Joseph Ulysse Wayne Kershaw passed away on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 at Lake Charles Memorial. He was born on Mar. 14, 1946 (Pi Day) in Lake Charles to Henry and Ida Edith LaVergne Kershaw, who proceeded him in death.
Also proceeding him in death were his grandparents, Ulysse LaVergne and Julia Prudhomme LaVergne Hebert; Step-Grandfather Alvin Hebert, Mr. and Mrs. Alcee’ Kershaw; and one brother, Curtis Ray Kershaw, who passed away at infancy. Also one Godchild, Timothy W. Trahan; and best friend, Bobby Primeaux.
Mr. Kershaw started school at Creole School in Creole and went on to graduate from South Cameron High School as a member of the National Beta Club and Valedictorian of his 1964 class. He went on to graduate from McNeese State College after 3 1/2 years with a Bachelor Arts Degree in Education. He returned to McNeese to earn his Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision. Mr. Kershaw then earned 45 plus hours toward his Doctorate at McNeese and University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
He first taught at Cameron Elementary School, later becoming assistant principal. He also taught many years in the Migrant Summer School, serving as principal. Mr. Kershaw served the Cameron Parish School as a GED teacher and Media Center Director for many years. He was the parish Adult Education and Career Education Coordinator, for one year each. During this time, he served on the state evaluation committee for Southern Association of School and also the State Textbook Adoption Committee. He served many years as the Parish Profession Improvement Program, which he was a chairman, and also served on the Parish Credit Union Program as a loan officer. Mr. Kershaw served as Vice President and President elect of the Cameron Parish Teachers Association, also having served as a delegate to the state convention.
After losing his home in Cameron to Hurricane Rita, he became a full-time resident of Lake Charles. Even after retiring, he continued to tutor and substitute for the Cameron and Calcasieu Parish School System. He also went on to work part time as a home bound teacher, tester, and tutoring many students of all ages. Over the years, he became a mentor to many young adults in High School and College. He supported their education through employment and rewarding them for good grades, and encouraging them to go further in their studies. He enjoyed hosting many graduation parties for college graduates, as to him it was a great accomplishment.
Mr. Kershaw loved to travel coast to coast including many European and North American countries. Though, traveling to Branson, Mo. and meeting up with college roommate and friend, Mr. Lee Hamilton, was his all-time favorite. He also enjoyed his monthly cousin luncheons with Jeannette Benoit, Kayla Sue Billideaux, Sue McCardle, Theresa Townsend, Carmen Dimas, Francis Marie Devall, and Bobby and BJ Primeaux.
Left to cherish his memory are two Godchildren: Lindsey Savoie and Kari Hamilton Finch. Also, Godchild Vivian Saltzman and grandchildren Mason Aultman, Kody Aultman, and Arthur J. Brandt and five great-grandchildren, along with numerous cousins and lifelong friends.
Visitation will be held at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Sunday, Dec. 5, beginning at 2 until 8 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 5 p.m. and will resume Monday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. when the procession leaves for the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Monday at 1 p.m. Burial will be immediately following at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Cornerstone, Guardian House and Gardens, Villa Maria, Golden Age of Welsh, Jennings American Legion Hospital, Lake Charles and Jennings Fresenius Kidney Care, and a special thanks to ICU nurse Katie, Dr. Langhofer and staff, Dr. Shamat and staff, and Dr. Christopher Thompson.
Serving as pallbearers are Chad McCardle, Andrew Thibodeaux, Brad Saltzman, Tim Aultman, Arthur J. Brandt, and Chris Dibartolo. Honorary pallbearers are BJ Primeaux, JT Primeaux, Warner Dale Daigle, Lee Hamilton, Keith Carlson, Jimmy LaVergne, Ernest LaVergne, and Mike Devall.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the St. Nicholas Center for Children or the McNeese Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Kershaw family.
(Paid Memorial)