Obituaries

Melton O. Merchant

Melton O. Merchant

Jun 26, 2025

Melton Oran Merchant, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and jack of all trades, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on March 13, 1941, to Clarance and Effie Tilton Merchant in Elizabeth, LA. Melton dedicated his life to his family and the passions that brought him joy, particularly his love of woodworking and the...

Joyce Charlene Mueller Harvey

Joyce Charlene Mueller Harvey

Jun 23, 2025

Joyce Charlene Mueller Harvey was the youngest of six children born to Charlie and Agnes (Bucek) Mueller in the small farming town of Runge, Texas on December 27, 1930, and she slipped peacefully into her Heavenly home on June 23, 2025. Joyce was a Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of DeRidder, Louisiana. The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:...

Brenda Gail Wood

Brenda Gail Wood

Jun 23, 2025

Brenda Gail Wood went home to her Lord and Savior on June 23, 2025. She was born on December 19, 1944, in DeRidder, Louisiana, to Sidney and Helen Boitnott. Brenda lived a life marked by fierce love, bold faith, and passionate service to God.

She was married to Gary Wood for 28 wonderful years. Together, they shared a deep relationship rooted...

James Clayton Cryar

James Clayton Cryar

Jun 21, 2025

James Clayton Cryar, 95, of Moss Bluff, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in DeRidder, LA on April 15, 1930, to James and Hazel Cryar. After his mother's death, he was raised by his loving grandmother, Anna "Annie" Davis Cryar. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Clayton was...

Patricia Jean Travis

Patricia Jean Travis

Jun 21, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Jean Travis, who left this world on June 21, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by her loving family. Patricia was born on January 16, 1948, in Deridder, Louisiana, to Palmer and Goldie Louise Travis. Pat was a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and friend to all who...

Vanessa Ann Walker

Vanessa Ann Walker

Jun 19, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Vanessa Ann Walker, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, who departed this life on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Deridder, Louisiana, at the age of 60.She was born on September 9, 1964 in Opelousas, LA. Surrounded by her faith and loving family, Vanessa’s spirit touched everyone who had the...

Glenda Ruth Keel Shird

Glenda Ruth Keel Shird

Jun 17, 2025

Glenda Ruth "Granny" Shird, 77, of Merryville, LA passed from this life on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Glenda was born January 22, 1948, in Rosepine, LA to Crawford and Lois Dick Keel.

Glenda, Where to start? She loved for everyone to call her Granny. She started going to Green Oak Baptist Church with her granddaughter, Samantha Gordey in 2000. That is...

Wanda Sue Whitley Franklin

Wanda Sue Whitley Franklin

Jun 15, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wanda Sue Franklin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, who left this world on June 16, 2025, in Deridder, Louisiana. Born on September 24, 1939, in Anacoco, Louisiana, to Athern and Pearl Whitley. Wanda was a beacon of love and warmth to all who knew her.

 Sue dedicated...

Carolynn Jo Watson Sharp

Carolynn Jo Watson Sharp

Jun 11, 2025

With great love and gratitude for her life, the family of Carolynn Jo Watson Sharp announces her passing on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Known to many simply as “Jo” or “Aunt Jo,” Carolynn was a beautiful example of strength, kindness, and Christian faith throughout her 82 years.

Carolynn was born on January 31, 1943, in Merryville, Louisiana, to Stella Swilley Watson...

Mistie Machelle Lewis

Mistie Machelle Lewis

Jun 10, 2025

Mistie Machelle Lewis entered her eternal home surrounded by her family after a brief illness in Baton Rouge, LA June 10, 2025. Mistie was born November 6, 1968, in DeRidder, LA to the parents of Levon and Janet Lewis of DeRidder.

She was a 1986 graduate of Rosepine High School and attended Northwestern State University.

Mistie was actively involved in the family...

Sylvia Ann Hebert Nichols

Sylvia Ann Hebert Nichols

Jun 10, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sylvia Ann Hebert Nichols, who left us on June 10, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on February 28, 1958, in Port Arthur, TX, Sylvia spent her life in Merryville, LA, where she embraced her love for family, flowers, and making memories.

