The Life of Henry Camille Perret Sr.
Henry Camille Perret, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on February 11, 2011. He was surrounded by his wife of 59 years, Peggy Perret, and other family members. He was 86 years old.
Survivors include his wife Peggy Ruth Parker Perret and children: Anne Rebecca “Becky” Perret; Henry Camille “Hank” Perret, Jr. and wife Debbie; Shirley Elizabeth “Beth” Perret Harris and husband Mark; Mary Malone Perret Sibille and husband Keith; Parker Vernon Perret and wife Peggy; Martin Joseph “Teeny” Perret and wife Christy; Ruth Aleman Perret; John Douglas Perret and wife Laurie; Louis Joseph Perret and wife Cheryl; Philip Edward Perret and wife Angelle; 24 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; brothers Dr. J. M. “Max” Perret, Jr. and wife Mary Aline; Dr. William “Bill” Perret and wife Joan; Dr. John Perret and wife Mary; Joseph Francis “Rummy” Perret and wife Joan; sister-in-law Paule Perret; and 32 nieces and nephews.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Joseph Maxime Perret, Sr. and Shirley Aleman Perret; his brothers Dr. J. T. “Tom” Perret; Paul Perret; his sisters-in-law Dr. Ozzie Perret; Verna Marie Perret; and his grandson, Miles Perret.
Born in New Orleans on March 28, 1924, he graduated from Jesuit High School in 1939, and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps at age 18 while a senior at Loyola University. Trained as a B-17 bombardier and assigned to the 416th Squadron, 99th Bomb Group, 5th Wing, 15th Air Force based in Foggia, Italy, and credited with 56 missions. After the war, Henry enlisted in the Air Force Reserves, retiring in 1984 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His service to his country inspired his love for the United States, surpassed only by his love for his Roman Catholic faith and his family.
Henry was employed with Travelers Insurance Company as District Claims Manager for 27 years and then worked for Mallard Well Service for 17 years until retirement.
He attended his first retreat at Our Lady of the Oaks in Grand Coteau in 1939 during its second year of operation. A faithful and dedicated servant to the Lord, he volunteered at Our Lady of Fatima, St. Mary’s, and the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. By his daily actions, he instilled a love of God in his ten children. He led a weekly rosary at his home for over 20 years.
The family offers special thanks to his caregivers Sally Guidry, Oliver Briscoe, Hospice of Acadiana, Jenny Beach RN, Lou Labbe, Chaplain, Drs. Ken McCarron, John Mickey and Maurice Hoffpauir, Fr. Michael Champagne, and Msgr. Douglas Courville.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Martin & Castille Funeral Home''s DOWNTOWN Location, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday from 10:00 AM until time of services.
Funeral services will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at a 1:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 14, 2011. Reverend Monsignor J. Douglas Courville, JCL will be the Celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Burial will be at Holy Mary Mother of God Cemetery on Johnston Street.
Pallbearers will be his six sons: Hank, Parker, Teeny, John, Louis and Philip. Honorary pallbearers are John Allen Bernard, his Montrose neighbors: Toni Stonecipher, Nell Shamburger, Diane Sibille, Pat Carroll, and his brothers: Dr. Max Perret, Dr. William Perret, Dr. John Perret and Joseph F. “Rummy” Perret.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to Miles Perret Cancer Services, 2130 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 200, Lafayette LA 70508.
Martin & Castille - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, LA. 70506. 337-234-2311
