James A. “Al” Guidroz, 97, of Lake Charles, passed away March 3, 2022, in his current residence at Villa Maria Retirement Center. He was born on Nov. 10, 1924, in Lafayette, La., and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1941. He was a World War II Veteran having served three years (1942-45) in the U.S. Army Air Force. In 1946, he married Yvonne Yongue, the love of his life. The couple was blessed with two children. He completed college in 1949 earning a B.S. degree in chemistry from SLI (currently UL-Lafayette). In 1951, he moved his young family to Lake Charles where he began his job as a chemist for Cities Service Oil Company (Citgo). He retired in 1982, after 31 years of employment as a chemical laboratory supervisor.
His favorite hobby was playing his trumpet, which he continued to play throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the Lafayette High School marching band as well as the SLI Collegians Band. He later played in numerous big bands and dance bands both in Lake Charles and Lafayette, including the Lafayette Skyliner Dance Orchestra (1982-2002), the Lake Charles Jazz Band and the Lake Charles Community Band (1988-2009). In 2019, he was presented the Certificate of Appreciation Award after serving 20 years with the Lake Charles Community Band. Through the years he also played with many quartet and quintet groups for various Country Club functions as well as numerous Mardi Gras Balls. He even played R&B music with the Blues Kings (1966-1969) which featured Bobby Kimball who later became lead singer for the legendary group, Toto. His other primary hobbies were duck and dove hunting and golf, which he especially enjoyed during his retirement years.
He was a loving and supporting father for both of his children. He made time to coach his son’s pee wee and little league baseball teams and attend his many sports activities. As well, he attended numerous dance recitals and other activities for his daughter.
Al was a devoted member of the Catholic faith and regularly attended St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. After moving to Villa Maria, he continued to attend Mass and served as the alter server for the Mass services for many years which were held there on Thursdays and Sundays.
He is survived by his two children, Patricia “Peg” Clark and husband Harry Clark of Lake Charles, and Russell “Rusty” Guidroz and wife Theresa of Lake Charles. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Robert C. White (Teresa), Melissa G. Gaskin (Byron) of Lake Charles, Patrice W. Garcia (Mario) of McKinney, Texas, Jennifer G. Humble (Sean) of Katy, Texas, and John Russell Guidroz of Lake Charles; his step-grandchildren, Aaron Smith (Emily) of Lake Charles, Kara Coombs (Dan) of Boyce, La., Lindsey Barrow (Micah) of Longville, La., Kelly C. Statum (Chad) of Lake Charles and Kami C. Bland (Danny) of Lake Charles, La.; his seven great-grandchildren, Savannah and Jacob White, Mia and Maggie Gaskin, Kyle and Charlie Humble and Nixon and Goldie Garcia; and his 11 step-great grandchildren, Hope, Ty and Bailey Smith, Josi and Ella Guidry, Jackson Cormier and Cy, Wes and Drew Barrow and Katelyn and Maggie Coombs, all who affectionately called him “Pop.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, George J. and Lita Breaux Guidroz; and his loving wife, Yvonne Yongue Guidroz, whom he cherished throughout their 70 years of marriage.
The family wishes to thank the management and staff of Villa Maria for the many years of loving care and kindness shown to him. Additionally, we are so grateful for the caretakers who tended to him this past year during his declining health, most especially for Barbara Goubert, his primary caretaker whom he adored.
His funeral service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at University Baptist Church, located at 4505 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA 70605. Msgr. Jace Eskind will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday evening from 4:30 p.m. until the start of the service. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery, located at 200 W. Main St., Broussard, La., at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Lake Charles Community Band, 809 Kirby St., #104, Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 474-7968.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.