Daniel John Roche', 72, of Welsh, LA passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings, LA. Daniel was born to his late parents, Rodney and Regina Roche' on September 29, 1949 in Jennings, LA. He was a 1967 graduate of Goretti High School in Lake Arthur, and a 1971 McNeese State University graduate, with a degree in Agriculture Business. He then married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Firestone. He then entered the Air Force Officers Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. and graduated as a Second Lieutenant. After serving for three years in the United States Air Force, he was honorably discharged with a rank of First Lieutenant. He then joined his father in running the family farm for the next 30 years, while building Aerolites Incorporated, which he owned and operated. His business venture took him to China, Panama, and Nicaragua. Daniel was also enrolled in the Agricultural Leadership Program at LSU which allowed him to view agricultural practices across the US; as well as England, Belgium, and Holland. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, member of the Flyways and Byways Committee, and a member of the local ultralite flying club and FAA. He enjoyed flying, riding his motorcycle, family gatherings, and most of all, raising his five children.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Marlene Firestone Roche'; children, Danielle Caraway (Bart) of Welsh, Alicia Hayes (Will) of Jennings, Monique Lawless (Jeremy) of Crowley, Cherie Dantone (Marc) of Austin, TX, and Andre' Roche' (Sally) of Natchez, MS; brothers, Allen Roche' (Ginger) of Lake Arthur, Neil Roche' of Trenton, PA; sister, Annette Holtmyer (Scott) of Beaumont, TX; aunt, Mildred Roche' (Anthony Kouzonis); along with thirteen grandchildren.
Daniel is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Theresa Roche'.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lacassine, LA. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 10:00 am with Father Whitney Miller and Father Jom Joseph officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home in Welsh on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Wednesday from 8:00 am until the procession to the church. Burial will follow at Bon Pasteur Cemetery in Welsh, LA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonwelsh.com for the Roche' family.
