John "Johnny" Hulen Ardoin

John, also known as “Mr. Johnny” and “Mr. John”, was born on February 1, 1935, in Lacassine, Louisiana. He attended Lacassine High School, and after high school he joined the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to the First Marine Division. He left the Marine Corps in 1957 with an Honorable Discharge and a recommendation of re-enlistment. He believed wholeheartedly in the phrase,”Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

In January of 1960 he married Marie Charline Augustine of Woodlawn. They lived in Welsh for a short time and soon moved to Lacassine where they raised 4 children, John Clayton, Elliot Joseph, Myra Theresa and Monica Lynn Ardoin.

John was an avid community servant, serving on the Jefferson Davis Parish School Board for 20 years, Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Department for 18 years, the Church Council and an usher of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church for 40 years, American Grain Board for 5 years and a Volunteer Fireman with Lacassine for 10 years.

John was also a rice, soybean and cattle farmer for over 40 years until he decided to change gears at 60 years old. He became a pipe fitter at the plants in Lake Charles for a short time then took an opportunity to work for Dunham-Price Concrete where he stayed for over 20 years until his retirement.

He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation about anything and his stories were never boring, and there were plenty. Some people told us they could listen to him talk for hours, and he could if given the chance.

John loved music, and especially country and French music. On Sundays he would have the radio tuned to his favorite French music station. He would often sit in his kitchen watching one of his favorite concert channels.

John was a loving and caring father, husband, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife Charline, his two sons Clayton and Elliot, his two daughters Myra and Monica, his sister Margret Ann Gerard, his two grandsons Alec and Kade and his two granddaughters Shay and Jaqueline. Also John is survived by his nieces Amanda, Amy, Stacie, Ernestine, and Melissa.

John will be reunited in Heaven with his parents, Ardus and Adelia (Hardy) Ardoin, his sister Mary Louise Fruge, his brother Hilary James, his nephew and God Son Larry Wayne Fruge and hosts of cousins, friends and neighbors.

Everyone that knew John could attest to his generosity, sense of humor, his laugh, his big smile and his mischievousness. When he gave you a handshake you knew it and people often commented on how big his hands were. He was a pleasure to be around. He had a greeting he would use when he met someone and it was either “Haaay Man!” or Haaay Hoss!” The world and our lives will be much dimmer without John in it.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday December 15, 2020 at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh from the hours of 4pm until 8pm with a Rosary to be prayed at 6pm. Visitation will resume the following day at the funeral home at 8am until time to proceed to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Interment will follow at Lacassine Cemetery.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the Ardoin Family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com