Elton-Funeral service will be held for Harrison John "Bet" Sonnier, age 78, in St. Paul Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 10am. Father Marshall Boulet will officiate the service and burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton.
The family will receive visitors at Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton beginning on Monday, July 2, 2012 from 1-9pm with a rosary being recited at 7pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 from 8am until time of service.
Harrison was born and raised in Elton, Louisiana. Even as a child, he was a hard worker. He was very proud of having his own team of horses by age 16. At the age of "almost 17", he entered the United States Air Force, in which he proudly served his country for a total of twelve years. While in the military, he enjoyed traveling all over the world. Upon his return from the service, he owned and operated Evangeline Service Station in Elton. He also worked for many years as a machinist and in the lab with the Firestone/Bridgestone facility of Sulphur, having retired with over 29 years of service in 1996. He worked hard over the years to provide for his family. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the John Ayers Masonic Lodge, #437, F. and A.M. of Lake Charles and served as a Worthy Patron Eastern Star Justice, Chapter 238. In 1974, Harrison received the honor of "Mason of the Year" for outstanding Masonic services. Due to complications from a stroke, he had not been in good health over the last few years. He died peacefully at 6pm on Friday, June 29, 2012 at St. Patrick's Hospital of Lake Charles. He was a loving dad and a proud grandfather. Harrison would gladly stop what he was doing to help anyone he could day or night. He loved life to the fullest. "Happy Harry" was a nickname he was known by to many people. His memory will be a blessing to his family and friends.
Survivors include his beloved children-Daniel H. Sonnier of Lake Charles and Vivianlynn Sonnier of Dallas, TX; one granddaughter, Tabitha Danielle Sonnier of Lake Charles; one nephew, Joey Sonnier and wife, Eva of Elton; two nieces, Lorena Tondreau and husband, Gary and Harvette Fletcher and husband, Fred, all of Augusta, Maine; numerous cousins; and many great nieces and nephews.
Harrison is preceded in death by his parents, Lorina Manuel and Homer J. Sonnier; one infant son, Ronald H. Sonnier; one brother, Harvey "Tot-see" Sonnier; and one sister, Emma Sonnier.