Harold Soileau

VILLE PLATTE-It is with the heaviest of hearts and greatest sadness that the family of Harold Paul Soileau, 73, announces his passing on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. A Memorial Service will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 1:00 PM.

Deacon Casey Dugas will conduct the services.

The Ville Platte native lived a life of service to his country, his community and his family.  After graduating from Ville Platte High School in 1964, he began his life in education at McNeese State University where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree, and Specialist Degree, all in education.

Harold began his teaching career in 1968 at Iota High School, where he also served as a coach. That career was interrupted after one short year when he was drafted into the United States Army.  Although he trained in Infantry at Fort Polk, he ended up serving his two years in Landsberg, Germany, as a Personnel Administrative Specialist.  When his term of service was complete, he resumed his teaching and coaching career at Iota High School.  He continued teaching and coaching in Acadia Parish for the next seven years.

In 1978, he ended his teaching career and entered the world of business. He moved back to Ville Platte and became the owner/manager of LeRoy’s Supply House, a business that he purchased from his uncle, LeRoy Veillon.  Harold remained self-employed for the next ten years.

In 1988, he sold the business and returned to what he truly loved—teaching school, coaching and working with students.  He remained in the Evangeline Parish School System until his retirement in 2011.  During that time, he served as teacher, coach, athletic director and assistant principal.  Harold believed strongly in the value of an education.  He was an excellent teacher who made learning fun and brought history to life for his students, always making them feel like they were there in the moment. He touched many lives and will be fondly remembered by his former students and peers.

Weekends and summers were spent with his twin brother, Henry, and their many friends at their camp in Starks, LA, with the Sabine River flowing right in front of them.  They enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching football, playing cards and cooking “sauces.”  In the summers, he and Henry did contract work—building houses, doing remodeling, making furniture, etc.  They were almost inseparable.  Henry passed fourteen years ago—which left a hole in Harold’s heart.  Now, they will be back together again, cooking sauces for Jesus.  He will also be reunited with Scotty, his son, and the rest of his family.

Harold will be sorely missed by those he leaves behind.  He is survived by his wife Brenda Lafleur Soileau; his daughter Nicole Lynn Soileau, his son Joseph Mark Soileau;  his step-daughter Erica M. Fontenot; five grandchildren, Skylar Paige Soileau, Trystan Joseph Soileau, Christian McCrae Soileau, Graecyn Abel Soileau and Meiliani Royal Soileau; one step-granddaughter Kaylie Rae Herrington;  first wife Fannie Carroll Soileau; three sister-in-laws, JoAlice Soileau, Delores Soileau and Mary Soileau; and numerous nieces and nephews. Harold was a loving husband, dad, Paw Paw, brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him.

Harold is preceded in death by his son, Scott Keith Soileau; his parents,  Joseph Percy Soileau and Aline Veillon Soileau; his sister, Leila Jean Soileau and husband Earl John Soileau; and his four brothers, Ralph Anthony Soileau and wife Roberta Deshotel Soileau, James Luke Soileau, John Glenn Soileau, and Henry Mark Soileau.

The family requests that visitation be observed at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Saturday, June 13, 2020 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Family and friends may leave condolences for the Soileau family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements.