Lester Wayne Stroud

May 23, 2016 with his daughters holding his hands. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., June 20, 2016 at Garden View Assisted Living.

Rocky was born on May 10, 1926 in Eustace, TX, to the late Roy and Edna

Stroud. Though a resident of New Iberia for the last six years, most of his life

was spent in Pasadena and Wildwood, TX.

Having joined the Navy at the age of 17, Rocky proudly served in both WWII and

Korea. During the invasion of Inchon, Korea on September 15, 1950 he was hit with

shrapnel and his back was broken in two places, and he was then awarded the Purple Heart for being combat wounded.

Retired from Houston Light and Power (now Centerpoint Energy) at the age of 55,

he spent several years on his farm in East Texas with the love of his life, Doris.

In his daughters’ eyes he was the perfect dad and it was often said, “My daddy

can fix anything!” AND HE TRULY COULD!! Known as Rocky by his family and friends, Poppy by his grandchildren, and Poppy Bear by his great grandchildren, he will be deeply missed.

Perhaps his proudest accomplishment though, was working single handedly with then Rep. Chris Roy to change the Louisiana Purple Heart license plate. Most disappointed in the slight visual recognition the plate offered, he spent a couple of years changing its design to one of prominent recognition, with an actual size

Purple Heart insignia on the plate with the words “COMBAT WOUNDED” placed directly below the Purple Heart. ACT 140 of the 2008 Regular Session, signed by the Governor on June 12, 2008.

Survivors include his daughters, Yvonne S. LeRay and husband J.B. of New Iberia, and Diane Stroud of Houston, TX; his grandchildren Tiffany LeRay Romero and husband Ryan of New Iberia, JoB LeRay and wife Charlotte (Charlie) of Frisco, TX, and Casye LeRay of Euless, TX: his great grandchildren Payten and Cooper Romero and Roux LeRay; his sister Katha Black of Manvel, TX; and his sister-in-law Ruth Stroud of Eustace, TX.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Doran Stroud; his step-mother, Mae Pearl Stroud; and his sister and brother, Faye S. Walker and William (Bill) Stroud.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rocky’s name to the American Cancer Society of your area.

To view the online obituary and leave condolences, visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.