Dr. Charles Emile Dupré

A well-known local dentist for 45 years, a devoted husband and father of seven children, Dr. Charles Emile Dupré died peacefully, with family by his side, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. He was 84, born Nov. 21, 1924, in Ville Platte, Dupré will be remembered for his generous nature, calm demeanor and deep passion for his family and profession. He earned a bachelor's degree from Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala., in 1941, and a D.D.S. from Loyola Dental School, New Orleans, in 1947. Not long after launching a career in his hometown and getting married in 1948, Dupré served as a U.S. Navy officer in Chicago and Charleston, S.C., in 1950-52. He then returned to Ville Platte and maintained a thriving dental practice until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the Louisiana Dental Association for 50 years, American Security Bank board of directors for 23 years and served as a council member and Eucharistic minister at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church. He also served his local community well as a volunteer for several organizations, including the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and American Legion. Survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Helen Manuel Dupré; seven children, Christine Dupré Fontenot and husband Malcolm Fontenot, of Mamou, Deborah Dupré Ardoin and husband Dr. Ted Ardoin, of Ville Platte, Charles Dupré Jr. and wife Caroline, of Baton Rouge, Paul Dupré and wife Cheryl, of Ville Platte, Michael Dupré and wife Cindy, of Carencro, David Dupré, of San Francisco, and Carole Dupré, of Baton Rouge; and 10 grandchildren who knew him as "Paw-Doc," Nanette Campbell Swart, Richard Campbell, Nichole Ardoin, Dr. Lauren Ardoin Leach, Margot Ardoin, Bonnie Dupré Courville, Kim Dupré Fontenot, Dana Dupré, Danyelle Dupré Wax and Michelle Dupré; and great-grandchild, Sydney Swart. Also survived by his youngest sister, Barbara Colligan, of Ville Platte. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Emily Dupré; two brothers, Dr. Robert Emery Dupré and John Ellis Dupré; and three sisters, Eloise Bordelon, Yvonne Prudhomme and Lura Jane Aswell. Visitation was at Ardoin Funeral Home, 709 W. Main St., Ville Platte, (337) 363-2181, on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with recitation of the rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday at the funeral home from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, 1220 W. Dardeau St., Ville Platte, (337) 363-5167, which will be followed by the burial.