Anthony G. Rachal

Funeral services for Anthony G. Rachal, will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Melrose, Louisiana. Anthony died peacefully last Friday, in his home on the banks of the Cane River, his favorite place in the whole world. Visitation will be held in the church hall beginning at 9:00 am, a rosary will be recited at 10:00am. Mass will begin at 11:00am. Father Rothell Price and Father Charles Ray will officiate. Anthony was born in Cloutierville, Louisiana to Eva and John Rachal on April 13, 1925. He spent his early life in the Cane River area, leaving only when he enrolled in the U.S. Army prior to World War II. He served honorable until his discharge and returned home to Cane River. He married the love of his life, Bernadine LaCour of Natchitoches and they moved to Shreveport. After his retirement he and Bernadine moved back to Melrose. They were married for 67 years. Bernadine died in January and now they are reunited. In Shreveport, Anthony attended Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, St. John Berchman Cathedral and was a member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver. Back in Melrose, he was once again a member of St. Augustine where he was a fixture every Saturday for rosary and mass. Those left behind to cherish the memories are daughter Rose, her husband James Brown, their daughter Jennifer Germany and Jennifer’s fiancé Ryan Robinson; son Charles, his wife Agnes and Charles’ son John; daughter Sylvia, her husband Eugen Crook and their daughter Jade Dishman, and Jade’s husband Wayne; daughter Frances, her husband Roland Antoine, their son Matthew Wells and Matthew’s fiancé Arieal Richardson. He is also survived by his brother Lloyd Rachal, his great grandchildren, Dominique Brown, Anaya Germany and Madison Brown, and two step great-grandchildren Haley and Trey Dishman. He will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, god children, family and friends. Those honored to be pallbearers will be Frances Antoine, Matthew J. Wells, Roge R. Brown, Jennifer B. Germany, Charles M. Rachal, and John C. Rachal. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael F. Severin and Mark A. Severin.