John Winfred Matte

John Winfred Matte, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Sunset, Louisiana, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 90 from complications associated with dementia/Alzheimer’s. He was born on November 12, 1935, in Church Point, Louisiana, he lived a life filled with dedication to his family and his work.

Funeral services for John Winfred Matte will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas. Deacon David Menard will conduct the service. Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas, La.

Pallbearers will be Glenn Matte, Jr., Chris Wilson, Trent Lavergne, Carson Matte, Brian Wilson and Steven Lavergne.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening led by Cecille Dupre. The funeral home will reopen on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.

John devoted 27 years of his career to National Food Store, demonstrating his commitment and a strong work ethic. He and his wife owned and operated "John's IGA" in Eunice, Louisiana, for 10 years, from 1981 to 1991. He also ran "John's Cash Grocery Store" in Basile, Louisiana for one year in the 1980’s.

Beyond his professional life, John found joy in the great outdoors. He had a passionate love for fishing, crawfishing and crabbing, activities he cherished often. It was not unusual for him to catch fish even when others did not. He was such a good fisherman that the family stuck a bumper sticker on his truck that read, “Fish tremble at the mention of my name.” He loved to socialize and was known for his excellent Sac-a-lait (crappie) fish fries. Family was of paramount importance to John.

John is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Janelle Marie Matte, of Opelousas, Louisiana; his son, Glenn James Matte, and his wife, Dawn, of Crowley, Louisiana; his daughters, Cynthia Ann Wilson and her husband, Brian, Sr., of Water Valley, Mississippi; Jenney Marie Matte (Julie) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and Roxanne Marie Lavergne and her husband, Steven, of Sunset, Louisiana. He was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and the cherished great-grandfather of 8 great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Vinest Matte, Sr. and Marie Mire Matte; his youngest son, Dwayne Louis Matte, and his wife, Sandy; his granddaughter, Kristen Nicole Wilson; and his great-grandson, Grae Wilson.

As we remember John Winfred Matte, we celebrate a life dedicated to family, hard work, and the simple joys that brought him happiness. His legacy will continue to live on through the love he shared and the memories held dear by those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Shriner’s Children’s Foundation, or a charity or church of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.