Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2, Mausoleum in Rayne, LA.

Very Rev. Brent L. Smith, VF of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.

Known simply as “Don” to everyone who knew and loved him, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Don loved his family deeply, and his greatest joy was the time he shared with those closest to him. His powerful words of wisdom and thoughtful guidance will continue to resonate with his loved ones throughout their lives.

Don began his career in sales at a very young age and dedicated his professional life to a field he truly loved. A highly skilled and passionate salesman, he took great pride in helping his customers and building lasting relationships with the many people he met along the way. For Don, sales was not just a career-it was an opportunity to connect with others, offer support, and make a positive difference in their lives.

One of Don’s greatest achievements was authoring a book that preserved and shared the stories of survivors of the catastrophic Hurricane Audrey. Through his dedication to telling their stories, he helped honor the strength, courage, and resilience of those who experienced one of nature’s most devastating storms.

Don was known for his generous heart and willingness to help others through life’s struggles. Whether offering encouragement, sharing advice, or simply being there when someone needed him, Don made an impact on many lives. His kindness, wisdom, and compassion will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Antoine and Agnes Pellessier Menard; his sister, Marie Menard Habetz; and his brothers-in-law, Robert Touchette, Wallace Dupuis, and Wenzel Habetz, also sister-in-law, Thelma Credeur Menard.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory are his beloved wife, Nell Menard; his two sons, James Menard and Neil Menard and his wife, Kimberly; his grandson, Tony Menard; his great-granddaughter, Abigail Menard; his brother, Frank Menard; his sisters, Willa Mae Menard Touchette and Lula Mae Menard Dupuis; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Don’s legacy will live on through the love he gave, the wisdom he shared, the stories he preserved, and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, but the memories created with him will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him. May his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in eternal peace.

A Rosary will be prayed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am.

Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.

(Paid Memorial)