Herman Paul Viator, affectionately known as "Boone," passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at his home in Delcambre at the age of 80. Born on September 23, 1943, in Bull Island, Herman was the beloved son of the late Leonce Viator, Sr. and Mary Bergeron Viator, and grew up cherishing his Cajun heritage.
From a young age, Herman learned the values of honesty, hard work, and responsibility while helping his father on the family farm, cultivating a strong work ethic that would define his life. On March 15, 1961, he married his cherished wife, Bonnie Jean Hicks, beginning a loving union that spanned 63 years and produced four children whom he adored.
During his life, Herman worked with several companies and also owned and operated his own service station. His family shared that Herman worked on the I-10 Basin Bridge when it was being built and worked for many years with Sutton Steel and Supply. There, he was a crane operator and was eventually sought after to run the entire yard of the business because of his work ethic and knowledge. He later set out on a new chapter of his life and opened Viators Texaco, a full-service station in Delcambre that he ran for over 20 years. It was not long after this that he decided to retire. But as his family shared, he could never sit still so he did odd jobs here and there to help out friends and offered his expertise to family in need. A memory that brought a laugh and smile to everyone was that when Herman was helping build the camp, his son in law was ready to stop for the day. But Herman would always come back with "one more board" because he wanted to keep working and get the job done. Herman was laughingly nicknamed "one more board" and it stuck with him since.
Although he enjoyed working and helping out, he did find time to relax and enjoy other pastimes in his life. He supported his grandchildren in their sports activities. And it was no secret that Herman was a huge fan of football, especially his LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints, and religiously watched the games on weekends.
This hardworking man and football fanatic was also a great cook and kept the family fed well. Bonnie and the children bragged on Herman's roast and rice and gravy, and how much he enjoyed having everybody over for a great meal and even better company. He was a true family man and our rock that kept us all well cared for.
We will miss him dearly, but we know it's only a matter of time until we will be reunited with him in eternal glory. We would say "rest in peace" but if you know Herman, he's probably saying, "one more board". Rest well Herman. We love you.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Bonnie Jean Viator; his four children, Cheryl Viator Fleniken (Jamie), Cindy Viator, Charles Allen Viator and Cheryn Viator Frederick (Dwain); five grandchildren whom he adored, Dustin Fleniken, Jamie Alexis Fleniken, Bailey Viator, Evan Frederick and Peyton Frederick; his great grandchildren, Addison Savahn Vongchanh and Ailani Logan Touchet; and his sisters, Emmalee Morvant and Betty Herndon.
Along with his parents, Herman is preceded in death by his sisters and brothers, Dorothy "Dot" Fanning, Leonce "Speck" Viator, Jr., Eldrige "Boy" Viator, Richard Viator and Wanita Romero.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Herman at 10:00 am Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Buddy Breaux as celebrant. Following the mass, he will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, July 10 at Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre from 11:00 am until a 7:00 pm prayer service officiated by Pastor Chris Reis of Our Savior's Church. Visiting hours will resume on Thursday from 8:00 am until 9:30 am dismissal.
Serving as pallbearers are Eric Viator, Mitchell Romero, Evan Frederick, Matt Romero, Dustin Fleniken and Eric Viator. Honorary pallbearer is Peyton Frederick.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Herman's memorial at www.evangelinedelcambre.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
