Gilbert Austin, Jr.

Gilbert Austin, Jr. OPELOUSAS- Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday October 24, 2014 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, LA for Mr. Gilbert Austin, Jr, 84. He took the hands of the Lord for his eternal rest on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at his residence in Opelousas, LA. Interment will be in St. Landry Catholic Church cemetery. Father Jaison Mangalath, SVD will conduct the Mass of Christian burial. On the night of October 15, 2014, God looked around his table and saw an empty seat. He looked down upon the Earth and He saw Our Father’s smiling face. He put his arms around him and lifted him to rest. God’s table must be full now. He only takes the Best. On August 22, 1930, Gilbert Austin, Jr. was one of nine children born to the union of Gilbert Austin, Sr. and Elinor Meche. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Alida Mercedes Arceneaux and through this union two children were born. Gilbert Jr. was a loving husband, father, grandfather, provider, brother and friend. He was a member of the Third Degree Knights of Peter Claver Father John Council #8 Holy Ghost Court and Fourth Degree Knight James A. Highland Assembly #7, Inseparable Friends and Benevolent Association of Wybles Bridge Opelousas, LA, Knights of Columbus and other civic groups. He served in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant and became a light heavy weight boxing champ while serving his country. He was a graduate of Education from Xavier University of New Orleans. He obtained his Masters plus 30 in Administration and Supervision from Southern University of Baton Rouge. He served his church as a Eucharistic Minister and Usher. He was a retired St. Landry Parish Educator with over 22 years of classroom teaching experience. He became the first Black Real Estate Broker in St. Landry Parish; He owned and operated Austin’s Real Estate for over 30 years. He overcame adversity by winning a Federal Court case involving illegal voting procedures that deprived him of his constitutional rights which eventually lead him to serve the people of Opelousas and especially the residents of District 10 as a St. Landry Parish School Board Member for over 15 years despite numerous attempts to unseat him. He also served as the President of the School Board during his tenure as School Board member. Mourning his departure, yet cherishing fond and loving memories are his loving and faithful children: Gwendolyn Ann Austin-Alsandor of Opelousas, LA, Gilbert Austin, III of Houston, TX, and Juliette Austin of New Orleans, LA: three loving and spoiled grandchildren: Nicholas Anthony Alsandor of Opelousas, LA, Alyssa Marie Austin and Alyxandra Morgan Austin both of Alexandria, LA; two brothers: Curtis Austin, Sr. of New Orleans, LA and James (Helen) Austin, Sr. of Richmond, CA; two sisters: Clydia Austin Giron of Opelousas, LA and Evelyn (Larry) Frelow of Baltimore, MD; two brothers-in-law: Al Arceneaux of Houston, TX and Christopher (Patricia) Arceneaux of Crosby, TX; two sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Arceneaux of Houston, TX and Linda (Paul) Sonnier of Houston, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Gilbert Austin Sr. and Elinor Meche Austin; his loving wife of 39 years, Alida Mercedes Arceneaux Austin, brothers: Howard, LJ, Fertis and Joseph Hilton Austin and other relatives. Visiting hours will be observed from 7:00 AM until 10:30 AM Friday, October 24, 2014 at Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas. A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 AM. Please feel welcome to share words of comfort with the Austin family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas at 817 E. South St., 337/942-2037.

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Gilbert Austin, Jr.

August 22, 1930 - October 15, 2014