John Irvin Feazel's Obituary
JOHN IRVIN FEAZEL
John Irvin Feazel, 78, of DeRidder, LA,died on Friday, September 2, 2011, at Lifecare Hospital in San Antonio, TX after a lengthy illness. He was born September 14, 1932, to Turner Franklin Feazel and Edith Amanda Johnson Feazel in Athens, Claiborne Parish, LA. After graduating from Athens High School in 1951, John earned a bachelors of science degree in Animal Husbandry from Louisiana Tech University in 1955 and a masters of science degree from Louisiana State University in Beef Production in 1956. He retired as an Associate Professor after working at the West Louisiana Experiment Station (now Rosepine Research Station) in Rosepine, LA for more than 37 years. After retirement, he and Imogene moved to DeRidder where they raised a few cows, traveled and pursued their genealogy search for their ancestors dating back several generations.
John was active in the community. He was a charter member of the DeRidder Civitan Club. The John Feazel Family was named the 1975 Civitan International Family of the Year. He was a member of Beauregard Cattlemen's Association, holding numerous offices and served as a member of the Board of Directors for over thirty-five years. He was also a member of Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association. John was inducted into the LCA Spur Club in 1989 for his recognizable contribution to the Louisiana cattle industry. He was chairman of the Building Committee for the current Rosepine High School and a member of the Rosepine PTO. He was a member of the Beauregard and Louisiana Retired Teachers Associations. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, DeRidder, LA, serving as Deacon for six years and as Elder for 12 years. In 1999, John and Imogene joined First United Methodist Church in DeRidder, and he served on the Finance Committee and as Financial Secretary. He supported the Beauregard Parish Fair, working in a Civic Club food booth, helping to decorate and cook on CowBelle floats, and as a fair judge. He was chosen as Beauregard Parish’s 2009 King Beau Fair.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Imogene, daughters, Cynthia (Cindy) Jean Funderburg and husband Eddie, Ardmore, OK, Mary Elizabeth Scotka and husband Dennis, Pipe Creek, TX, granddaughters, Rebecca Lynn and Amanda Jean Funderburg, Ardmore, OK, his sister Nellie Mae Turbeville, Lubbock, TX, son-in-law Brent Lutz, Maumelle, AR, nephew Caroll Turbeville, Jackson, MI, nieces Darlene O’Brien, Lubbock, TX, Debbie Velasquez. El Paso, TX and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Deanna May Lutz, and grandson Aaron Funderburg.
Visitation will be on Sunday, September 4, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 5, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home. Reverend Jon Tellifero will officiate. Graveside services will be held at Beauregard Cemetery following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Methodist Children’s Home, First United Methodist Church, DeRidder, or other charities as desired.
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