The Life of Jesse Jonathan Menard
Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 27, 2005 at One o'clock at a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Pius X Catholic Church for Corporal Jesse J. Menard, USMC, age 23, who died Saturday, June 18, 2005 at the Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona. Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery. The Reverend Monsignor Richard von Phul Mouton, Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the Funeral Services and Rev. Michael Delcambre of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Ville Platte will Con-Celebrant. Jodi Bollich, soloist, accompanied on the organ by Kevin Martin and violinist, Tommy Benoit, will sing for the Funeral Services, Amazing Grace, Eternal Father, Strong to Save, On Eagles Wings, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Softly and Tenderly, and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Survivors include his parents, Robley J. Rob and Barbara Boatner Menard; one sister, Holly Babineaux and her spouse, Danny; one brother, William Menard; two nieces, Lilah Elizabeth Babineaux and Nina Evangeline Babineaux and one nephew, Holden Elliot Babineaux; and his maternal grand-mother, Juanita Fontenot Boatner. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Avie J. Menard; paternal grandmother, May Breaux Menard and maternal grandfather, Richard R. Boatner.
A native of Lafayette and a resident of Yuma, Arizona, Jesse graduated from Vermilion Catholic in 2000. After graduation, Jesse enlisted into the Marine Corps in 2000 and graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego in August 2000 and from Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry in September 2000. Jesse then attended and graduated from the Air Traffic Control School in Pensacola, Florida. Upon graduation from the ATC School, Jesse was transferred to Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona and worked at the ATC Facility as an Air Traffic Controller. In January 2004, Jesse was part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which sailed around the globe and also participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his return from Iraq, Jesse was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron One, Detachment Charlie. Corporal Menard had just reenlisted and was due to return to Iraq later this fall.
Corporal Jesse Menards military awards consisted of: Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Navy Unit Commendation; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; a Letter of Commendation and two Letters of Appreciation.
Jesse was loved by many and known for his Joie de vivre, a sharp sense of humor, especially his many impressions. He was definitely an entertainer. He loved music, movies, nice clothing, and the Corp, but above all he loved his family and friends. Though he had no children of his own, he had a special affection for his two nieces and looked forward to meeting his new nephew this summer. He lived, laughed, and loved hard and will be sadly missed by all of those whom he helped to do the same.
Eulogies will be delivered by his brother William and his dear friend and fellow Marine, Corporal Blake Luquette.
A rosary will be prayed by Rev. Michael Delcambre at Half Past Seven o'clock in the evening on Sunday, June 26 at the Martin & Castille Funeral Home.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed Sunday, June 26 from Nine o'clock in the morning till Nine o'clock in the evening. Visitation resumes Monday, June 27 at Eight o'clock in the morning until the time of the Funeral Mass.
Pallbearers will be members of the United States Marine Corp.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette.337-234-2311.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
