Gordon Herpin

1944 - 2012

Gordon Edward Herpin

July 22, 1944 ~ May 3, 2012



KAPLAN - Gordon Edward Herpin, 67, devoted and much loved husband, father and grandfather, died at his home surrounded by his family and a few cherished friends Thursday morning, May 3, 2012. A rosary will be said at 12:00 noon, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 7, at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the family home following the service.

A native and lifelong resident of Kaplan, Gordon was born on July 22, 1944 to A.W. "Dick" Herpin and Annie Mae Breaux Herpin. He was the third of three sons. Gordon graduated Kaplan High in 1962 and Northeast State University at Monroe in 1968, where he was a member of Phi Delta Chi. Gordon then returned to Kaplan where he was a relief pharmacist for several years before eventually opening The Prescription Shoppe in Lege's Food Store. The Prescription Shoppe moved to Cushing Avenue in 1986 and remained there until Gordon retired in 2009.

Gordon was a kind and generous man, one who saw good in everyone. On any given day, with a spring in his step, a smile on his face and a ready wave or call out, Gordon could be spotted delivering prescriptions or running errands in Kaplan. Good friends and valued customers alike found camaraderie, a sense of companionship, upon visiting with Gordon; and many, whether by his caring and compassion, or his good natured wit, left feeling a little better… their burdens somewhat lightened.

Gordon exhibited great character, integrity and leadership skills, which is evidenced by his numerous civic contributions. He was a founding member of the Rotary Club, serving as president in 1976 and 1977. In 1993 he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award through Rotary International 'in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relation among peoples of the world'. Gordon was also a member of the Kaplan Chamber of Commerce where he was instrumental in bringing the Garan plant to the City of Kaplan, and was honored as Kaplan Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1997. As a member of the Kaplan Jaycees, he promoted youth baseball and served as president, Grand Marshal of the Bastille Festival in 1989 and was Bastille Day Honoree in 1990. He was also a member of the Kaplan Fire Department Board of Directors, where he served both as President and Vice President. Gordon was a member of the Krewe of Chic-a-La-Pie, serving on the building committee and as King Gumbo the 28th in 1983. He was a member of the National Association of Retail Druggist, a member of the Louisiana Pharmacist Association and received the Pharmacist of Distinction Award. He also served as an advisor to promote the building of the present Kaplan High School, was a member of the Abbeville Country Club, and was honored by the American Business Woman as Boss of the Year.

His greatest passions, however, from which he derived his most simple and pure joy, were his family… and least not, his faith, from which he drew his immeasurable strength. Gordon is survived by the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Patricia Dronet Herpin; and his adored children and grandchildren, Christine "Christie" Martin, her husband Jody, and children, Gaylen James and Jade Michael LeBouef, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma; and Jacob Herpin, his wife Lacy, of Youngsville, Louisiana and children, Tylor Jacob Quebodeaux, Alysse Nicole Herpin, Baine Garchin Mire, Gavin Jude Herpin and Colt Nicholas Herpin. He is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Kylie Angelle Martin and Kyle Westly Martin; his godchildren, Danny Herpin, Shana Herpin Broussard, and Angie Herpin; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. "Dick" Herpin; his brothers, Richard J. Herpin and James W. "Jimmy" Herpin; and his niece, Sara Joanna Herpin.

Arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan. Condolences may be sent to the Herpin family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.