"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."

—MATTHEW 25:21

Sidney Louis Sonnier passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92 on September 22 with his wife, Charlotte, the love of his life, by his side.

A native and resident of Kinder, Louis briefly attended Seminary before returning home to graduate from Kinder High School.  He also served in the military as an Army Ranger.  After his honorable discharge from the Army he attended the Forestry Program at Florida Southern College in Lake City, Florida where he received an Associate Degree in Forestry.   An accomplished businessman, his strong work ethic and drive to succeed led him to eventually establish Sonnier Timber Company and a number of subsidiaries, employing many in Allen Parish, before his retirement in 1997.

Louis' life was centered around faith, family, and community. A devout Catholic, he was a longtime member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, where he served in several leadership roles, including lector and CCD teacher. He could often be found in the sanctuary, attending morning mass or reciting the rosary. He loved helping others reach their full potential – especially young people. He took pride in supporting his children in their school activities, serving as Boy Scout Master for many years.   He was also president of the Kinder Band Parents Club.  At the latter, he drove the bus to games and activities and even worked out an arrangement with a local bank to ensure all band members could have their own uniforms.

He loved his hometown and parish and led or supported many economic development projects over the years.  One example is that he served as president of the Kinder Jaycees.

Louis had a wicked sense of humor and was quick to tease – he had a special handshake for all of his nieces, nephews, and his children's friends. He had a beautiful tenor voice and loved to share his gift with others. Fiercely loyal, Louis would do anything he could to help a friend or family member in need. He was passionate about the people and causes he believed in and strived to reach the highest standards in everything he did. He touched many lives and will leave a lasting impact on all who were blessed to know him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of nearly 72 years, Charlotte Gilley Sonnier and children, Dan Sonnier of Kinder, Sylvia Sonnier Crawford and husband Jeff of Oakdale, and Charlie Sonnier and wife Brenda of Kinder. He was "Grandpa" to four loving grandchildren: Jared Crawford, Jake Crawford, Michael Sonnier, and Kate Sonnier Johnson.  His great grandchildren included: Matthew Crawford, Michael Crawford, and Sebastion Dominquez, one great granddaughter, Emma Sonnier; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lillian Sonnier and his siblings, Mary Leonide "Nee Nee" Sonnier Barrett (John), Jim Sonnier (Bobbye), Robert "Bum" Sonnier (Elsie), Claire Sonnier Smith (Otis), and Flora Mae Sonnier Bushnell (Burgess "Buggy").

Friends and relatives are invited to join the family for visitation on Saturday, September 24 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Ardoin Funeral Home in Kinder Louisiana.  A rosary being recited at 6:00 PM.  The funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 24 at 3:00 PM at Ardoin Funeral Home in Kinder, Louisiana, with interment to follow at Green Oaks Cemetery. Pall bearers will include Jared Crawford, Matthew Crawford, Jake Crawford, Jeff Crawford, Pete Unkel, and Bruce "Cotton" Jones.  Honorary pall Bearer to be Dick Sonnier.

Those wishing to honor Louis' memory may make a donation to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. The family would like to express its sincere thanks to everyone who enriched Louis' life, especially Dr. Alex Courville, Brighten Bridge Hospice, Staff of Kinder Retirement and Rehab Center, and Allen Parish Home Health.  We couldn't have made it through this without our special angels: Brenda Billings, Carla Thompson and Brenda Bankster.

A true Southern gentleman and a man of deep faith, Louis will be dearly missed.