Donald Keith Mayard

ABBEVILLE - A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Emmanuel Fernandez will be held at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Esther, honoring the life of Donald Keith Mayard, 89, who passed away on September 21, 2025, at his residence. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Mausoleum. Readers will be Madison Taff and Kallie Moneaux. Gift bearers will be Jacie Legere and Jared Sanders. Serving as pallbearers will be Greg Sagrera, Shane Hardy, Phillip Legere, Chris Taff, Larry Mayard, and Brett Esponge.

A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM, when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary is being prayed at noon.

Donald Mayard, was a graduate of Abbeville High School and earned a degree in Agriculture from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in Lafayette. He began his career with the Department of Agriculture before joining Trunkline Gas Company, where he retired at the age of 55. Retirement was far from the end of his service, as he continued contributing to his community as a Justice of the Peace, officiating many weddings with kindness and dignity. Donald also began raising cattle shortly after high school, a passion he carried throughout his life and one that reflected his deep love of agriculture and active involvement in the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association. A devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, he will be remembered not only for his professional and civic accomplishments but also for his warmth and friendship-he loved visiting with family and friends, never met a stranger, and always found a way to extend a conversation, leaving those around him feeling welcomed and valued.

He is survived by his spouse, Norma Lee Dubois Mayard; three daughters, Donnette M. Sanders and her husband, Jerry, Dana M. Sagrera and her husband, Greg, and Derra M. Hardy and her husband, Shane; three grandchildren, Jacie S. Legere (Phillip), Jared T. Sanders, and Madison H. Taff  (Chris); and seven great grandchildren, Brantley, Cadeley, Beckett, Rosaleigh, Ellie, Avery, and Griffin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elie Mayard and the former Effie Stansbury; and one brother, Murray Mayard, Sr.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all care givers, especially Kallie Moneaux, Brett Esponge, and Father Manny.

All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.