Dr. John Bertrand

1925 - 2013

Dr. John Avery Bertrand

CROWLEY - Dr. John Avery Bertrand, 88, former Acadia Parish School Board Superintendent and longtime Member and President of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, died Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 8, 2013 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Crowley, Louisiana with Father Gary Schexnayder officiating. The family requests visiting hours Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetary.

Dr. Bertrand was born in Corsicana, Texas on October 27, 1925 to Joseph Avery Bertrand and Anaise Boone. He graduated from Iota High School in 1942. After serving 2 ½ years in the United States Coast Guard during World War II, he married his high school sweetheart, Ella Mae Simar. They were blessed with four children. He received a Bachelor of Science at SLI (now ULL) in 1950, where he graduated with highest distinction, a Master of Science from LSU in 1952, and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 1966. He started his teaching career in Rayne, moved to Calcasieu Parish and served as principal at Starks High School, College Oaks Elementary School, and Forest K. White Jr. High School. From there, he was appointed Superintendent of Acadia Parish Schools where he served for 19 years. Dr. Bertrand was a Member and President of BESE for 16 years. He was past president of CODOFIL for many years, preserving the French culture and language in Louisiana.

Dr. Bertrand is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ella Mae Simar Bertrand, three daughters, Linda B. Lambert and her husband John E. Lambert of Baton Rouge, Darlene B. Veillon of Lake Charles, and Angela B. Coleman and her husband, Ronald L. Coleman, Jr. of Acworth, GA, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and considered his own.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald J. Bertrand, an infant daughter, Jonella Bertrand, his parents, Joseph Avery and Anaise Boone Bertrand, his sister, Lorraine B. Stricker, two brothers, Joseph Francis Bertrand and George Bertrand, and a son-in-law, Eddie B. Veillon, Sr.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Avenue F, Crowley, LA 70526, 337-783-3313