Sylvia had a vibrant career in retail,...

Helen Elizabeth Weaver Johnson

Helen Elizabeth Weaver Johnson

Jun 9, 2025

Helen Weaver Johnson "Honey" was born in Shreveport, LA to Mr. and Mrs., W.O. Weaver on November 10, 1926. She died June 9, 2025 at Montclair Assisted Living Center in Shreveport, LA

Helen was scheduled to be the youngest graduate of Centenary College but fell madly in love with Baiph Johnson, and married him one semester before graduation. They moved to...

Merle R. Schmidt

Merle R. Schmidt

Jun 6, 2025

Merle R. Schmidt, 89, of Moundridge, Kansas, passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, at Pine Village in Moundridge. He was born on October 9, 1935, in Texline, Texas to Abraham L. and Esther (Esau) Schmidt.

He attended Halstead schools.

Merle was a member of the Highland Mennonite Church in DeRidder, Louisiana.

He was united in marriage to Vera Ann Koehn on October 10,...

Otha Mae Tucker

Otha Mae Tucker

Jun 6, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Otha Mae Tucker, who left us on June 6, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on September 12, 1948, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Otha lived a remarkable life filled with love, service, and a big heart.

Otha proudly served in the U.S. Army for nearly 24 years, reaching the rank...

Stanley Skylar Nelson

Stanley Skylar Nelson

Jun 5, 2025

Stanley Skylar Nelson came into this world on September 18, 1955, and passed from this world at the age of 69 on June 5, 2025. The first-born son of Jesse Nelson, Jr. and Emma Sanson Nelson, Stanley was raised and spent most of his life in the small rural community of Cash Bayou in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.

A graduate of the...

Paul Murphy Pruitt, Jr.

Paul Murphy Pruitt, Jr.

Jun 3, 2025

Paul Murphy Pruitt, Jr. was born on October 31, 1961, in DeRidder, Louisiana. Therefore, his name known to most was “Spooky”. His parents were Paul Pruitt, Sr. (deceased) of Singer, LA and Jeanette Johnson Pruitt Pelt. Most of his life, Spooky resided in Beauregard Parish.

Cherishing his memory are his mother, Jeanette Pelt of DeRidder, LA; brother, Billy Wisby (Angela) of...

Cheryl Ann Betts McEndree

Cheryl Ann Betts McEndree

Jun 2, 2025

Cheryl Ann Betts McEndree, 67, of DeRidder, LA., was born on August 20, 1957, in Barnesville, Ohio. On June 2, 2025, she was reunited with our Lord and Savior, passing peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Cheryl lived for simple joys- she loved spending time with friends at Johnsonville Bar, before her illness and she never missed an...

Michael Shane Howell

Michael Shane Howell

Jun 2, 2025

“Mike” Michael Shane Howell, also known to his friends as "Doobie", passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 54. He was born on May 8, 1971, in Many, Louisiana, and raised in DeRidder, where he graduated from DeRidder High School in 1989. Mike was proud to be a member of the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb and proud...

Tiffany LeAnn Beard Cooper

Tiffany LeAnn Beard Cooper

May 29, 2025

Tiffany LeAnn Beard Cooper, a loving daughter, sister, friend and devoted mother, left this world too soon on May 29, 2025, at the age of 41, after a courageous five-year battle. Born on November 23, 1983, in DeRidder, LA, Tiffany made her home in Merryville, LA, where she touched the lives of everyone around her with her warm spirit and...

Joy Nell Barrett

Joy Nell Barrett

May 27, 2025

Joy Nell Barrett, 86, of DeRidder, Louisiana, passed peacefully from this life on May 27, 2025. Though she is no longer with us, she is now joyfully present with The Lord.

She was born on April 7, 1939, in DeRidder to Floyd and Oma Gill. She is survived by her daughter, Jan O'Neal and husband, Billy; her son, Gary Barrett and...