John Philip Olivier

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held for John Philip Olivier at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas. Rev. Fr. Justin Arockiasamy will officiate the services. A Rosary Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. recited by Sr. Stephanie, Sr. Charlotte, and Sr. Kay.  A Eulogy will be given by Whitney O. Blanchard at 2:00 p.m.  Visitation will begin on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Our beloved father, John Philip Olivier, 74, of Opelousas, passed away peacefully on February 10th, 2024.

John entered this life on September 15th, 1949, to Robert and Mildred Olivier in Opelousas, LA. He spent most of his early years residing in the small historical town of Washington, LA, where his deep love of history took bloom and lasted throughout his life.

John was a graduate of AIC and attended USL. Shortly after, he began a lifelong career in sales and management. His career was colorful and ranged from managing a coal mine in Virginia to overseeing the little country store where everyone lovingly referred to him simply as “Mista John.” He was a successful salesman in many industries, including his favorite, lumber, because of his extraordinary ability to connect with people with clarity, calmness, and his undeniable sense of humor.

John had many hobbies, including growing the best homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers this side of I-10. He also loved to cook. His specialties were barbecue, stews, gumbo, and his family favorite, smoked turkey. He loved sharing Sunday lunch with his family, sitting around the table, laughing, and enjoying the stories of their daily lives and current events.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Paulette Guillory Olivier. They shared a marital bond for 54 beautiful years. They have three children and enjoyed creating many memories together through travel, attending events for their children and grandchildren, and enjoying the small everyday things of life together.

His greatest accomplishments in life are his three children and six granddaughters whom he leaves behind: Dr. Leah Olivier and her fiancé James Davis, John Olivier and his wife Dr. Kristine Olivier, and Whitney Olivier Blanchard and her husband Toby Blanchard. His granddaughters: Georgia Potter, Lucille Olivier, Rosalind Olivier, Miller Blanchard, Olive Blanchard, and Izzie Blanchard.  He is also survived by his brothers, Robert "Bobby" Olivier, Charles "Chippy" Olivier and wife, Connie, James "Jimmy" Olivier, and Paul Olivier; and one sister, Anne Olivier Nix and husband, Dr. Louis Nix.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Louis Olivier, his mother, Mildred Speyrer Olivier; grandson, Henri Blanchard; and two sisters-in-law, Doris Olivier and Janice Olivier.

May his gentle spirit find eternal peace. 

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.