KINDER – Funeral service for Gerald J. Savant, Sr., 76, will be held Monday, April 7, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Father Carlos Garcia and Very Reverend Vicente DeLaCruz will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in Indian Village Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, April 6, 2014 from 3-9 p.m. with a scriptural wake service beginning at 6 p.m. Following the wake service, a rosary will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will resume on Monday morning from 8 a.m. until time of service.

Gerald served in the United States Army (Chinon, France), was employed by Lake Charles Diesel, Atterbery International, Concrete Pipe, Serve Tech, Hebert Concrete, Doise Concrete and Louisiana Crane where he retired. He was recognized as the Top Diesel Mechanic in the state of Louisiana in the 70's.

Gerald was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved helping his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends on the river and Toledo Bend. He also loved tinkering in his shop. There wasn't much he could not fix.

Gerald served as an usher for St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Over the years, he was also a committed blood donor in his community. Gerald was a member of the Kinder Volunteer Fire Department and was known to most as the "King of Bar-B-Q".

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 56 years, Diane "Dickie" Smith Savant; sons, Gerald "Jerry" Savant, Jr. and wife, Bertha and David "Teo" Savant and wife, Barbara; daughters, Karen L. Savant, Judy S. Hebert and husband, Jason and Wendy S. LaFleur and husband, Kelvin "BooBoo"; grandchildren, Cody Savant and wife, Rachel, Katelynn Dietz and husband, Luke, Clayton Savant and wife, Courtney, Brandon and Morgan LaFleur, Magen and Chris Savant, Lana Manuel and husband, Justin, Lane and Travis Paxson, and Britney, Gabby and Jay Hebert; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Diane LaFargue and husband, Bruce; brothers, Darrell "Doc" Savant and wife, Geneva and Ted Savant and wife, Jeanie.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Bernice Savant; and his brother, Bobby Savant.