Joseph ‘Joe’ Schexnailder Jr.

Arnaudville – