The Life of Alva Fred Lauw
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at a 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille for Alva Fred Lauw, 90, who passed away peacefully on Monday, May 8, 2006 at his residence in Lafayette.Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery.Reverend Monsignor Glen John Provost, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, will be the Celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Lucille Theriot, soloist, accompanied by Pat Melancon, Organist, will perform for the services, "Amazing Grace", "The Old Rugged Cross", and "Go Rest High On That Mountian"He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Effie Whittington Lauw; two children, a daughter Myrtice Blanchard and her husband, Oliver of Lafayette and a son Phillip Lauw and his wife Sheila of Youngsville; two granddaughters, Valerie Richard and her husband, Travis of Erath, and Monica Lauw of Youngsville; and two great-grandsons, Garrett Richard and Bradley Richard of Erath.He was preceeded in death by his parents, Albert Fred Lauw and Martha Jane Berry Lauw; one infant sister, Anna Lee Lauw; and three brothers, Ardis Lauw, Alton "Jim" Lauw, and Atwood Lauw.Alva Fred Lauw was born August 3, 1915 to parents Albert Fred Lauw and Martha Jane Berry in Marthaville, Louisiana. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all who knew him. Alva joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935 and was stationed first with Company 1479 in Sikes, LA. He also served with the 4406 in Chestnut, LA, and with the 4413 in Jonesboro, LA. In 1937, as a sergeant, he was transferred to Lafayette, LA. where he served until 1941 with Company 4403 which was charged with the development and construction of Girard Park as well as enlarging the drainage systems throughout Lafayette Parish. An article printed in the Lafayette Newspaper in 1941 entitled, "Service Record of Louisiana Leader Almost Matchless", read as follows, "When Senior Leader Alva Lauw recently accepted employment in the Shamrock creamery of this city he ended a CCC service record few men can match". Lauw, who has been a member of five companies since his enrollment on July 24, 1935, has never had his name on the sick book, has never been A.W.O.L. and has taken but nine days of leave.At the onset of World War II he joined the United States Army and served with the 2nd Armored Division "Hell On Wheels", led by General George S. Patton. He fought in the European-North-African Middle Eastern Theater of Operations earning a Bronze Star and several campaign medals for his service during WWII. At the end of his service in WWII, Alva returned to Lafayette and began working as a cementer for Halliburton Oil Company. He retired after 30 years of service with Halliburton in 1973.Alva held lifetime memberships in Lafayette's VFW Post 2103, and the American Legion Stanley Martin-Felix Ducrest Post 69, in which he was active until the time of his illness which prevented him from attending meetings. He was also a lifetime member of the National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni. He felt that CCC was what turned America around after the great depression, and was proud of his service in the CCC.Alva was an avid hunter, raising and training beagles both for hunting and for Field Trial competition. He was a charter member of the Lafayette Area Field Trial Association. His favorite beagle, "Tar Branch Boogie" won a National Championship title in Field Trial competition.Alva shared a love of gardening with his wife Effie, often growing more fruit and vegetables than they could use, much to the delight of their neighbors, friends, and the St. Joseph Diner. He will be deeply missed, not only by family and friends, but by all of those whose lives he has touched throughout the years.A Rosary will be prayed on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at 5:00 PM in Martin & Castille Funeral Home in LafayetteThe family requests that visitation be observed on Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Wednesday from 8:30 AM until time of services.The family would like to express its thanks to his health care providers, Concepts of Care Home Health Agency, Hospice of Acadiana, and his devoted sitters Migonne Richardson, Jane Benoit, Jackie Weaver, Ramona Duhame, and Nikki Ardoin.In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Mr. Lauw's name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street Suite 200, Lafayette, Louisiana 70503, or to a charity of your choice. Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette has been chosen to help with the arrangements. 337-234-2311
