Joseph 'Joe' Schexnailder Jr.

1929 - 2016

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 13, 2016 at a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Francis Regis Catholic Church in Arnaudville for Joseph "Joe" Schexnailder, Jr., age 87, who passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at his residence in Arnaudville. Interment will be in St. Francis Regis Cemetery in Arnaudville. The Rev. Gary Schexnayder, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, will officiate at the services. Musical selections will be provided by Ron Moreau, accompanied by Phyllis Simar on the organ. The songs will be Amazing Grace, J'Irai La Voir Un Jour, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Our Father and How Great Thou Art. Mr. Schexnailder was a native and lifelong resident of Arnaudville where he owned and operated Schexnailder Barber Shop for over forty years. A veteran of the military, Mr. Schexnailder was a member of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a member of the Indian Bayou Deer Hunting Club. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and an all-around hunter and gardener. He had a love for animals, especially his beloved dog, Molly. His most important pastime was enjoying Sunday dinners with his family. Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, the former Marie Breaux Schexnailder of Arnaudville; one son, Gregory J. Schexnailder and his wife, Angie, of Lafayette; two daughters, Carmen Nichols and her husband, Jim, and Vicki West and her husband, Carey, all of Lafayette; one daughter-in-law, Julie Schexnailder of New Iberia; ten grandchildren, Patrick Schexnailder and his wife, Rachael, Michael Schexnailder and his wife, Audrey, Beth S. Hodge and her husband, Carl, Robert Schexnailder, Natalie Nichols, Kathryn West, Elise W. Broussard and her husband, Barret, Garrett Schexnailder, Grant Schexnailder and Caroline Schexnailder; six great grandchildren, Luke Schexnailder, Mark Schexnailder, Jack Schexnailder, Neil Schexnailder, Britlyn Schexnailder and Thomas Hodge; and one sister, Joyce Zerangue of Crestwell, OR. He was preceded in death by one son, Joseph "Joey" Schexnailder, III; his parents, Joseph Schexnailder, Sr. and the former Clara Stelly both natives of Arnaudville; two brothers, Edwin Schexnailder and Ivy Schexnailder; and three sisters, Elaine Moreau, Anaise Hebert and Lena Hollier. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday and will continue from 8:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday. The family would like to extend a special thanks to his longtime caregiver, Audrey Jerry and the members and staff of Amedisys Hospice, especially Dr. Michael Alexander. Memorial contributions in the name of Joseph "Joe" Schexnailder, may be made to Acadiana Animal Aid, 142 Le Medicine Rd. Carencro, LA 70520. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.melanconfuneralhome.net. Melancon Funeral Home of Arnaudville, 224 Main Street, (337) 754-5725, is in charge of arrangements.