Camille "Junior" Menard

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church in Cankton on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. for Camille “Junior” Menard, 83, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at his residence surrounded by family and friends. Father Gilbert Dutel will officiate the ceremony. Interment will take place immediately following the service at St. John Berchmans Cemetery in Cankton.

Camille “Junior” Menard was a beloved husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, a loyal and generous friend, and a lifelong resident of Cankton, Louisiana. A man of great generosity, kindness, and deep-rooted community spirit, Junior dedicated his life to serving others, both personally and publicly.

He was the proud owner and operator of Menard and Miller Grocery and Market for over 40 years, a place where customers were treated like family. His love for his hometown inspired decades of civic involvement—serving eight terms (32 years) as Alderman for the Village of Cankton. He also served as a district board member for the Coulee Croche Fire District No. 4 for six years, a founding member of the Cankton Volunteer Fire Department, clerk for the Village of Cankton, and chairman of the Housing Authority of South Landry Parish. His leadership, commitment, and integrity left a lasting mark on the community he called home.

Junior is survived by his loving daughters, Cynthia (Chris) Silvio and Angela (Lon) Guillory; his treasured granddaughter, Delilah Grace Guillory; his sister, Goldie Thibodeaux; brother-in-law, Mike Daigle (Debbie); nieces, Debby Duplechain, Sunny Hattan, and Kelly Fontenot; nephews, Karl Menard, Danny Miller, and Dwayne Thibodeaux; and his godchildren, Eugene Lanclos, Karl Menard, Nina Melancon, and James M. Hattan.

He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 61 years, Audrey R. Menard; his grandson, Landon John Pitre; his parents, Sosthene and Lydia Cormier Menard; his mother-in-law, Edia V. Daigle; his sister, Rose M. Miller; brother, Alen Jules Menard; and brother-in-law Carroll Thibodeaux.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Lon Guillory, Danny Miller, Dwayne Thibodeaux, Karl Menard, Eugene Lanclos, and Donald Menard. Honorary pallbearers include Chris Silvio, Ervin Menard, Marcus Higginbotham, Malcolm Bussey, James M. Hattan, Greg Babineaux, and Ronnie Boutin.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate team at Hope Healthcare and Hospice, especially Makenzie Vautrot and Christine Richard, whose guidance and kindness brought comfort during Junior’s final days. A heartfelt thank-you is also extended to his dedicated caretakers—Patty Pitre, Patty Trahan, and Brenda Bourgeois—whose care, patience, and unwavering support were a blessing to both Junior and the family. We are also especially grateful to Dr. Michael Cain and his staff, whose warmth, compassion, and respectful care meant so much to us throughout his illness. Their presence and devotion will never be forgotten.

Visitation hours will be observed at Walters Funeral Home on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and will resume on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all those who offered care, support, and prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hope Healthcare and Hospice in honor of Junior’s lifelong devotion to his community, those in need, and his grandson Landon Pitre.

Walters Funeral Home, (337) 706-8941, 2424 N. University Ave. in Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.