The Life of Francis Albert Dartez
Francis Albert Dartez devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 surrounded by his family in Kingwood, Texas. He was born October 5, 1929 in Maurice, Louisiana to Joseph Avery and Marie LeBlanc Dartez.
After graduating from SLI (USL/ULL) he married Wilma Davis February 15, 1953. He worked in the oil and gas industry in New Orleans, Louisiana; Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. He retired from Tenneco while in Atlanta.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War and participated in the Atomic Bomb testing during the early 1950’s at Yucca Flats, Nevada.
Francis and Wilma spent many years relaxing with family at their lake house. They enjoyed traveling the world together meeting many friends along the way. While living in Atlanta they were involved with international dinner groups, mentoring fledgling businessmen at Goodwill Industries and greeting travelers at the Atlanta airport.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Marie Dartez, siblings: Jean Dartez, Paul Dartez, George Dartez and Rose Champagne.
Francis is survived by his cherished wife of 60 years Wilma Davis Dartez; four children: Phyllis Dartez Bost and her husband Stephen of Kingwood Texas, Cynthia Dartez Walker and her husband Jimmy of Pleasant Grove, UT; Douglas Henry Dartez of Plano, Texas and Thomas Avery Dartez and his wife Prissy of Jacksonville, Florida; six grandchildren: Brandon Dartez, Travis Bost, Levi Walker, Austin Walker, Brian Bost, Kacey Dartez, Kristen Dartez and Davis Dartez; siblings: Ralph Dartez, Louis Dartez (wife Barbara), Marguerite Sparks and Louise Pearson; sister in law: Emma Davis Lerille and her husband Red of Lafayette, LA and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express very special thanks for all the tender loving care that has been provided by Teresa Granados, Tammie Banks, Maria Garcia, Yvette Gilbert and Angel Durante.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 5, 2013 at an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille Funeral Home, DOWNTOWN, located at 330 Saint Landry St. Lafayette, LA (337-234-2311).
Rev. Howard Blessing will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the services. Karen Broussard, organist, will sing for the Funeral Mass "On Eagles'' Wings", "Psalm 23", "Amazing Grace", "Faith of our Fathers" and "How Great Thou Art".
Interment will follow at Holy Mary Mother of God Cemetery, 3111 Johnston Street (337-235-0408) in Lafayette, LA.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Saturday until time of the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718
Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the charity of your choice.
Pallbearers will be Stephen Bost, Brian Bost, Doug Dartez, Tom Dartez, Mark Lerille and Stanley Lerille.
Martin & Castille - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street Lafayette, LA. 70506. 337-234-2311
