John Clay Poché, 94 passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2019. He was born in Donaldsonville and lived most of his life in Westwego. He was husband to Leatrice Pitre Poché for 62 years until she preceded him in death. He leaves behind 8 children, Louise Poché, Colleen Poché, Adriel Poché (Theresa), Joel Poché (Evelyn), René Poché (Lisa), Aaron Poché (Alya), Dara Poché, and Samara Poché (Eddie). Grandchildren: Tony Poché, Shawn Poché, Yardley Poché, April Hanley (David), Tammy Manasco (David) Jennifer Pickett (Keith). Great grandchildren: Brian, Cody, Ashbrook, Jacob, David, Andrew, Lucille and Audrey. Great great grandchildren: Anabella, Brian, and Carsyn.
Preceding him in death were his parents Sidney Joseph Poché and Annette Amelie Portier, his siblings, Lance Poché, Sidney Poché, and Claudia Myra Poché Mauberret and great grandson Michael.
John was a Navy WWII veteran and retired from Avondale Shipyard after more than 34 years working as a crane operator.
John was known for his volunteer work at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church as an usher, founding member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, charter member of Knights of Columbus Council 3091, bingo caller for church and K of C, Mass server, church fair worker, and revenue counter. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, K of C Grand Knight, 4th Degree Knight, the recipient of the Order of St. Louis Award and OLPS Father of the Year award.
In addition to giving his oral history to the WWII Museum, John volunteered there, talking to people about his experiences in the war. He received the Westwego Rotary Club Volunteer of the Year Award and the Keys to the City. He was a founding member of the Beautification Committee, the Wego Fest, and was on the first Senior Center Advisory Board. He cooked for the Senior Center and several other organizations. He was a member of the American Legion Post 206 and was also known as the Bubblegum man.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, 146 Fourth Street at Avenue A, Westwego, LA. Visitation is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00, and then interment in OLPS Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Neptune Society of New Orleans
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