David J. Broussard
He was born the third child of PH and Agatha Broussard on May 18, 1933 in New Iberia, Louisiana. Shortly after his birth, his growing family moved to Southeast Texas, where he lived for much of his 76 years.
David was a true son of his French heritage, with an abiding love of life, friends and family. Like those of his generation, the effects of the Great Depression shaped much about his character, drive, the closeness of family and, most importantly, his faith in God. Always close to the land, David had an early love for agriculture, which led him to Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in Animal Husbandry. Though health issues cut short his formal education, he tirelessly sought to educate himself through the experiences of everyday life and as the owner of dozens of business ventures throughout his lifetime.
On January 16, 1953, he married Margret Allene Yarbrough and began life together in Orange as members of St. Mary's Catholic Church and, later, St. Francis Catholic Community. David's faith and involvement in the Church were central to his life. He was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was a lay reader and Eucharistic Minister until health issues took him away from this sacred duty several years ago. He chaired the building committee for the construction of the sanctuary of St. Francis. Following the death of his sister-in-law, Alta, in 1968, David took on the care and maintenance of St. Mary's Cemetery, where he led the maintenance and oversight committee for over 20 years. Much of what the cemetery is today was begun under his care, through the works of many like-minded parishioners, who sought a quality setting for the final resting place for those who had died in the faith of Christ.
A long time employee of Sabine River Works of the E.I. du Pont Company in Orange, his work ethic led him into other business ventures including farming, ranching, fencing, home building, dredging, and his beloved Thomas Monument Company, named after his youngest son.
For over 35 years, David fought the ravages of disease and illness, which gradually depleted his body, but never his spirit. His dedicated and loving wife, Allene, made every sacrifice to help sustain him and to overcome the many illnesses which beset him. This effort was immeasurably aided by their many friendships at St. Francis, and in Orange, by loving family members and by the many excellent doctors and therapists who cared for David over the last half of his life.
David is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond, his beloved daughter, Paula, and her daughter Amanda, and by his beloved daughter-in-law Carri. He is survived by his wife, Allene; his children Thom, Michelle, Brenda, Rose, Mary, Robert and David, and their families; 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother James, sisters Wilda Lanter, Jeanette Bradley, Marie Broussard and Kay Broussard.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2009, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange.
The Rite of Christian Burial will begin with a Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community on Meeks Drive in Orange at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28 with burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made to the local hospice in David's memory.