Fmr. Chief John Gilbert Offord

Former Chief John Gilbert Offord Former Chief of Police John Gilbert Offord, a dedicated public servant and respected leader of the Town of Washington Police Department, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the age of 86. Former Chief Offord led the department with distinction, fostering initiatives in public safety, community outreach, and officer development. His leadership was instrumental in building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community, emphasizing trust, accountability and service. A celebration of Former Chief Offord’s life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Greater Shiloh Baptist Church in Opelousas, LA. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, until the time of service. The service will be lovingly officiated by Rev. Harnsberry and burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington, LA. John married Ruby Lee Coleman on April 6, 1975. Together, they lovingly raised her children and built a beautiful, blended family filled with love and devotion. Former Chief Offord leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his five sons, John P. Offord (Barbara) of Breaux Bridge, LA, Jessie Offord of Opelousas, LA, James Coleman of Washington, LA, Anthony Coleman, Sr. (Harnetta) and Darrel Offord (Loretta) both of Opelousas, LA. He is also remembered with love by his five daughters, Pam Offord, Bridget Gibson both of Opelousas, LA, Linda C. Williams of Lafayette, LA, Dianh Mason (Tyrone) of Jacksonville, FL and Annie Ruth Coleman of Seattle, WA. He is further survived by his four brothers — Charles Johnson, Bobby Johnson, Gary Offord, all of Opelousas, LA and Allen Offord of Seattle, WA — and eight sisters, Barbara Johnson, Linda Johnson, Shelia Homes (Charles) all of Opelousas, LA, along with Georgia Offord, Verna Dean Offord, Jackie Williams, Gloria Offord and Connie Offord all of Seattle, WA. Former Chief Offord’s legacy also lives on through his two godchildren, Joe Ann Johnson and Elisa Renee Emebo Roy; twenty-two grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a large circle of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He will also be deeply missed by the men and women of the Town of Washington Police Department, who had the privilege of serving under his dedicated leadership. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mrs. Ruby Lee Coleman Offord; his devoted parents, Maggie Montgomery Johnson and Simon Offord, Sr.; two cherished sons, Carl Dwayne Offord and Alvin Charles Coleman; and four dear siblings, Clara West, David Lee Johnson, Henry Alfred Johnson, and Simon Offord, Jr. Former Chief Offord’s dedication to duty, leadership, and service will never be forgotten. The family of Former Chief Offord invites friends, colleagues, and community members to share words of comfort, memories, and expressions of sympathy at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net. Funeral arrangements have been lovingly entrusted to the compassionate staff of Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas (337-942-2037).

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Fmr. Chief John Gilbert Offord

October 7, 1939 - October 18, 2025