmen in the City of Natchitoches' District 4 which encompassed Breda Town, Bailey Heights, Highland Park and a portion of Jackson Square. Many were the benchmarks of his tenure as an elected official which include, but are not limited to, being the driving force in the establishment of William Lawrence Park and the John Below Community Center, the Martin Luther King Monument/Triangle, the establishment of the Ross Williams Park, initiating the Needy, Helpless and Homeless Assistance Program, the late Mr. Earl Hardison becoming the City of Natchitoches' first Black Assistant Fire Chief, the passing of civil rights legislation and the covering of open ditches and the installation of sidewalks in the Black neighborhoods throughout his geographically designed district. His many honors came from the local, district and state levels.
His dear memory and his ongoing legacy will live on in the hearts, minds and spirits of those who survive him: his children, Mary Louise Lancaster (Clyde) of Houston, TX, Sharon Flanagan (Thurgood – "Pundy) of Natchitoches, LA, Gloria Braxton (Charles) of Columbus, John Below, Jr. (Linda) of Rosharon, TX, Marvin Below, Sr. (Danielle) of Natchitoches, LA, Mark Wayne Below (Kim) of Marietta, GA, Vallery Washington (Ronnie) of Natchitoches, LA, Marilyn "Tricia" Wade (Dal) of Bowie, MD, and Carlos Below (Stacy) of Grand Prairie, TX; one sister, Celestine Below Hardison of Natchitoches, LA, Fifty-One grandchildren, Sixty One great grandchildren, a number of Great, Great Grandchildren, Godchildren; sisters-in-law, and a brother-in-law along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
"A true statesman and public servant"
He will be remembered as a dutiful son, a loyal brother, a loving husband, a caring and providing father and grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, a favorite uncle, a dependable relative, a determined entrepreneur, an unwavering spokesman for his community and his people and a faithful Catholic parishioner. This stalwart gentleman was born in a rural settlement of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana near the St. Savior Baptist Church on Cane River (Lake) June 24, 1938 to the parentage of the late Louis Below and Mary Paralee LaCour. God gave him a peaceful passageway from earth to glory March 25, 2018 while a patient in the Louisiana Extended Care Center favored by the caring presence of his loving family.
Preparation for eternal life began in his childhood with conversion to Catholicism, the making of his First Communion, being confirmed in the faith and maintaining a close relationship with God as he faithfully practiced in worship and daily living. He was a staunch member of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church until his passing.
This memorable man among men began his educational journey at the St. Savior Baptist Church School as was the custom throughout Natchitoches Parish at that time. He was a self-made man who achieved and accomplished in spite of life's challenges.
His adult life was made more complete when he met, fell in love and entered the Sacrament of Matrimony with the late Florence Balthazar Below, his beautiful wife and partner of more than sixty- four years. Together, they built a nurturing home for their blessing of nine children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and an ever-growing circle of friends.
Mr. Below was a hard-working person and never idled his time away. Being a person of many talents he was a fixture in the retail grocery business for many years and then became a law enforcement officer with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's office where he truly lived their motto—"To Protect and Serve". He retired from that position with honors.
He intensified his calling to serve humanity through becoming one of the first Black City Councilmen in the City of Natchitoches' District 4 which encompassed Breda Town, Bailey Heights, Highland Park and a portion of Jackson Square. Many were the benchmarks of his tenure as an elected official which include, but are not limited to, being the driving force in the establishment of William Lawrence Park and the John Below Community Center, the Martin Luther King Monument/Triangle, the establishment of the Ross Williams Park, initiating the Needy, Helpless and Homeless Assistance Program, the late Mr. Earl Hardison becoming the City of Natchitoches' first Black Assistant Fire Chief, the passing of civil rights legislation and the covering of open ditches and the installation of sidewalks in the Black neighborhoods throughout his geographically designed district. His many honors came from the local, district and state levels.
His dear memory and his ongoing legacy will live on in the hearts, minds and spirits of those who survive him: his children, Mary Louise Lancaster (Clyde) of Houston, TX, Sharon Flanagan (Thurgood – "Pundy) of Natchitoches, LA, Gloria Braxton (Charles) of Columbus, John Below, Jr. (Linda) of Rosharon, TX, Marvin Below, Sr. (Danielle) of Natchitoches, LA, Mark Wayne Below (Kim) of Marietta, GA, Vallery Washington (Ronnie) of Natchitoches, LA, Marilyn "Tricia" Wade (Dal) of Bowie, MD, and Carlos Below (Stacy) of Grand Prairie, TX; one sister, Celestine Below Hardison of Natchitoches, LA, Fifty-One grandchildren, Sixty One great grandchildren, a number of Great, Great Grandchildren, Godchildren; sisters-in-law, and a brother-in-law along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The Below family will receive friends at a wake service at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday evening, April 1, 2018 from 6:00 p. m. to 10:00 p. m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 911 5th Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 Monday, April 2, 2018 at 1:00 p. m. The remains will lie in state a the church Monday from 11:00 a. m. to service time with a recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 12:30 p. m. Interment will follow the Mass at Lawrence Serenity Sanctum.
"A true statesman and public servant"
He will be remembered as a dutiful son, a loyal brother, a loving husband, a caring and providing father and grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, a favorite uncle, a dependable relative, a determined entrepreneur, an unwavering spokesman for his community and his people and a faithful Catholic parishioner. This stalwart gentleman was born in a rural settlement of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana near the St. Savior Baptist Church on Cane River (Lake) June 24, 1938 to the parentage of the late Louis Below and Mary Paralee LaCour. God gave him a peaceful passageway from earth to glory March 25, 2018 while a patient in the Louisiana Extended Care Center favored by the caring presence of his loving family.
