Henry Rabalais

A loving father, devoted husband, dedicated grandfather, he passed away at 7:10pm on Friday, January 8, 2010 after a fight with Congestive Heart Failure, at 86. A native of Moreauville and resident of Innis, Louisiana, he was a retired owner of a local full service gas station for 42 years, Rabalais Texaco Service, and cofounder of Rabalais Son TerraJet Enterprise, Inc. where he served as Vicepresident of the corporation. A WWII veteran, he proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps as a PFC of the 367th Fighter Group, 392nd Fighter Squadron Europe. He was recently honored as a 50 year member of the American Legion.
An extraordinary man, he will be remembered by many in South Louisiana. He greatly enjoyed nature and wildlife, taking pleasure in hunting and fishing. Henry always looked forward to the beginning of Duck hunting season. He also looked forward to making his garden each year, planting rows of tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers that he generously shared with friends and family. He was a member of St. Vincent de Pauls Catholic Church in Innis, Louisiana. He is proceeded in death by his wife of 61 years, Clara Ann Bordelon Rabalais, his parents, Henry Rabalais, Sr. Aline Coco Rabalais, of Moreauville, LA., his brothers, Gabriel Rabalais, Valley Rabalais, and PFC John Rabalais who died in service of his country in WWII, his sister, Leila Bordelon, and a daughterinlaw, Dora Rabalais. He is survived by a son, Larry Jude Rabalais, a daughter soninlaw, Suzanne Rodney Johnson, all of Innis, two granddaughters , Michelle Rabalais Doree Rabalais, of Port Allen, two grandsons, Chadwick Keith Hotard of Innis Shelby Blake Hotard of Port Allen, a great granddaughter, Ana Claire Block, a great grandson Carter Michael Hotard. He is also survived by two sisters, Cecile Nan Boniol, of Dallas, Texas, Clara Mayeaux, of Moreauville, LA, a brother, Malcolm Rabalais, of Zachary, LA, many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at St. Vincent de Pauls Catholic Church from 6:00pm until 9:00pm on Monday, January 11, 2010. Christian burial mass will follow, celebrated by Father KeunSoo Lee. Interment, under the direction of Escude Funeral Home, will follow in the church mausoleum. Many thanks to Pointe Coupee Health Care and staff, Dr. Brian LeBlanc and Pointe Coupee Hospice.