Joseph "Sonny" Whitmore, Jr.

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for the life he lived, the family of Joseph E. Whitmore, Jr. announces his peaceful passing on June 4, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.

Born on May 20, 1950, in Arnaudville, LA, Joseph, affectionately known as “Sonny” by family and friends, was a man of integrity, resilience, and warmth. He was the cherished son of Joseph and Nita Whitmore, and was preceded in death by his beloved siblings, Charlotte, Sheryl, Al Marie, and Allen. Despite these losses, Sonny’s spirit remained unbroken, as he drew strength from the love and memories they shared.

Sonny answered the noble call of duty by serving in the US Army from 1968-1971 and was deployed during the Vietnam War with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. His commitment and bravery were recognized through commendations that spoke to his unwavering courage and dedication to his country.

Following his military service, Sonny returned home and dedicated himself to the care of others. Sonny worked closely with Richard Zuschlag starting an ambulance service titled Acadian Ambulance Service. Sonny became an EMT and moved his family three times around Southwest Louisiana to open substations as part of the Acadian Ambulance Service network.

Sonny later founded and owned Sonny’s Trucking, Inc. and Pullboats, Inc. He was known for his leadership, vision, and the genuine care he extended to his employees and clients. His career was a testament to his work ethic.

In tradition of giving back to others, Sonny has attended two missions in Nicaragua to help drill water wells for impoverished communities alongside his church.

He is survived by his children, Joseph Whitmore III, and Tamara Franks. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren, Taylor, Gabrielle, and Abigail. Sonny also delighted in the joy of his great-grandchildren, John, Owen, Dallas, and Levi, whose laughter and energy brought him endless happiness.

Sonny’s life will be celebrated and his memory honored on a day of remembrance. A military service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 0900 hours  in Gallant Fields, the exclusive veterans section of Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, (2300 N. University Avenue, Lafayette, LA, 70507). Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Sonny’s kindness and generosity are invited to attend and pay their respects.

As we mourn the loss of a remarkable man, we also celebrate a life well-lived-- a life filled with love, service, and the pursuit of dreams. Joseph E. Whitmore, Jr. now rests in peace, reunited with those who have gone before him. His spirit will forever be a guiding light for his family and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Joseph/Sonny’s name to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, T2T.org, as a tribute to his giving nature and his commitment to helping others.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by scrolling to the guest book below.