Preparation for eternal life began in his childhood with conversion to Catholicism, the making of his First Communion, being confirmed in the faith and maintaining a close relationship with God as he faithfully practiced in worship and daily living. He was a staunch member of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church until his passing.
This memorable man among men began his educational journey at the St. Savior Baptist Church School as was the custom throughout Natchitoches Parish at that time. He was a self-made man who achieved and accomplished in spite of life's challenges.
His adult life was made more complete when he met, fell in love and entered the Sacrament of Matrimony with the late Florence Balthazar Below, his beautiful wife and partner of more than sixty- four years. Together, they built a nurturing home for their blessing of nine children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and an ever-growing circle of friends.
Mr. Below was a hard-working person and never idled his time away. Being a person of many talents he was a fixture in the retail grocery business for many years and then became a law enforcement officer with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's office where he truly lived their motto—"To Protect and Serve". He retired from that position with honors.
He intensified his calling to serve humanity through becoming one of the first Black City Councilmen in the City of Natchitoches' District 4 which encompassed Breda Town, Bailey Heights, Highland Park and a portion of Jackson Square. Many were the benchmarks of his tenure as an elected official which include, but are not limited to, being the driving force in the establishment of William Lawrence Park and the John Below Community Center, the Martin Luther King Monument/Triangle, the establishment of the Ross Williams Park, initiating the Needy, Helpless and Homeless Assistance Program, the late Mr. Earl Hardison becoming the City of Natchitoches' first Black Assistant Fire Chief, the passing of civil rights legislation and the covering of open ditches and the installation of sidewalks in the Black neighborhoods throughout his geographically designed district. His many honors came from the local, district and state levels.
His dear memory and his ongoing legacy will live on in the hearts, minds and spirits of those who survive him: his children, Mary Louise Lancaster (Clyde) of Houston, TX, Sharon Flanagan (Thurgood – "Pundy) of Natchitoches, LA, Gloria Braxton (Charles) of Columbus, John Below, Jr. (Linda) of Rosharon, TX, Marvin Below, Sr. (Danielle) of Natchitoches, LA, Mark Wayne Below (Kim) of Marietta, GA, Vallery Washington (Ronnie) of Natchitoches, LA, Marilyn "Tricia" Wade (Dal) of Bowie, MD, and Carlos Below (Stacy) of Grand Prairie, TX; one sister, Celestine Below Hardison of Natchitoches, LA, Fifty-One grandchildren, Sixty One great grandchildren, a number of Great, Great Grandchildren, Godchildren; sisters-in-law, and a brother-in-law along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
"A true statesman and public servant"
He will be remembered as a dutiful son, a loyal brother, a loving husband, a caring and providing father and grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, a favorite uncle, a dependable relative, a determined entrepreneur, an unwavering spokesman for his community and his people and a faithful Catholic parishioner. This stalwart gentleman was born in a rural settlement of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana near the St. Savior Baptist Church on Cane River (Lake) June 24, 1938 to the parentage of the late Louis Below and Mary Paralee LaCour. God gave him a peaceful passageway from earth to glory March 25, 2018 while a patient in the Louisiana Extended Care Center favored by the caring presence of his loving family.
Preparation for eternal life began in his childhood with conversion to Catholicism, the making of his First Communion, being confirmed in the faith and maintaining a close relationship with God as he faithfully practiced in worship and daily living. He was a staunch member of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church until his passing.
This memorable man among men began his educational journey at the St. Savior Baptist Church School as was the custom throughout Natchitoches Parish at that time. He was a self-made man who achieved and accomplished in spite of life's challenges.
His adult life was made more complete when he met, fell in love and entered the Sacrament of Matrimony with the late Florence Balthazar Below, his beautiful wife and partner of more than sixty- four years. Together, they built a nurturing home for their blessing of nine children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and an ever-growing circle of friends.
Mr. Below was a hard-working person and never idled his time away. Being a person of many talents he was a fixture in the retail grocery business for many years and then became a law enforcement officer with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's office where he truly lived their motto—"To Protect and Serve". He retired from that position with honors.
He intensified his calling to serve humanity through becoming one of the first Black City Councilmen in the City of Natchitoches' District 4 which encompassed Breda Town, Bailey Heights, Highland Park and a portion of Jackson Square. Many were the benchmarks of his tenure as an elected official which include, but are not limited to, being the driving force in the establishment of William Lawrence Park and the John Below Community Center, the Martin Luther King Monument/Triangle, the establishment of the Ross Williams Park, initiating the Needy, Helpless and Homeless Assistance Program, the late Mr. Earl Hardison becoming the City of Natchitoches' first Black Assistant Fire Chief, the passing of civil rights legislation and the covering of open ditches and the installation of sidewalks in the Black neighborhoods throughout his geographically designed district. His many honors came from the local, district and state levels.
His dear memory and his ongoing legacy will live on in the hearts, minds and spirits of those who survive him: his children, Mary Louise Lancaster (Clyde) of Houston, TX, Sharon Flanagan (Thurgood – "Pundy) of Natchitoches, LA, Gloria Braxton (Charles) of Columbus, John Below, Jr. (Linda) of Rosharon, TX, Marvin Below, Sr. (Danielle) of Natchitoches, LA, Mark Wayne Below (Kim) of Marietta, GA, Vallery Washington (Ronnie) of Natchitoches, LA, Marilyn "Tricia" Wade (Dal) of Bowie, MD, and Carlos Below (Stacy) of Grand Prairie, TX; one sister, Celestine Below Hardison of Natchitoches, LA, Fifty-One grandchildren, Sixty One great grandchildren, a number of Great, Great Grandchildren, Godchildren; sisters-in-law, and a brother-in-law along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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