Antoine Francis

Antoine Randolph “Tee” Francis, 87, a native and longtime resident of Dulac, La., and recent resident of Berwick, La., died Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010.

Born Dec. 4, 1923, Antoine lived among his family and close friends in Dulac most of his life. As a young man, he made his living shrimping where he grew up, except for about four years when he enlisted in the service during World War II. He served with the 9th Infantry Division, and 746th Tank Battalion in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He participated in the Allied Invasion of Normandy on D-Day. Upon returning home from the service, he went to work first on a shrimp boat for some time and later worked as a tugboat captain for the remaining of his working days. “Tee” spent most of his retired life fishing with his wife Mary and taking care of his small boat that he used for trawling in the nearby lakes where they enjoyed many sunrises. He also enjoyed hunting until his eyesight got bad. Antoine looked forward to the local Indian Pow-Wows for good eating and visiting with his friends whom he didn’t get to see very often. His favorite times were spent with his children and other family members celebrating birthdays and special occasions where all eleven of his children made it a point to be present. His time spent fishing and hunting with his boys and nephews made for good stories handed down with a lot of good laughs. He loved the Francis Family Reunions, and was a proud member of the United Houma Nation. His fishing days with his pastor, Rev. Kirby Verret , and his dog BoBo were some of his highlights. He will be missed in a big way in the communities of Dulac and Berwick.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lodrigue Francis; sons, Randolph (Brenda), Delvin (Angie), Ray (Dana) and Ted (Rochel) Francis; daughters, Relta (Barry) Lirette, Debra (Gabriel Sr.) Liner, Connie (Lloyd) Guidry, Penny Lirette, Sylvia (Harvey) Sanders, Terri Ann (Kevin) Francis and Jill (Casey) Cooper; brothers, Sidney and Nolan Sr. (Hazel) Francis; sisters, Josephine Chapman and Corine Paulk; 33 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Pearly Smith Francis; parents, Louis Alcess and Corine Duthu Francis; three brothers, Clifford, Delvin and Joseph Francis; three sisters, Elnora Billiot, Eva Dion and Malvina Landry; and three grandsons, Chase Francis, and Dallas and Taylor Mize.

He is buried at Berwick Cemetery.

(Hargrave Funeral Home)

Antoine Francis