Herbert L. Benoit, age 77, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2007, at sister and brotherin-law Barbara and Darrell Trahan's home in Lake Charles surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Benoit was born and raised in Creole and moved to Grand Chenier in 1989. After Hurricane Rita, he resided in Sweetlake until his sickness. He was a member of St. Eugene Catholic Church of Grand Chenier, American Legion Post 364 and the VFW. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Benoit worked in the oilfield industry after his stint in the Army. He worked for Kerr McGee, Superior Oil, Cameron Construction, and Quality Productions and retired from Crain Brothers in 1993. Mr. Benoit was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He loved planting big, beautiful gardens every year and enjoyed giving away the fruits of his labor to family and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, Eli and Alida Benoit; his first wife and the mother to his children, Lorraine Savoie Benoit; two sons, Gregory and Dexter Benoit; one grandson, Clyde "Tootie" Doxey; and his second and third wives, Minnie Odom Benoit and Regina Mhire Benoit. Mr. Benoit will be surely missed by all who knew and loved him. He left this life after a brave fight with cancer and COPD.

Survivors include his four daughters, Rhonda Sue Largent and husband Robert of Hackberry, Leola Doxey and husband Clyde of Lake Charles, Margaret Mims and husband Milton of Longville, and Druscilla Conner and husband Wilson of Grand Lake; four sons, Patrick Benoit and wife Linda of Clute, Texas, Lionel "T-Boy" Benoit of Ragley, Marlon Benoit of Creole and Bradley Benoit of Lake Charles; three stepsons, Kirk Rutherford of Lake Charles, Craig Rutherford of Grand Chenier and J.R. Rutherford of Houston; one brother, Winston Benoit and wife Sylvia of Lacassine; five sisters, Olive Rutherford of Creole, Corrine Willis of Grand Lake, Norma Lee Bourriaque and husband Andrew of Lacassine, Barbara Trahan and husband Darrell of Lake Charles, and Mary Ann Trahan and husband Carroll of Sulphur; 18 grandchildren, Chad Primeaux, Johnny Primeaux, Katrina Landreneau, Crystal Chanley, Corey Primeaux, Laura Guillory, Ryan "Bubba" Largent, Richard Benoit, Destnee' Benoit, Kobrina Benoit, Brittney Benoit, Herbert "Boogie" Doxey, Jimmy C. Doxey, Larkin Mims, Justice Mims, Montana Benoit, Ali Delaney and Arden Delaney; 10 stepgrandchildren; and 18 greatgrandchildren.

Mr. Benoit's funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, July 31, in St. Eugene Catholic Church of Grand Chenier, with the Rev. Vincent Vadekkedath officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation began Monday in the funeral home and continues from 10 a.m. today in St. Eugene Catholic Church of Grand Chenier. The family would like to thank Brighton Bridge Hospice for its care and concern for Mr. Benoit and to all the family and friends for their love and support.

American Press, 2007 Jul 31, Page A2, Section Obituaries