Kinder-A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Vincent Cesair Sr., 84, will be held at 1 o’clock p.m. on Friday afternoon, February 20, 2026, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Oberlin, LA. Rev. Fr. Tim Goodly will officiate. Vincent will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Oberlin, LA, immediately following his services.

Vincent’s family will receive friends and visitors at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oberlin, LA, on Friday morning, February 20, 2026, from 10 o’clock a.m. until 12 noon with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:45 a.m. All of Vincent’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Kinder.

If “I Did It My Way” were a person, it would be Vincent Cesair Sr.

Born in Mamou, Louisiana, to John Ceaser Sr. and Mable Victorian, Vincent was raised with strong hands, strong faith, and a deep understanding of responsibility. As the eldest grandchild, he worked the fields alongside his beloved Grandfather, Olivier Victorian, and was shaped by the love and discipline of his grandparents, Olivier and Armosa Victorian, and his devoted Mother, Mable. From an early age, faith guided him. Praying the rosary in Creole was part of his daily life; a tradition he carried with him until his final day, when he passed peacefully holding the rosary of his beloved Aunt Eugenia Lawrence (Leday) Victorian in his hands.

At nineteen, Vincent moved to Chicago, where his story truly began to unfold. The West Side of Chicago became his proving ground. He started as an unpaid apprentice in an auto body shop, determined to learn every detail of the trade. That determination led to the creation of Father & Son Vincent Cesair Body & Fender Repair at 4312 W. Ogden Ave. He would master his skills, and because of his business booming, he moved into a new location and had a rebrand of Vincent Cesair & Sons Auto Body Shop, located at 2216 South Central Park. Here, his craftsmanship and reputation became known across the city. For more than two decades, his work spoke for itself. His skills were unmatched, his eye was precise, and his business stood ahead of its time.

He married the love of his life, Dr. Shirley Mae Porter-Cesair, on January 6, 1969. For 57 years, together, they built a home filled with music, dancing, laughter, and unwavering love. They loved to “get down and move,” as they called it, and their union became the foundation of a family rooted in pride, resilience, and opportunity. He had fond memories of holidays spent with his in-laws, Donna “Sissie” Shaw, Donald “Buzzy” Shaw, Rubi Porter, Zelda Porter, Rev. Dr. Michael Porter, and Alberta Porter. Vincent was deeply proud that each of his children pursued higher education and built their own paths. His children, Adrienne Blow (Larry), Maury Cesair (Tiara), Vincent Oliver Cesair Jr., and Verona Jones (Donnell), carry forward his strength, determination, and love of family.

He was lovingly known by many names: Vanson, Pop, Daddy, PawPaw, Parrain, Big Vinnie, Van, Big Red, and his personal favorite, The Godfather. His 17 grandchildren, Thomas, Geno, Andre, Jasmine, Amber, Taryn, Miles, Jade, Caleb, Aaron, Adon, Isis, Vincent, Xavier, Alexander, Danyul, and Theory, along with his 4 great-grandchildren, Kai Marie, Caden Malik, Bailey Chevelle, and Meadow Lyric, brought him immeasurable joy. He loved being a Parrain and frequently boasted about his Godchildren, Jonathan Cezar, Linda Frank, Luke Hall, and Monique Slate. To all of them, he was both protector and storyteller, firm when needed, warm always, and the heart of countless family memories.

Vincent lived boldly, confidently, and with a presence that could not be ignored. A Cowboy at heart, he wore his boots, western shirts, blue jeans, and suspenders with unmistakable style for more than forty years in Chicago, carrying himself with a style and fashion sense that reflected both pride and authenticity. Oh yes, he was Super Bad!

He loved his animals deeply and always made room in his life for them, often caring for dogs, cats, roosters, and many others that found their way to him over the years. His horses were his greatest pride and joy, and he was devoted to their care and well-being.

Anyone who knew Vincent knew the names Giant, Big Vinnie, and Big Vinnie’s daughter, Lucy, each holding a special place in his heart. Our family is especially grateful that he was able to spend time with his beloved animals during the weekend before his passing, a moment of peace doing something he truly loved.

He loved his cars, and the vehicles he drove were as memorable as the man himself, from his Jaguar and Coupe de Ville to his iconic blue van and his beloved 1972 green Cadillac. His jewelry was just as legendary, worn with the same pride and confidence that defined the way he lived. Music was always close to his heart. He loved the Blues, Zydeco, a good trail ride, a lively juke joint, and any place where the rhythm filled the room and brought people together. He lived for laughter, storytelling, and the simple joy of being surrounded by family and friends. When he walked into a room, the energy shifted. Smiles appeared, conversations started, and memories were made. His sense of humor was unforgettable. He would often say, “I’m so slick, if I fall, I slide three blocks,” and everyone who knew him could hear those words in his voice, delivered with a grin that made the moment even brighter.

Vincent loved Westerns, never missed his favorite “stories,” and believed Victor Newman was the man because, as he would say, “Victor had the POWER!” Strength, independence, and doing life on his own terms were values he lived every day.

Vincent was also a proud Mason, initiated in Chicago in 2000, a brotherhood he honored deeply. His Masonic ring remained on his hand throughout his life, a symbol of commitment, loyalty, and the principles he believed in.

We are deeply grateful for the many friends, loved ones, and kindhearted individuals, including some whose names we may never fully know, who showed our father care, prayers, and support throughout his Life. He deeply missed his daily conversations with his Uncle Essie Victorian, moments that brought him comfort and connection, and he was grateful for the love and care shown to him by Chris Cormier and the Cormier Family. Liz Cormier-Carrier, whom he affectionately called “his sister and angel on earth” took care of his bills for 4 months while he was in rehab. Quite frequently, he would say, Elray Victorian is my brother, and he so enjoyed going to “talk shop” with Jason Sonnier and his friends at Jason’s establishment. Jason brought in a TV, so our Dad wouldn’t miss his “stories”. He appreciated Reginald Cezar’s faithful check-ins and the steady and unwavering support of his nephews, Gilbert Ceaser and Jimmie Prater.

His granddaughters, Jade Jones and Taryn Blow, were constant sources of strength, with Jade often leaving her university after class to be by his side during hospital stays and Taryn, a registered nurse, providing devoted care and comforting him in his final hours, a reflection of the deep family love Vincent cherished.

Vincent Cesair Sr. lived fully, loved deeply, and carried himself with strength, pride, humor, and unmistakable presence. He did the best he could with what he had, and he did it his way. His legacy will continue not only in the family he raised but in the lives he touched, the stories he told, the laughter he sparked, and the example he set for those who came after him.

Those left to cherish Vincent’s memory include his wife, Dr. Shirley M. Cesair; two sons, Maury A. Cesair and wife Tiara, and Vincent Oliver Cesair Jr.; two daughters, Adrienne Howard Blow and husband Larry, and Verona Cesair Jones and husband Donnell; one brother, John Ceaser Sr.(the late Vergie); two sisters, Vergie Ceaser-Trug (the late Al), and Aldenette Slate (the late Willard); seventeen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, father and beloved Mother, Mable Victorian, along with his Baby Sister, Ella Mae Prater, and in-laws, Pauline “Boots” Humphrey, Bill Humphrey, Griffin Porter Jr., Evelyn Porter, Leroy Porter, Walter Porter, and Dennis Shaw.

The Cesair Family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who cared for our father throughout the years, as well as the clergy, family, and friends who visited him, lifted him in prayer, and surrounded him with love and comfort until his final days.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Vincent’s family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook-Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.