John "Jay" Savant

Henderson, LA On Friday, August 1, 2014, John Jay Savant, was called home by his Lord God and Savior to his heavenly home. The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 10:00 am until 1:45 pm on Wednesday, at Henderson Bible Church, 1045 Talley St., Henderson, LA 70517. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at Henderson Bible Church in Henderson, Louisiana. Pastor Sherman Soileau will officiate at the Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Henderson Bible Church Cemetery in Henderson. John served 5 years in the United States Army and an additional 15 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1983 as a Flight Engineer. He served overseas in Vietnam for one year and another year in Thailand. During his enlistment period he was awarded the following medals: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He received an award for his suggestion to incorporate the blast diffuser on the M61 gun of the F4E aircrafts as part of the barrel. Upon his retirement, he was an Aircraft Systems Superintendent for 2 years at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Griseida "Grace" Rincon Savant; his daughter, Pamela Frey and her husband, Brian; two step daughters, Debbie Esquibel and her husband, Jake, and Edie Castro; two step-sons, Billy Almanza and Michael Almanza; two grandchildren, Capt. Colby Q. Frey and Kathie Frey; a great-grandson, Carson Q. Frey; two sisters, Evelyn Hayes and her husband, Wilven, and Rita Labiche and her husband, Bill; his best friend and brother-in-law, Vincent Rincon and his wife, Gloria; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Odille Guidry; and two brothers, Paul and Donald Lee Fruge. Pallbearers will be Jaeden Esquibel, Chaylor Esquibel, Greyson Esquibel-Solis, Noe Castro, Capt. Colby Q. Frey, and Vincent Rincon. Honorary pallbearer will be Wilven Hayes. Pellerin Funeral Home, (337.332.2111), is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com