Morse- A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Merlyn M. Istre, 83, at 10:00AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Mermentau, LA with Rev. Randy Moreau as Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 2:00PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00PM, until 10:00PM and will resume on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 8:00AM until just prior to service time. Interment will follow the church services at Istre Cemetery in Morse LA. Mr. Istre passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2014 in Crowley, LA.
Mr. Istre was a native and lifelong resident of Morse, LA. He served our country honorably as a proud U.S. Marine and following his military service was employed as a Machinist for Cities Service Refinery prior to his retirement. Once retired he was a rice and soybean farmer in the Morse area for many years. He also enjoyed gardening, bake, cook, dancing and a good Boure’e game. Active in his church he served as an Usher and also “gumbo cook” for the church members. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Merlyn is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Emely Lantier Istre of Morse, LA; daughters, Patricia I. Steele and her husband, David of Morse and Phyllis I. Cart and her husband, Ellis of Iota, LA; grandchildren, Chad Steele of Morse, LA, Cheryl S. Faulk and her husband, Chester of Midland, LA, Codie Steele and his wife, Meagan of Morse, LA, Ellis Cart, II and his wife, Holly of Iota, LA and Ethan Cart and his wife, Selina of Iota, LA, eight great-grandchildren, one brother, Willie Mack Istre of Morse.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Moise and Eleanor Istre; brothers, Blaise Istre, Dalton Istre, Mason Istre and Daniel Istre as well as two sisters, Lula I. Stanley and Nemez I. Martin.
Pallbearers will be Phillip Istre, Codie Steele, Chester Faulk, Ellis Cart, Ellis Cart, II, and Ethan Cart. Honorary pallbearers will be Chad Steele and David W. Steele, Jr.
You may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences online to Mr. Istre’s family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com
Duhon Funeral Home, LLC of Crowley, LA (337)783-1395, 1529 Crowley-Rayne Hwy., Crowley, LA 70526 is in charge of all of the arrangements.