Kinder-Roland Earl (Sonny) Weatherford, Sr.,81, died at his home on Monday.
August 12, 2013. Sonny was born on July 12, 1932. He was the son of Mabel Smith and Jesse Weatherford. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2013 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Father Jacob S. Conner will officiate. Burial will follow with full military honors in Carter Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder.
The family will receive visitors at Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder on Thursday, August 15, 2013 from 2-10 p.m. A Taps Service will be presented at 6:45 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. followed by the recitation of the rosary. Visitation will continue on Friday morning from 8 a.m. until time of the service.
After graduating from Kinder High School, Sonny served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. On his return to Kinder, he attended McNeese State University where he received both Bachelor
and Master Degrees in Education. He then worked as a teacher and coach at Kinder High School.
Sonny later became the Director of the Allen Action Agency, a position
he held for 31 years. He also served as a member of the Allen Parish Police
Jury for 28 years. Additionally, he was the owner of the Kinder Hardware
Store for 26 years. Because of his experiences as educator, public servant,
and businessman, many of his friends and fellow citizens came to him for
guidance and assistance. This dedication did not end with his retirement. He was a "no nonsense" fellow who always said what he believed, yet everyone knew that his door was always open and the coffee was always fresh. He was regarded as a caring and compassionate man who helped solve many problems while sitting around the kitchen table, drinking cups of freshly brewed coffee. Sonny was also known as a local historian of Kinder's people, places and events. Being a born storyteller, there was nothing he enjoyed more than regaling friends and family with colorful anecdotes.
An avid hunter, Sonny felt a responsibility to introduce his children and
grandchildren to the joys of the sport. Each hunting season was welcomed with excitement and anticipation. In doing so, he supplied his family with a wealth of
memories.
He considered himself a fortunate man because his three children built
homes in the subdivision he created through years of hard physical work.
Weatherford Subdivision bears his name; however, Sonny is affectionately known
by a different name, "The Governor." Riding his golf cart, he patrolled the
area several times a day. Neighbors felt secure when away from home because
everyone knew that "The Governor" was on patrol.
Another facet of Sonny's personality was his deep patriotism and love of country. As a member of American Legion Post 244 and a former Navy man, he was especially proud when his eldest grandson graduated from United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Sonny believed that by serving his fellow man, he was serving God. He was a faithful member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Sonny's religious dedication was clear to all, but especially to his children. In fact, he was known to still monitor his adult children on their religious duties.
In June of this year, Sonny and his wife, Ann, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The reception room was filled with many friends and family who witnessed the affection and devotion that they shared. Sonny truly loved his wife and his family with all of his heart.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Duplichan Weatherford of Kinder; one son, John Weatherford and wife, Amy(Benoit) of Kinder; two daughters, Angie VanNorman and husband, Derek and Laura Fontenot and husband, Matt, all of Kinder; his grandchildren, Allysa Doumite, Roland Weatherford III, Wynn, Kade and Kelli Rae VanNorman, John Andrew, Jess and Jackson Weatherford, and Matthew, William and Lily Fontenot; one brother, Bobby Weatherford of Lake Charles; two sisters, Jackie Aaron of Las Vegas, NV and Evelyn Ardoin of Kinder; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Jesse Weatherford and his son, Roland Weatherford, Jr.
The family will receive visitors at Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder beginning on Thursday, August 15, 2013, from 2-10 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. followed by the recitation of the rosary. Visitation will continue on Friday morning from 8 a.m. until time of the service.