Clarence Joseph Duhon

Clarence Joseph Duhon, 86, of Groves, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 1. He was born March 5, 1923, in Maurice, Louisiana, to Anna and Ode Duhon, After high school, he entered the Army Air Corp and served in World War II. He lived in this area for 60 years. He was employed as a pipefitter with Gulf Oil for 33 years until he retired in 1983. He was a parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Groves, and was a member of Council 3491 Knights of Columbus. Clarence enjoyed working outdoors and was an avid gardener. He often over planted and was known for giving away vegetables to his friends, family and doctors. A Cajun, and a very social man, Clarence hardly met a stranger he didn't know. He will be remembered for his friendliness, kindness and jovial accent and spirit that followed him wherever he went. Clarence is survived by his current wife, Shirley Abshire Dunphy, his four daughters and sons-in-law, Jackie Duhon Baumgardner and husband, Iris of Maurice, Louisiana; Marilyn Duhon Proenza and husband, Oscar of Groves, Laurie Duhon Graffagnino and husband, Joe of Port Neches; and Melissa Duhon Fouts and husband, David, of Houston. He is also survived by his wife's four children; Patrick and Donna Guillote, Kenneth and Staci Guillote, Michael and Shane Dunphy, and Becky and James Daigle, two brothers-in-law, Ralph LeBeouf, Larry LeBeouf and wife, Anna, and sister-in-law Jane Viator and her husband AJ Viator. Surviving siblings include Paul Duhon, Jane Broussard, Alga Landry and Audrey Villien, all of Maurice, Louisiana, and Carroll Duhon of Port Acres, Texas. In addition, Clarence leaves behind ten grandchildren, Brian, Brett and Brandon Baumgardner of Maurice, Louisiana, Corey and Justin Proenza of Groves, Derek Graffagnino of Lumberton, Loren and Alyssa Graffagnino of Port Neches, and Hannah and Noah Fouts of Houston, 12 great-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren on the way. Clarence was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Laura LeBeouf Duhon, their son, Russell James Duhon, sisters Lucille Duhon and Neuvee Vincent, and parents Anna and Ode Duhon. Clarence's grandsons will serve as pallbearers; Brian, Brett and Brandon Baumgardner, Corey and Justin Proenza, Derek Graffagnino and Noah Fouts. Honorary pallbearers are his sons-in-law and brothers-in-law, Iris Baumgardner, Oscar Proenza, Joe Graffagnino, David Fouts, Larry LeBeouf and Ralph LeBeouf. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and a Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. at Levingston Funeral Home by Monsignor Kenneth Grieg. His funeral service is Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Groves, with burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery. The family would like to thank Drs. Noori and Morbia for the care of their father. Also, the Cypress Glen Nursing Home, and all of the nurses and aides who provided care and additional conversation to our father in his last months of life, Odyssey Hospice for the care of our father during the final months of his life, and to all the family and friends who visited with him and prayed for him during this time of need. Your visits and conversations meant a great deal to him and to his family.