Dudley Joseph Theriot

St. Martinville – Services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church for Dudley Joseph Theriot, 83, who passed away after a battle with cancer on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette.

Entombment followed at St. Michael’s Mausoleum.

Brother Jessie Charpentier officiated the services.

Dudley is a native of St. Martinville, born Feb. 16, 1925, to Don Louis Theriot and Lucia Breaux Theriot. He is survived by his wife, Regina Cormier Theriot of St. Martinville; four sons, Gaylord Theriot and his wife Debbie of Youngsville, Kenneth Theriot and his wife Diane of Loreauville, Allen Theriot and his wife Jackie of Broussard, and Don Theriot and his wife Anita of Forney, Texas; one daughter, Pam Theriot Chastant and her husband Gregory of Loreauville; his 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren

He is also survived by his brothers, Cliny Theriot and his wife Betty of Carencro, Allie Theriot and his wife Joann of St. Martinville, and Nolan Theriot and his wife Joyce of St. Martinville; his sisters, Theresa Theriot Cormier and her husband Edmond of Breaux Bridge, Marie Theriot Broussard of Cecilia, Cecile Theriot Dupuis and her husband Paul of Lafayette, and Lucille “Bee” Theriot of Parks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don Louis and Lucia Theriot; his brothers, Woodrow Theriot and Willis Theriot; his sisters, Rita Theriot Romero and Judy Theriot; and one great-grandchild, Caden Keef.

In 1954 he became a Master Mason. He served as Master of Albert Rousseaux Lodge #301 in St. Martinville in 1967, which was later renamed the Hugh M. Daspit Lodge #301 in 1988. He also served as Master of the Lodge that same year. He received the Scottish rite and Shrine in 1957 at Jerusalem Temple in New Orleans, which was later transferred to the Scottish rite and Shrine Temple in Lake Charles. He was also a teacher in the three degrees in Masonry.

He was past High Priest, also a York Rite Member, Past Illustrious Master and Past Commander in the York Rite Bodies in Lafayette.

His past accomplishments are:

1. Received the York Rite in 1988

2. Past High Priest in Girard Hope #33 in New Iberia

3. Past Illustrious Master of Jack L. Stephan #24 in Lafayette

4. Past E. Commander of Payen Commandery #16 in Lafayette

5. Served as inspector General for the Grand Commandery in 1997

6. Served as District Deputy Grand Master for the 11th District in 1994

7. Served as District Grant Lecturer of the 11th District from 1997 to 2003

His Honorary Degrees are:

1. The Order of High Priesthood

2. The Order of the Silver Trowel

3. The Knight Crusader of the Cross

4. The Knight York Cross of Honor

5. The Royal Order of Scotland

6. The Grand Encampment Cross of Honor

7. The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest of Tabernacle No. XLII

8. The Red Cross of Constantine of St. Charles Conclave

9. York Rite Sovereign College of North America

He was elected as Grand Captain of the Guard in 1999 and advanced each year. In March of 2003-2004 he was elected Most Illustrious Grand Master of the state of Louisiana.

He was drafted into the Army in 1943 to fight for our country in World War II. He served in the Medical Corps as an aide man. He obtained his honorable discharge in 1945. He also joined the National Guard in 1946 and was discharged in 1947 at the rank of sergeant. He was a life member of the Disabled Vets and American Legion Post # 289.

He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and making hunting knives.

Pallbearers were his sons, Gaylord, Kenneth, Allen and Don Theriot, son-in-law Gregory Chastant, and grandson Cory Theriot.

Honorary pallbearers wer his grandsons.

The family wishes to thank the many physicians involved in the care he received and Our Lady of Lourdes hospital staff for the kindness and care given to him and the family. Special thanks, to Cory for his diligent watch and care over his grandfather and the family.

Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville was in charge of arrangements.

To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.