Terry James Suire

Erath - A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath for Terry James Suire, age 69, who passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Abbeville. Deacon Russell Hayes will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath. A Rosary will be recited on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath. Terry James Suire was born on October 30, 1953, in Vermilion Parish and he was a lifelong resident of Erath. He was the first born of nine children, making him the role model for his younger siblings. At an early age Terry was expected to set the standards for his younger siblings and became their surrogate parent. He took this role seriously his entire life. Terry always helped his siblings and kept the family together. Anytime he spoke of them it was with great love and affection. As the oldest child of a large family Terry knew early in life that higher education came at a premium. After graduating high school, he was determined to get a college degree even if it meant extra work and self-denial. He was not afraid of the work, something he inherited from his beloved mother. Terry earned money by driving a bus from Delcambre to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette bringing his friends and anyone else who had no other means to get to school. His job required him leaving home early and staying late. He received a bachelor of science degree in wildlife management with a minor in French and began working for Texaco and Chevron. Terry later retired as an operations manager. He was a people person. Terry befriended people long before Facebook coined the phrase. He kept his friends by being a great friend. Terry’s smile was infectious. His short stature did not stop him from lighting up the room. His naivete was natural. Terry never met a person that he did not like or who did not like him. His Cajun heritage was evident with one of his famous expressions, “Ca lu goute de noix de pecan” meaning it taste as good as pecans. If you know Terry, imagine him with that beautiful smile beaming from ear to ear or cooking his famous shrimp sauce piquant or his love of gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was obsessed with mowing his lawn and cleanliness and was a perfectionist which he inherited from his mother. Terry is survived by his soulmate, love of his life and wife, Mel; his mother, Rose Carlin Suire; his son, Jacob “Jake” Vincent; his three daughters, Christy Derise (Karl), Jill Viator (Nick), and Jena Rose Dupree (Chaz); his 11 grandchildren; his three great-grandchildren; his eight siblings, Susan Suire, Timmy Suire, Tammy Sonnier, Phallie Reed, Phyllis Touchet, Dean Suire, Babs Touchet, and Jan Broussard; as well as his uncle, Randall Suire. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Suire ; as well as his godfather, Harrison Carlin. The family wishes to offer a heartfelt thank you to Father Sensat and Deacon Russell Hayes for their support and spiritual guidance; as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff at Bridgeway Healthcare and Hospice for the care given to Terry and his family during his time of need. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in memory of Terry James Suire to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555, (337) 740-3123, is in charge of arrangements.

Terry James Suire

October 30, 1953 - February 21, 2023