Norman Verret

Exhibits
February 26, 2008
March 29 Frank Davis Book Signing (Thibodaux)
February 29, 2008
Exhibits
February 26, 2008
March 29 Frank Davis Book Signing (Thibodaux)
February 29, 2008

Posted Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008

Norman Verret, beloved husband, devoted father, patriot, tireless worker in community service and faithful servant of the Lord, went home Thursday, Feb. 28.


Norman was a simple man, straightforward, unsophisticated, frugal, patriotic and without guile. He was loyal to his friends, provident to his family and dedicated to the causes he believed in. He was a life-long resident of Raceland, La., and prided himself on the number of its residents that he knew by name. He was never comfortable being far away from Bayou Lafourche, the land that bore him and the friends and family he cherished. He rarely had an unkind word to say about anyone and was never heard to utter a single curse word in all his adult years. He was an avid LSU football fan, win or lose, and approached life with the same unwavering faith and optimism.


He was born in Raceland on July 24, 1917, to Frank Verret and Ada Mayet Verret, graduated from Raceland High School in 1935 and enlisted in the Marines the same year. He spent most of his tour of duty in the Aleutian Islands as a Seaman and Marine and rose to the rank of Petty Officer First Class before being honorably discharged in 1939. In 1942 he re-enlisted in the Navy during World War II where he served as a pharmacists’ mate for the duration of the war. He was employed for 33 years at Ayo’s Drug Store starting as a floor-sweeper and ending as a store manager. He later was employed by Raceland Bank and Trust Co., retiring in 1984 as the Wilson Street Branch Manager.

Norman was very active in civic and church affairs. He was a member of VFW Post 3665 for 50 years serving as Post Commander and Service Office Hospital Chairman. He was a member of the American Legion Post 349 serving as President of the Board, Service Office Chairman for Distressed Legionnaires, Chairman of the Legion Scholarship Program, and Chairman of the Burial Assistance Fund. He spent 20 years on the Lafourche Parish Library Board of Control and over 40 years as the Chairman of the Lafourche Unit of the Society for Crippled Children. In this last role he touched the lives of numerous residents by providing beds, crutches and wheelchairs to the physically handicapped. He was a charter member of the Lions Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, past president of the Holy Name Society and the Parish Council of St. Mary’s Nativity Church in Raceland. In 1991, he was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal by Pope John Paul II. If it had to do with church, family or country, Norman was there. He was the salt of the earth.


He was preceded in death by Kate Verret, nee Kate Marie Marcello, his beloved wife of 61 years and for whom he provided devoted care in the last years of her life. He is survived by his children, Douglas Verret of Sugar Land, Tx., Vaughn Verret of Arnaudville, La., Mark Verret of Humble, Tx., Mary Verret of Houma, La., and Joey Verret of Lockport, La.

His body will be waked at Falgout Funeral Home in Raceland starting at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 2 and at St. Mary Nativity Church in Raceland starting at 9 a.m. Monday, March 3, followed by a funeral and cemetery service at 11 a.m.

He felt that his life would be really honored if friends and relatives made contributions to the Louisiana Society of Crippled Children or the Alzheimer’s Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Dad, thanks for walking with us a while. You were our beacon. We will all be a little lost without you. We are really going to miss you.

Falgout Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Norman Verret