Melvin Paul Bertrand

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Melvin Paul Bertrand, 75, who died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014, at his residence in Crowley.

He will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery with Dr. Richard Ledet and Dr. Charlie Crews officiating the services.  Pallbearers will be Paul Wes Bertrand, Wayne Hornsby, Ryan Champagne, Brad Johnson, Damon Rachal, Herschel Reaux and Burnell Martin. Honorary pallbeaerer will be Glynn Broussard.

Melvin was a farmer and a cattleman, he served in the United States Marine Corps, was a major with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and was assistant to the Louisiana Department of Elections Commissioner.

Melvin had a very strong work ethic, and he enjoyed spending time on his farm with his horses, cattle and hunting dogs. He enjoyed playing pool and visiting with family, especially with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Wiggins Bertrand; two daughters, Jody B. Hornsby and her husband Wayne of Roberts Cove and Rachel L. Bertrand of Crowley; one son, Paul Wes Bertrand and his wife Carolyn of Crowley; two sisters, Dorothy B. Vincent and Janet Broussard; four grandchildren, Jill Vincent-Rachal, M.D., Noelle Bertrand Johnson, Amelia Bertrand and Malory Hornsby Champagne; and one great grandchild, Amelie Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Bertrand and the former Viola Menard.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles Street, on Friday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. until time of services.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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