Guy W Sockrider Jr.

Guy was born November 5, 1921, in Jennings Louisiana to Guy William Sockrider, Sr. and Myrtle Bell Clarke Sockrider and was a graduate of Jennings High School in 1938. Mr. Sockrider served the people of Southwest Louisiana with great distinction for over 50 years. He married Ruth Grein in 1941 and voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army’s 89th infantry division in 1942. He was assigned to a headquarters Company as a commissioned officer and served as a 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain. He was honorably discharged as a captain in the United States Army Reserve.

Guy began his prolific work career in 1933 at the age of 12 and worked until the time of his death. In 1949, Guy founded Industrial Construction Company also, in 1989 IMTC, a non-union company was formed, of which he served as CEO.

Guy served as a Louisiana State Senator for 16 years from 1948 - 1964. He represented the Imperial Calcasieu district of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis Parish. During his 16 years of dedicated service, Guy served in numerous capacities including as a member of the Senate finance committee and industrial relations of which he later became chairman. During his tenure as a Louisiana State Sen. Guy was instrumental in numerous statewide projects including co-authoring legislation to elevate McNeese from a junior college as part of LSU to a four year state University. He also co-authored legislation to establish a charity hospital in Lake Charles at that time called Charity Hospital, now known as W. O Moss regional Hospital. One of his proudest accomplishments in the senate was obtaining the financing for McNeese football stadium. Guy also served as Chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Council for eight years and in 1964 decided not to seek reelection to the state Senate.

Guy is survived by his daughter, Debbie Sockrider of Lake Charles, his companion Frankie L Trahan from Lake Charles and his stepson Wilson Morris of Lake Charles, and stepdaughter Patricia Morris Barrodale of Seattle Washington.

Funeral services for Mr. Sockrider will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, in the chapel of Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles with burial to follow in Prien Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 from 5 PM until 8 PM and on Wednesday from 8 AM until time of service. Reverend Betty McGehee will officiate.

In leiu of flowers, donations can be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Lake Charles on 1802 2nd Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70601 in memory of Guy W. Sockrider, Jr.