Clarence Joseph Champagne Sr., age 81, of New Iberia, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Clarence was born in St. Martinville, Louisiana, to Anne Guidry Champagne and Freddie Champagne.
Clarence was a kind hearted and generous man, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His life was marked by his selflessness and his unwavering love and commitment for his family. Clarence was an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for duck hunting and spending time in nature. He was also a devoted sports fan, particularly of the New Orleans Saints. A hardworking and dedicated man, Clarence worked as a construction worker for J. B. Talley and M. Matt Durand Construction, with a particular expertise for heavy equipment and machinery. Clarence was a devout Catholic who found great joy in singing in the choir at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where he served faithfully for 11 years. Above all, Clarence cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 59 years, Mary “Dee” Champagne, raising a family built on love and care. As a loving father, he instilled the values of hard work, perseverance, compassion, love, and faith. His love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unmatched. He found great happiness in spending time with his most valuable treasures; his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; creating memories that will be treasured forever.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Mary “Dee” Daspit Champagne; his children, Lisa C. Broussard (Gerald, Sr. “TBoy”), Clarence "C.J." Champagne, Jr. (Rebecca), Clint Champagne (Christina), Donna C. Bourgeois (Allen, Jr.), Victoria C. Louviere (Chad, Sr.), Ginga C. Bourque (Blake), and Christia C. Torres (Jimmy); his brother, Allen Champagne, Sr.; his sisters, Aline Louviere and Elaine DeVille; his grandchildren, Renada Broussard, Gerald Broussard, Jr., Kaitlin C. Gondran, Clay Champagne, Kelsey Champagne, Brady Bourgeois, Jenna Bourgeois, Kiara Louviere, Chad Louviere, Jr., and Landyn Louviere, Blaze Bourque, Jazmyn Bourque, Kenzi Bourque, Breez Bourque; his great-grandchildren, Arianna Broussard, Owen Gondran, Graham Gondran, and Beckham Bourgeois.
He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Champagne; his son, Baby Champagne; his parents, Freddie Champagne and Anne Guidry Champagne; his father-in-law, Robert Daspit, Jr.; his mother-in-law, Lillie Miguez Daspit; his brother, Fred Champagne; his sisters, Irene Champagne and Lena C. Dore; and Seven Angel Grandchildren.
A visitation for Clarence will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at St. Peter Catholic Church, with a rosary being prayed at 12:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 PM, with Fr. Nathan Comeaux officiating. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Clarence "C.J" Champagne, Jr., Clint Champagne, Gerald “TBoy” Broussard, Sr., Gerald Broussard, Jr., Chad Louviere, Sr., Chad Louviere, Jr., Blake Bourque, Blaze Bourque, and Jimmy Torres. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Allen Champagne, Sr., Landyn Louviere, and Breez Bourque.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered support, love, and prayers during this difficult time.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of the arrangements.
