Earl Alleman

Earl  John Alleman

Duson - Funeral services were held at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church, Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. for Earl  John Alleman, 70, who died Sunday, October 19, 2008,  at his home with his wife, Helen, at his side. 

Interment was in St. Theresa Cemetery, Duson.

The Rev. Martin Leonards and the Rev. Joseph Stemmann were celebrants for the service. 

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Helen Lois  Sonnier Alleman of Duson; daughter, Melissa Ann Alleman Moon and husband Harlan of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Michelle Lois Alleman of Duson; daughter, Melinda Faye Alleman of Dallas, Texas; sister, Clarice Delahoussaye; sister, Laurice Degeyter and husband Louis; sister, Rena Alleman; brother, Etienne Alleman, Jr.; one brother-in-law, Percy Sonnier and wife Barbara; godchild, Wanda Delahoussaye Sorbet; godchild, Yvette Alleman; godchild, Michael Gilbert; and godchild, Anne Marie Montgomery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Etienne Alleman, Sr.; one sister, Gladys Alleman Nero; three brothers, Avic Alleman, Haywood Alleman and William Alleman; one nephew, Donald Delahoussaye; and one brother-in-law, Donat Sonnier.

He was born Sunday, February 20, 1938, in Gueydan.

Earl was a 1956 graduate of Scott High School and in 1959 received a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-med from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (ULL) and went on to graduate from Northeast State University in 1962 in Pharmacy.  In 1965, he opened Duson Professional Pharmacy and began 35 years of service to the community, adding on a medical clinic for Dr. Tuney Arceneaux in 1967.  Following retirement from his own business, he continued to work as a pharmacist at Church Point Pharmacy and at Boyer’s Pharmacy in Henderson.  He also volunteered weekly at the Lafayette Community Healthcare Clinic until his death. 

Earl was called, in his lifetime, to be a man of service. He sponsored several youth sports teams, served on Duson Town Council from 1966 to 1974, chaired the “Duson Round-Up Days” to support local volunteer and charity organizations, held regular bike-a-thons in support of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and provided medication for the poor through St. Vincent de Paul Society.

In his local church community, Earl was an active member and at various times held every possible office in both the Duson Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus Council 3870.  He was a lector, Eucharistic minister and religious education teacher for many years.  He was also honored to be one of  two trustees of St. Theresa’s Church for over 25 years.

Earl was an active member of the American, Louisiana and Lafayette-area Pharmacy Associations, as well as the Kappa Psi Pharmacy Fraternity.  He received many honors for his service and charity including a Good Neighbor Award from Better Business Bureau and in 1999 was the Tableau-Ball Dedication Honoree for the Krewe of Oberon Children’s Carnival Ball for which he and his family participated for many years.

Earl was a loving husband and father and a cherished member of his community and church.  Next to his dedication to family, was church and community.  Earl was passionate about education and funded college education for several young people, in addition to that of his own children.  He was quick to share his dry sense of humor and quick political wit, and his slanted smile will be missed by all.

Rosaries were recited Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at  11:30 a.m.

Friends were received  at St. TheresaChurch Hall in Duson, Tuesday, October 21, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 22, 2008, from 8:00 a.m. until services.

Friends may view the obituary and guestbook on line at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne.