Vernon "Sukit" J. Blanchard

Cecilia, Louisiana - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, June 9, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Cecilia for Vernon "Sukit" J. Blanchard, 87, who passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice. 

A visitation will take place at the funeral home in Cecilia on Friday from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

A rosary will be prayed at 12:00 PM on Friday by Deacon Ken Soignier.

Rev. Greg Cormier will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Diane Huval, Dustin Angelle, and Madison LeGrange. Gift bearers will be Tara Rogers and Taylar Rogers. 

Vernon "Sukit" was very proud to have been selected 2 years as an All-State football running back.  He received a football scholarship to McNeese State University.  He hitchhiked from Breaux Bridge to McNeese to attend classes and when he wanted to return home, he hitchhiked back home to Breaux Bridge.

Sukit joined the U.S. Army in 1953.  He became a member of the green berets as a U.S. Special Forces Officer, one of the most highly skilled soldiers in the world. In 1979 he received a medal for leading the national guards during the police strike in New Orleans.  He retired in 1996 as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army National Guard.  

Sukit began working for Schilling Distributors in Lafayette and retired as Vice President of Sales with 30 plus years.  After retirement, he worked for the Breaux Bridge Sugar Mill as manager for several years. 

Sukit believed community involvement was important.  He served as alderman/council member for the City of Breaux Bridge from the early 70's through December 1999.

Sukit was a wonderful example for his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren.  He believed in the benefits of hard work, self-discipline, kindness, and a good attitude. 

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Blanchard; daughters, Karen B. (Jimmy) Noel and Brenda (Tracy) Rogers; step-daughters, Denise (BJ) Angelle and Nina Menard; step-son, Luke Menard; grandchildren, Katie Ewing, Taylar Rogers, Tucker Rogers, Tara Rogers, Noah Angelle, Leigha Angelle, Justin Menard, Bailey Menard, Tyler Theriot, Julian Theriot, and Madison LaGrange, and 8 great grandchildren.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alberie and Octavie Blanchard; 1st wife, Catherine Guidroz; brothers, Darrell Blanchard, Alvin Blanchard, Sam Blanchard, Ernest Blanchard ,Gerald Blanchard and Cecil Blanchard; and his sister, Agnes Patin. 

Pallbearers will be Katie Ewing, Tucker Rogers, Luke Menard, Tyler Theriot, Julian Theriot, and Scotty Huval. 

Honorary pallbearer will be Tracy Rogers, Jimmy Noel, and Burke Joseph "B.J." Angelle.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 2238 Bushville Hwy., Cecilia, LA 70512 (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.