Francis Vicknair

Francis Joseph “Sonny” Vicknair, Jr. passed away at Ollie Steele Burden Manor on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at the age of 73 after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family. He was born in White Castle and was a longtime resident of Baton Rouge. He was a 1960 graduate of Catholic High School and a 1967 graduate of Louisiana State University where he was a proud member of the Golden Band from Tiger Land. He enjoyed a long career at the Exxon Refinery, retiring after 32 years of service. He was a founding member of St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church Parish, a longtime member of the Order of the Knights of Columbus, and a proud member of the Baton Rouge Mustang Club. Sonny was a student of life who loved learning, restoring his Mustang, listening to all types of music, dancing with Alene or anyone else that would dance, and brewing his own beer and wine. Yet, nothing gave him more joy than his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Alene Lyles Vicknair, two daughters and sons-in-law, Amie and Terry Williams and Jill and Chris Townsend, a son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Terri Flacy Vicknair, three granddaughters and a grandson-in-law, Carly and Justin Browning, Samantha Vicknair and Avery Townsend, two grandsons, Cameron Vicknair and Ben Townsend; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Denny and Gail Vicknair and Mike and Donna Vicknair, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Joseph Sr. and Sadie Daigle Vicknair. Visitation will be Friday, September 25, 2015 at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church from 10 am until 12 pm, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 pm celebrated by Fr. Tom Ranzino and Deacon Randy Clement. Burial will be at Greenoaks Memorial Park following the mass. Pallbearers will be Denny Vicknair, Mike Vicknair, Brian Vicknair, Terry Williams, Chris Townsend, Justin Browning, Cameron Vicknair and Ben Townsend. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Ollie Steele Burden Manor, especially the staff in Unit 3, and Baton Rouge Hospice for the tremendous care given to “Mr. Sonny” and our entire family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Charlie’s Place at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.