Thomas Leroy "Roy" Olinde

A retired plant comptroller with 36 years service with Allied-Signal, Roy died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. Roy, 84, born Oct. 5, 1925, was a resident and native of Jarreau. There was never a more loving husband, father, grandfather or great-grandfather. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lakeland. An Army veteran, he served with the 4025th Signal Corps in the South Pacific Theater of Operations in World War II as a technician fourth grade (T/4), where he was awarded the following decorations and citations: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippines Liberation Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from LSU in 1948 and received teacher certification from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1950. An avid sports fan, he played semi-pro baseball from 1946-1950 as a shortstop and second baseman for the False River Jays, Opelousas Indians and Richardson's Bass Oilers. After graduating from LSU, Roy worked for Continental Oil Co. as an accounting trainee until May 1949, then as a teacher of commerce in the Plaquemines Parish school system while attending Loyola University. In April 1953, he began his accounting employment at General Chemical, which later became Allied Signal. He was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary accounting society from July 16, 1947, until the time of his death. Roy was a member of the American Legion and the Woodmen of the World. In addition to being a proud cultivator of chrysanthemums for 33 years, he also enjoyed golfing, fishing and being a spectator of sports of all kinds. Never was there a more devoted LSU fan. Roy is survived by four daughters and their husbands, Claudia and William "Bill" Wright, New Roads, Christina "Chris" and James "Bert" Chustz, Erwinville, Paula and Michael "Mickey" Bonneval, Belle Chasse, and Barbara "Babs" and Douglas "Tiger" Farque, Jarreau; a sister, Doris David, New Roads; eight grandchildren, Amy Wright, Baton Rouge, James Chustz and wife Lindsey, Erwinville, Rebecca "Becky" Chustz Battles and husband Allen, Baton Rouge, Thomas Chustz, Erwinville, Anastasia "Ana" Bonneval Meaux and husband David, Youngsville, Aimeé Bonneval, Portland, Ore., Christopher Bonneval, New Orleans, and Michael Farque, Jarreau; and two great-grandsons, Grayson Chustz and Casey Meaux. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Dael Dawson Olinde; parents, Morris Olinde and Melina Guillaume Olinde, who were of Jarreau; two sisters, Gladys Chustz and husband Murphy, who were of Innis, and Myrtle Goudeau and husband Kelly, who were of New Roads; two brothers, Patrick Olinde and wife Edwidge "Bunch," who were of Jarreau, and John Olinde and wife Jeannette, who were of Ventress; and a brother-in-law, Jeff David, who was of New Roads. Pallbearers will be James Chustz, Christopher Bonneval, David Meaux, Allen Battles, Lancelot P. Olinde, M.J. Chustz, James Goudeau and Stephen David. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert David, William "Bill" David, and Joe Ellis. Visiting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lakeland, on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., with the Rev. Matt Lorrain, celebrant, and Deacon Phil BeJeaux. Private family viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at Chenal Cemetery. The family wishes to express their gratitude and deep appreciation to Pointe Coupee Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Jason Picard, and all staff members at Pointe Coupee General Hospital for providing such wonderful care. They would also like to extend special thanks to his caretakers, Mary Jarreau, Debra Laiche, Racheal Bello, Mary Deitrick and Becky Battles for their love and attention. Roy was a sweet and wise gentleman of great character, who touched many lives. His pleasant disposition, humorous nature, inner strength, and gentle spirit made him loved by all. He will leave a void that can never be filled. His family looks forward to the day when they will be with him again.