John D. Sittig services held Saturday

Family and friends are heartbroken with the announcement of the passing of John D. Sittig, a loving father, brother, grandfather and friend, who died in the comfort of his home surrounded by loving family. He was 87.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Entombment followed in the St. Joseph Mausoleum.
Celebrants were Father Mikel Polson and Father Jude Thierry. Father Henry Broussard concelebrated.
John D. was a 1946 graduate of Iota High School and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He worked at the American Rice Mill in the sales department from 1950 to 1960 and in the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court’s office from 1960 to 1968 as the minute clerk. He was a volunteer fireman for many years, owner and manager of Sittig Farm Supply from 1968 to 1986, N.O.B. Fertilizer Seed and Chemical from 1986 to 1995 as seed rice sales.
He was on the Louisiana State Welfare Board from 1963 to 1968. From 1958 until 1978 he served on the Iota Town Council. He was a Acadia Parish School Board member from 1968 to 1994, serving 10 years as vice president and 10 years as president. He also served on the Louisiana School Board Association.
“He was an icon in education in Acadia Parish,” said Acadia Parish Superintendent John Bourque. “John D. and Dr. John Bertrand (long-time superintendent in the parish) were a tremendous team. Even after his tenure on the board was done, he continued to be interested in education and was someone I could go to for advice.
“We lost a good man.”
In 1994 he was elected as mayor for the town of Iota, a position he held until 2010. It was during his tenure that the “new” town hall was built for the municipality.
He was a parishioner of the St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as a lector as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He dedicated his life to serving God, his family and the community.
He is survived by his son, Jude Sittig and wife Debbie of Iota; his four brothers, Lee Sittig of Crowley, Fred Sittig of Sulphur, Charles Sittig and wife Pat and Dale Sittig and wife Celine all of Eunice; his three sisters, Barbara Sittig of Lake Charles, Frances FaKouri of Baton Rouge and Kathryn Miller and husband Dr. Ben of Eunice; his six grandchildren, Jamie Anderson, Kristian Boudreaux, Roxie Smith, Rachelle Domingue, Madison and Peyton Sittig; and his 11 great grandchildren, Morgan Teetzel, Michael, Connor and Cameron Anderson, Demi and Isabel Boudreaux, Liz, Olivia and Trevor Smith, Gracie Domingue, and Ava Garon.
He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Fontenot Sittig; his son, Kent Sittig; parents, Walter and Helen Matte Sittig; and a sister, Shirley Sittig Fontenot.
At the request of the family, visitation was held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Iota on Friday, Dec. 18, from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. and again on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 8 a.m. until time of services.
Prayer Group recited a Rosary at 7 p.m. Friday.
The Iota Volunteer Fire Department led the funeral procession “one last time” through the town of Iota.
Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Iota, 840 Howard St, (337) 779-3083 was in charge of arrangements.