Ronald Lee Cormier

The family of Ronald Lee (Ronnie) Cormier celebrates his life and announces his passing on Friday, May 29, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Mermentau, LA. A Visitation will be held at Matthews Funeral Home in Jennings, La on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM. Visiting hours will resume on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM and continue until his services begin at 10:00 AM. Reverend Ravi Jampangi will be officiating Funeral and Graveside Services. Interment will take place at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery. Born the second child of Laura Simon and Maurice Cormier, Sr. in Houston, TX, on March 19, 1937, Ronald-Ronnie- was raised in Jennings with his older brother, Maurice, Jr., and younger sister, Becky. He was an active youth and part of a big clan of Cormier cousins who made Jennings their playground. His adventures and social love of people started early. With a bicycle and paper route, he journeyed around south Jennings, delivering the news and enjoying the benefits of caring customers, particularly fresh baked cookies, cakes and candies on Friday collection days. He also worked at Lynn’s Drug Store as a delivery boy while in high school, helping to support his family as his mother battled through cancer. He was a member of the 1955 Jennings High School graduation class. After graduation, he, like those of his generation, answered the call of duty, serving in the US Army from 1956-1959. His tour of duty was during peace time, and he frequently recalled many fond memories of time there, especially France and Italy. Regularly, he would look at old black and white photographs or color slides and get lost in reverie. Ronnie returned to the States and married Florence (Flo) Gautreaux, of Mermentau, in April of 1960. They began their life as a couple living first in Mermentau, then on a farm they purchased midway between Jennings and Hathaway. In 1969, the couple built and spent the remainder of their 66 years of marriage living in the Mermentau community. As parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, it was there that they raised their children, cared for family, and shared a lifetime together. Ronnie’s working life began as a welder’s helper at Zigler Shipyard, where Flo was also employed. He later graduated to the position of welder, and both moved to SBA Shipyard where he spent more than 10 years building vessels that supported the local oil and gas economy. Ronnie finished his professional welding career at PPG in Lake Charles. Even after retiring, in 1999, he spoke fondly of the people, experiences, and technical craft he loved, using many technical words and phrases that left non-welders lost. It was one of his many gifts. Ronnie’s second, and most joyful life’s work, was the life of gardener. When on the farm, he leased their land to area farmers who grew both rice and soybeans. Those leases gave him a front row seat and a likely fascination with all things growing. Gardening became the passion of life. Once in Mermentau, he began turning over the ground. Starting off with a single, small, boxed bed, which eventually grew into nearly a quarter of an acre, any and everything one can imagine was grown (or attempted to be grown) … with passion and excitement. Most notably known for Cajun classics- tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, eggplant, and peppers- there was nothing he didn’t try, despite their non-native status. Ronnie loved talking about soil fertilizer, and best practices to anyone who would listen. The garden was, above all else, his happy place. Ronnie and Flo also grew a family. Father to five, three whom survived birth, he carried a quiet, profound love for his family throughout his life, quietly cherishing, in his dutiful way, the role of dad. Work was his love language. Providing, his primary duty. He showed his care not through grand words or gestures, but through consistency, hard work, and a lifetime of putting his family first. His children – Marty, Laura, and Keith – and granddaughter Lindsey, were often what put a smile on his face. They brought him joy, pride, and a sense of purpose that meant more to him than anything else. Diagnosed with cognitive impairment, Ronnie spent his final months being cared for both at Jeff Davis Living Center and the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home. Even in his final months, staff from both facilities were entertained by his kind, gentle spirit and love of a good joke. A devoted husband and father, he expressed his Catholic faith through a lifetime of hard work, service, and unwavering commitment to his family. He took pride in providing for those he loved and was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and members of his community. His legacy lives on in the lives he strengthened through his generosity, kindness, and example. Ronald Cormier is survived by his wife of 66 years, Flo of Mermentau; children, Marty (Barry Wright) of Jennings, Laura and Keith (Andree Willis) of Lafayette; granddaughter, Lindsey Cormier-Klopsch (Sam) of Boulder, CO, and niece, Kim Landry LaBouve (Bret) of Jennings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Cormier, Sr. and Laura Simon Cormier, as well as his siblings, Maurice Cormier, Jr. and Becky Landry. Pallbearers chosen to lay Ronnie to his place of rest will be Marty Cormier, Keith Cormier, Christopher Cormier, Bret LaBouve, Don Bonin, and Cedric Williams. Ronnie’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the caregiving teams at both JDLC and SWLA VA Home as well as the angels of Lamm Hospice for the care and compassion they provided Ronnie in his last months. With grateful hearts, the family recognizes in their care the reflection of God’s gentle love and mercy. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home JENNINGS, 511 N Cutting Avenue Jennings, LA 70546

Ronald Lee Cormier

March 19, 1937 - May 29, 2026

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Ronald Lee Cormier

March 19, 1937 - May 29, 2026

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information