Gerald Jeansonne

Gerald Joseph Jeansonne, Sr., age 79, of Natchitoches, LA, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at Grace Home in Shreveport, LA. He was born on January 8th, 1928 in Echo, LA. He graduated from Fifth Ward High School and enlisted in the Navy. After an honorable discharge from the Navy he attended the Normal College in Natchitoches, LA where he played football. He then started a career in law enforcement with the Louisiana State Police. After retiring from the state police as a Lieutenant, he became a security guard for Brown and Root, and then started at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office as a Cane River Patrolman. Mr. Gerald was an expert marksman. He won many shooting matches during his career with the State Police. He loved to hunt and fish. He loved his family and friends and will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Jeansonne and Penny Glasscock Jeansonne; one sister, Lovie Tanner; and one brother, Russell Jeansonne. He is survived by his wife, Dora Jeansonne; three daughters, Cynthia Johnson and husband Burley of Natchitoches, LA, Pamela Walker and husband Dennis of Natchitoches, LA, and Tana Jeansonne of Alexandria, LA; one son, Gerald Jeansonne, Jr. and wife Julia of Keithville, LA; nine grandchildren, Brett Johnson, Lauren Sanders and husband Chet, Cpl. Marcus Jeansonne U.S.M.C. and wife Marti, Ryan Walker, Jeremey Jeansonne, Allison Walker, Nathan Jeansonne, Grant Freeman, and Gentry Freeman; one sister, Blanche Ryland of Tioga, LA; one sister-in-law, Betty Jeansonne of Shreveport, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Brett Johnson, Marcus Jeansonne, Ryan Walker, Jeremey Jeansonne, Russell Jeansonne, Jr., and Michael Ryland. Honorary Pallbearers will be Nathan Jeansonne, Grant Freeman, Greg Ryland, Zachary Ryland, Terry Ryland, Phillip Ryland, Millard Mangrum, James A. Scott, Robert D. Scott, H.P. “Buzz” Salard, and the members of the Louisiana State Police. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr.’s Hardin and Blum and Daddy’s nursing “staff” at Schumpert Medical Center that cared for him so lovingly, especially Amy, Sylvia, Theresa, and Michelle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Home, 1035 Margaret Place, Shreveport, LA, 71101. Arrangements are being handled by Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Thursday, July 26, 2007. A rosary service will be held at 6:30 PM during the visitation. The funeral service will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 2:00 PM Friday, July 27, 2007, with Rev. Louis E. Sklar officiating. Interment will be at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches, La. Online condolences may be given at www.blanchardstdenisfuneralhome.com.