Arthur James Benoit

November 9, 1927 - May 6, 2020

ARTHUR JAMES BENOIT No two people have the same journey! A child was born by the name of Arthur James Benoit Nov. 9, 1927 into a family living off the land as cotton and rice farmers. He grew up in Gueydan, La, to Ulgare and Amanthe (Martha) Benoit with two sisters (May Benoit Istre and Rose Benoit Morgan) and 4 brothers (Earl Benoit, Ray Benoit, J.C. Benoit and Paul Benoit). As he grew and attended school for the first time his only language was French. He cried and cried, many times sitting with his brother, Ray until they sent him home. Once ready, he attended school in Gueydan and finishing in Gueydan High School, at a time there were only 11 grades. During his tenure at Gueydan High, he played basketball, baseball and the boxing team which proved to be useful in later years. During his 11th grade, with his parent’s permission he joined the US Navy. At the time of his enlistment WWII was in it's last days. After his Honorable Navy service, he moved back to Gueydan helping at his family farm. On a visit to Mermentau, he met the “Love of his Life”, Bobbie Jean Skaggs. He was taken aback by her beauty, warmth and Oklahoma charm. They were married Nov. 9th, 1954. Out of this 65-year marriage, they had 6 children (Cynthia Benoit, Durke (Delores) Benoit, Angelia (David) Richard, Lesia (Wayne) LeBlanc, Sandy Benoit (Deceased), Kevin (Mary) Benoit. Their children gave them 12 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren! He was very proud of his family! Retiring at the age of 57 from Shell Oil Company after 31 years as a Head Mechanic and Electrician, he was able to live a retirement life of hunting, shrimping and freedom from working. He was preceded in death: Parents (Ulgare and Martha Benoit), Son (Sandy Benoit), two brothers (Earl and Ray Benoit), one sister (Rose Morgan), twin granddaughters (Caroline and Chloe Richard) At 92 years old, he lived a journey that leaves all of his family with pride, admiration and respect for a man of utmost standards and high work ethics. We will all miss him as the Patriarch of our family! Graveside Services will be held at Gueydan Cemetery in Gueydan, LA on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at 2:00 PM with Father Corey Campeaux officiating. Those chosen to honor Arthur as his pallbearers will be Kevin Benoit, Durk Benoit, Jeremy Richard, Wayne LeBlanc, Rusty Benoit, and David Richard. In compliance with state regulations, due to the COVID-19 Virus, a Private viewing will be held at Matthews & Son Funeral Home in Gueydan on Sunday, May 10th from 12:00 PM until 1:40 PM. To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.