ELTON-"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again."-Maya Angelou

Hollis Joseph Chretien of Elton, Louisiana left us on Monday, April 28, 2014. He was 79 years old. He was born on January 14, 1935 in Elton. A self-educated man, he married Lillian Marie Chretien, and together they raised seven children: Diana Gradney (Gregory) of Opelousas, Larry Chretien (Danielle) of Elton, David Chretien (Cherie) of Dequincy, Debra Goodley (Tee) of Lacassine, MacDonald Chretien of Patterson, Anthony Chretien (Amy) of Sulphur and Jason Chretien (Connie) of Jennings.

Hollis retired after fifty-two years of service at Industrial Construction. He was a proud, lifetime member of the Local Union 207. As a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Hollis was a Knight of St. Peter Claver since 1998.

A unique soul, Hollis enjoyed spending time with family and friends, giving advice, telling stories, and watching westerns, LSU and Saints football games. He liked listening to zydeco and Cajun music on KBON FM 101. He was most proud of the fact that he provided for his family and especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in activities ranging from dance recitals to sports.

Hollis is loved and will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years and children. He is also survived by twenty-two grandchildren: Connie Goodly Simmons, Justin Chretien, Jon-Erik Chretien, Desiree Chretien Young, Christina Clement, Stacie Newman Hebert, Ashley Goodly Blair, Stefan Gradney, Berkley Chretien, Kayla Gradney Ardoin, Joshua Dewees, Benjamin Chretien, Allison Bishop, Catlin Chretien, Brittany Chretien, Kelsey Gradney, Nicholas Chretien, Summer Chretien, Hunter Chretien, Jaron Chretien, Autumn Chretien, Aubrey Chretien; and twelve great grandchildren.

Hollis was predeceased by his parents, Leon Chretien and Dora Rougeau Chretien and brothers and sisters: Loretta Chretien Gobert, Linus Colbert, Lillian Chretien Mosbroker, Herbert Chretien and Harold Chretien. He was also welcomed home by his grandchild, Aaron Michael Chretien.

A funeral service organized by Ardoin Funeral Home will be held for Hollis on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Father Babasino Fernandes and Rev. Mr. John Eaves will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in Chretien Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 from 5:00-10:00 PM with a rosary prayed at 7:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Thursday morning from 7:00 AM until time of service.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gary Kohler and Dr. Manley Jordan of Pulmonary Associates, Dr. Jorge Kohatsu and staff for their care during this time. They are especially grateful for the support of family and friends as they celebrate the life of this good man.

All arrangements have been entrusted to Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com