Allen "A.J." Bernard Jr.

YOUNGSVILLE - Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anne Catholic Church in Youngsville for Allen "A.J." Bernard Jr., age 77, who died on Monday, May 11, 2015 with his family at his side.

Entombment will be in St. Anne Mausoleum.

Most Reverend Michael Jarrell, Bishop of Lafayette, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass. Reverend William Schambough will be the Concelebrant. Lectors will be Jean Bernard, Aubrey Herndon, and Ali Bernard. Giftbearers will be Adrianne Hess and Gavin, and Katherine Bernard.

Survivors include two daughters, Christi Hess and her husband, Michael, and Jamie Herndon; three sons, David Bernard and his wife Felicia, Jay Paul Bernard and his wife Molly and Joey Bernard and his wife Michelle; fourteen grandchildren; one great grandchild; one brother, Dr. John G. Bernard and his wife, Jessica; and sister-in-law, Carol Ducote.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Earline Ducote Bernard; and his parents, Allen Joseph Bernard, Sr. and Catherine D'Albor Bernard.

Born in New Iberia, and raised in Lafayette, A.J. was a resident of Youngsville for 43 years. He was a 1956 graduate of Cathedral Carmel where he received a football scholarship to, and attended SLI (ULL). He proudly served in the Louisiana National Guard and was called to duty in 1961 at Fort Sill. A.J. was the owner of Kathryn's Fabric Shoppe in Lafayette's Oil Center. He was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Youngsville since 1972. A.J. was one of the original twelve Eucharistic Ministers to serve at St. Anne's. He was a very active member of the parish council, serving as President and Financial Advisor. He was a member of the Lion's Club since 1973 where he served as President in 1993-94. He was honored with the Civic Award in 1997. A.J. was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, receiving the Msgr. Harry Benefiel Civic Award in 2005, and also served as the Faithful Navigator and Honor Guard Captain. He actively led the Pro-Life Baby Bottle campaign. A.J. was a Youngsville City Councilman from 2002 to 2014. During his term on the council, his dedication and love for his city was highlighted by Youngsville receiving the "Best City" award in Louisiana, both in 2007 and 2013.

Pallbearers will be his nine grandsons, Cody, Morgan, Elliott, Jacob, Zachary, and Nicholas Ryan Bernard, Christopher Hess, Miles and Knox Herndon.

The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's SOUTHSIDE location on Friday from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Saturday from 8:00 AM until time of service.

A Rosary will be prayed Friday at 7:00 PM in Martin & Castille Funeral Home.

A heartfelt appreciation from AJ's family is extended to Dr. Michael Cain, his nurse practitioner, Allison Bertrand, and the entire staff of the Cancer Center of Acadiana, Dr. Henry Kaufman and his nurse practitioner, Joan Broussard, and especially his brother, Dr. John G. Bernard.

Memorial contributions can be made in A.J. Bernard's name to the Carmelite Monastery, 1250 Carmel Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70501, Miles Perret Cancer Center, 2130 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508, or to the Desormeaux Foundation, 1331 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70501.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille-SOUTHSIDE-600 E. Farrel Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-984-2811

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advertiser from May 13 to May 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Allen Bernard

12 Entries

Sharon Simpson

June 2, 2015

Joey,I really do not know what to say to you except I pray for God to give you strength and comfort the children in this time of all of your lives to give you comfort and peace...to guide you through with grace.You are a great person who has been the strenght and rock of our family.I pray that you know that .May the presence of God be with You and your Family.I have been off line and Nobody told me ...Please forgive me for expressing my sympathy so late.

May 15, 2015

"May the God of peace be with all of you."

May 15, 2015

It is with deep regret that I want to extend my sympathy, he was really a great person,father, grandfather, and friend, I know he will be missed so much by his family who loved him more than life itself.

Laurie Jankower James

May 15, 2015

Dear Christy, Kenny and I are so sad to hear of your father's passing. He was kind, gentle, and so very proud of you!! Love and prayers continuing to go your way, Kenneth & Laurie Jankower James

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Francis Babin

May 14, 2015

Remember him well. Even though I finished in 1954 at Cathedral, we ran into each other every day. So sad to see all my school mates leave so soon. But we have something to believe in, we will re-unite. God Bless you A.J.

Lou ella Verret

May 14, 2015

I will miss a dear and well loved and hard working friend. The angels in heaven will be happy to have him with them.

Perry & Kathryn Wilson

May 13, 2015

"Award Juxtaposition" is what " AJ "the stood for working with me on Youngsville's main attraction, roundabouts.It now stands for "Angel Journeyman", as he will need to assume that role very quickly since Ms Earline has been making a list! He was one of the finest, soft-spoken, on time
(NO, ALWAYS EARLY) friends I ever had. He knew what he wanted and he expected me to provide; he expected me to hone my skills to showcase a "Prettier Dress" for our city. You were down at times but every aspect of every detail was discussed with you and decided by us, as a team. You have a century to show off, good friend! You will be physically missed, but forever in our hearts. Love You, Fellow Veteran! I Salute You For Your Service!

Tonette and Kepler Ducote

May 13, 2015

To David, Christy, Jamie, Jay Paul, and Joey; It is with deepest regret that we read of your dad's passing. We will share in your grief and sadness as you say your final goodbyes, but will also be joyful in knowing that he and your mom, Erline are at last reunited in their eternal rest. May the peace of God rest in your heart through this very sad time.

May 13, 2015

Dear Johnny, Jess, and Family,
After receiving such quality care on earth, A.J. is now under the care of the Great Physician, in a place where there is no more pain or sorrow.
My sympathy,
Ronnie McNamara

Dennis and Jeanette Higginbotham

May 13, 2015

We are sorry for our loss of a good, kind man and an active Brother Knight who will always be remembered by a grateful community.

Jay Rosenzweig

May 12, 2015

Very sorry for your loss. AJ was a very nice gentleman. I spent as much time as possible talking to him while I was a volunteer at the Cancer Center at Lafayette General

Ed and Marilyn Dugas

May 12, 2015

We are saddened to learn of the passing of A.J. May the Peace of the Lord be with his family during this time of sadness.
Peace, Ed and Marilyn Dugas

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