John Norman Rachal, Sr.

Funeral services for John Norman Rachal, Sr. will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 19, 2015 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA with Rev. Don Davis officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Interment will follow the services at Weaver Cemetery in Flora, LA on Friday. Norman Rachal, 87 years of age and a life-long resident of Flora was born on July 23, 1927 to George and Louise Rachal of Flora, LA. He retired from a full career with the Department of Transportation and Development as a grader operator. Norman loved to rodeo, work with cattle and ride horses. He also loved to tell stories of his past and memories he had. Norman was loved by so many dear friends and family and will be greatly missed. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. Norman was one of the last remaining Cowboys. Those left to cherish his memories include his son, Johnny Rachal and his wife Bea of Flora; step-daughter, Brenda Dubois and her husband Danny of Fort Jesup; brother, Leo Rachal and his wife Charlene of St. Francesville; two grandchildren Brandi Rachal Kay and her husband Johnny and Kyle Rachal and his fiancé Ashley; three step-grandchildren, Tamera Jones and her husband Danny, Alisa Yelverton and Russell Yelverton; great-grandchildren, Cailynn and Conner Kay and step-great grandchildren, Clay, Courtney, Callie and Cole Yelverton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Mae Rachal; mother, Louise Rachal; father George Rachal; sister, Emily LaCaze; step-father, Leander Rachal; and brother, Clyde Rachal. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Kyle Rachal, Mark Kay, Billy Clark, Rance Parker, Bubba Dunn and James Longlois. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Natchitoches and Dr. Fair and all his staff for their care during Norman’s illness.