Alvin "Zeke" Madere Jr.

A native of Darrow and resident of Gonzales, he passed away at his home on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at 1 a.m. He was 74. He was retired and a member of the Boilermakers Union of Baton Rouge. He graduated in 1956 from Ascension Catholic High in Donaldsonville, where he played football and ran track, setting records in the 100 yard dash. He was a little league football coach and enjoyed outdoor sports. His focus in life was always centered on his wife, family and his dog, Boz. He was a man with many words of wisdom and a great sense of humor. He became a second father to three of his grandchildren and caretaker of his in-laws. He was a wise, giving and kind father and son. His battle with cancer was proof of his strength and courage. He will be forever missed by his family and friends. He is survived by four daughters and three sons-in-law, Pam and Marty Haydel, of Gonzales, Lisha Melancon Madere, of Plaque- mine, Carla and David Benedetto, of St. Amant, Vicki and Carlos Vargas, of Gonzales; two sons and daughters-in-law, Alvin III and Monique Madere, of St. Amant, Mark and Tracy Madere, of Maurepas. He is also survived by his grandchil- dren, Amber and John Boyd, Dustin, Katie, Brigette, Martin Jr. "Buzzy" and Mindee Hay- del, Morgan Melancon, Lauren and James Corbin, Shelbi Ad- ams, Joshua, Janette, Jordan, and Jacob Benedetto, Chelsie and Brennon Madere, Casey, Brady and Amber Madere, Karley, Branden, Shawn, Travis, Kaleigh, Drake, Jarren and Kaidyn Vargas; great- grandchildren, Hanna and Hayden Boyd, Ava Haydel, Luke Corbin and Gage Ferrari; two sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-la, Karl and Betty Madere, Sue and Arthur Jof- frion and Kenneth Denoux, all of Donaldsonville; as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Coriell Madere; parents, Audrey and Alvin "Zack" Madere; brother and sister- in-law, Boyce and Carmel "Doot" Duplessis Madere; brother-in-law, Sherman Coriell; and sister-in-law, Madeline Denoux. Visitation at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, Gonzales, on Monday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m., with the Rev. Rubin Reynolds, celebrant. Entombment will follow in Hope Haven Garden of Memory Cemetery, Gonzales. Pallbearers will be Dustin and Martin "Buzzy" Haydel, Joshua and Jacob Benedetto, Casey and Brady Madere, and Branden and Shawn Vargas. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis, Drake and Jarren Vargas, and Brennon Madere. The family would like to acknowledge Dr. McCanless and his caring staff, AIM Home Health and their staff, Baton Rouge General and the wonderful group of Oncology nurses. The family is so grateful that you all have treated him with such love, patience and dignity when he needed it the most. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.