Ernest L. Dufour

Ernest L. Dufour has left his earthly life to meet his heavenly Father on December 3, 2013. He has left behind to celebrate his life, his loving wife of almost 64 years, Beatrice Mouton Dufour; four children, Patricia Dufour Mantow and her husband Mark of Marysville, WA, Michael Dufour and his wife Wendy of Huntington Beach, CA, Mary Dufour Trahan of Lafayette and Christopher Dufour and his wife Cheryl of Lafayette; seven grandchildren, Peter Mantow, Jeremy Williams, Anne Marie Johnson, Mary Mantow, John Mantow, Joshua Dufour and Haley Dufour; and four great grandchildren, Jansyn Williams, Makenzi Williams, Kimberly Johnson and Amy Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lehman Pierre Dufour of Cottonport and Camille Broussard Dufour of Cow Island; and one sister, Peggy Dufour Gossen of Lafayette. Mr. Dufour was raised in Lafayette and attended Cathedral Carmel and Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now ULL). His favorite memories as a young man were spent in Cow Island in the summer months with his grandparents, aunts and uncles, riding in cattle drives. Ernest Dufour served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. He began working in construction as a Field Office Manager early in his marriage, which moved the family to 35 different cities, finally settling in southern California. Thirty-three years ago, he and his wife moved back "home" to Lafayette, which is where he lived until his death. He was such an attentive husband and father, leaving us with such fond, loving memories. Words cannot express our family's love and gratitude to Heart of Hospice, for what we feel was an extension of our family. Never did we feel alone, they were always there, no matter what their support role was, we were enveloped by their hugs and love. They have touched our hearts and lives forever. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2013, at a 1:00 PM Mass of Christian Burial in Martin & Castille's La Fleur de Lis Chapel. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Dufour's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com. Martin & Castille-SOUTHSIDE-600 E. Farrel Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508, (337) 984-2811.