Norace Paul Benoit

LAKE ARTHUR Funeral services for Mr. Norace Paul Benoit, 85, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2008, in Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Rev. Clyde Thomas officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery under direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Lake Arthur. Funeral home visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. today, Sunday; and 8:00 a.m., Monday until time of services. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. today, Sunday in the funeral home chapel. Mr. Benoit died at 4:54 p.m., Friday, December 26, 2008 at his residence in Lake Arthur. Mr. Benoit was born and raised in Gueydan and graduated from Gueydan High School. He married Ethel Istre, and they had eight children. He served in the Army during World War II in the European Theatre, serving as a tank commander and employed his French-speaking skills as interpreter on several occasions. He earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for meritorious services. He owned and operated Benoits Exxon station and Auto Parts for over 30 years. In addition, he owned and managed a grocery store, alongside his gas station. Mr. Benoit provided entertainment for the local teens for many years by establishing a movie theatre, skating rink, and recreation center. Also, Mr. Benoit helped to build the former Goretti High School and served for a time as its PTO president. He was active in his community for most of his life. In his later years, Mr. Benoit and his wife traveled throughout America and Canada. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and unique sense of humor. He was a charismatic man who contributed to all he knew, touching many lives along the way. Survivors include his eight children; Mrs. Raymond (Brenda) Meaux of Huntsville, TX, Mrs. Robert (Glenetta) Shuey of Jennings, Joshlyn Benoit of Lake Arthur, Mrs. Jeff (Beth) Oliver of New Iberia, Mrs. Todd (Monica) Brown of Lake Arthur, Sandy Benoit of Minneapolis, MN, and Bryan Benoit of Lake Arthur; five sisters, Mildred LaPoint of Lake Arthur, Doris Sonnier of Lake Arthur, Clarice Baudoin of Lake Arthur, Joyce Sonnier of Huffman, TX, and Lillie Mae Cormier of Lafayette; 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Istre Benoit; his son; Garland Benoit, his granddaughter, Ashley Conner; two brothers, Earl and Lloyd Benoit; his sister, Annie Mae Broussard; his mother and father, Ada and Asa Benoit; and his son in law, Gary Conner. Pallbearers will be Jamie Meaux, Jeremy Meaux, Jeffrey Meaux, Joshua Benoit, Korry Turner, Kobi Turner and Matthew Oliver.