| Notes |
- Obituary:
Felix Perres, Rayne Fire Chief, Succumbs Suddenly on Friday
Felix Perres, 55 years of age, chief of the Rayne fire department, died suddenly Friday morning after having suffered a stroke Thursday night, according to news from Rayne.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed as yet, it was stated, since plans are being held in abeyance pending the return of Mrs. Perres from Indianapolis, Ind., where she was visiting her daughter. She was notified this morning and is returning to Rayne by plane.
Mr. Perres had been chief of the Rayne fire department for something like 25 years, it was said, and had served as mayor of that city from 1926-1928.
Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Gossen funeral home of Rayne.
(Published in the Crowley Daily Signal on March 1, 1940)
- Obituary:
CHIEF PERRES PASSES AWAY
Lifelong Resident Of Rayne Dies Suddenly Here Friday Morning
Death brought to a close one of the most colorful and highly respected lives in this community on last Friday, March 1, when Felix Perres, 55, passed away at his home in S. Rayne at 10:30 a. m. following an illness of only a few hours' duration.
Mr. Perres became ill during the night, and although every thing possible was done to aid him, he failed to rally and died within few brief hours after he was taken sick. He had just recently recovered following an illness of several weeks, but was apparently well on the road toward a complete recuperation when he was seized with the attack which claimed his life Friday morning.
Funeral services, widely attended by friends from over the entire state were held from St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:30 a. m Saturday, March 2, under the direction of the Rayne Fire Department. The remains were placed on one of the departments fire trucks which served as a funeral coach during the final procession to the church. A guard of honor composed of members of the Rayne department, and other prominent visiting chiefs and firemen from over the entire state, flanked the truck on either side as the funeral cortege moved slowly to St. Joseph's church for the last rites. During the services in church, this same group of honorary pallbearers stood on either side of the casket, and this tribute was maintained until the remains were tenderly laid to rest in the family vault at St. Joseph cemetery.
Pallbearers included Ovey Norris, Murphy Broussard, Whitney Junot, Joe Hebert, Desire Boullion and Emerson Chiasson, all members of the Rayne Fire department.
During the services at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rev. Father H. Lerschen, pastor, was the celebrant of a Solemn Requiem Mass, and also paid beautiful tribute to the life and character of Mr. Perres in a beautifully worded eulogy. He was assisted during the Mass by Rev. L. C. Habetz as Deacon, and Seminarian Jules Jeanmard of the Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, as Sub Deacon. In the Sanctuary were His Excellency, the Most Reverend Jules B. Jeanmard, D. D., Bishop of Lafayette, and Rev. Father J. C. Gaudin, Vice Chancellor. His Excellency, the Bisop gave final Absolution over the body in church immediately after Requiem Mass.
As the last rites were completed at the graveside, a final siren salute was sounded to the Chief who had led the Rayne Fire Department for more than 25 years, of faithful and devoted service.
Among the visiting firemen who served as honorary pallbearers were Chief Rene Bernard of Thibodeaux, president of the Louisiana Firemen's Association; Chief Bumgartner, Lake Charles; Chief Miles, Crowley; Chief Bogan and Capt. Norwood, Baton Rouge; Chief Robertson and President Hays of Opelousas Fire Department; First Assistant Chief Broussard, Lafayette; Chief McManus and Firemen Arnold of Eunice; Mayor Lassass and Joe Privat of Thibodeaux.
The Gossen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Rayne on October 27, 1884 Mr. Perres was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. August Perres. He was a lifelong resident of Rayne, just as his family before him made this section their home for many years. His grandfather on his mother's side, Mathias Arenas, formerly operated a postoffice and stage coach relay station which was located on almost the exact site where the present Richard Sinclair service station now stands. This background of family history so closely interwoven into his life is probably one of the strongest reasons why Mr. Perres worked so steadily toward the upbuilding and progress of Rayne and Acadia Parish. The roots of his affection for this community were deeply imbedded in a pioneer ancestry of which he was justly proud.
Mr. Perres was a charter member of the Rayne Fire Association which was formed in 1900. More than twenty-five years ago, he was honored by his fellow-firemen who named him Chief of the department -- a position which he conscientiously discharged until death sounded the final call. His work with the local organization has proven a constant inspiration to its entire membership, and he strove always to provide the very latest methods and equipment for the association, making it one of the most outstanding volunteer groups in the nation. His work in this connection was widely recognized, and he was honored again and again by state, national and international Fire associations, having been elected several times to serve as a state representative to the International meeting held in the United States and Canada.
In addition, Mr. Perres also served his community in a civic capacity, being a member of the City Council for several terms, and serving as Mayor of the Town of Rayne from 1928 to 1930. He was also actively engaged in business thruout this period, operating for some time the Sinclair station of the corner of Adams and Texas Ave., and more recently maintaining a connection with the firm of Benton W. Mauboules, Inc. Mr. Perres was a member of the W. O. W. for many years and served as head of the Rayne Camp for sometimes.
Chief Perres occupied a prominent place in the civic life of Rayne, in the heart of every member of the Rayne Fire Association, and in the respect of each and every person who knew him and admired him for his sterling qualities and his death is one which will be keenly felt by all.
Death has written a final chapter in his life, and no more will the familiar figure of "The Chief" be part of Rayne's life -- but the memory of his service; his devotion to everything that was worthwhile and lasting -- and his true citizenship will be a lasting memiry and inspiration to everyone in the years to come.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Gorgiana Amy Perres; one son, Leo Perres of Eunice; one daughter, Mrs. Walter C. Chelf of Indianapolis, Ind.; one grandson; and one sister, Mrs. Frank Jeanmard of Lafayette.
(Published in The Rayne Tribune on March 8, 1940)
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1884 - 1940 (55 years)
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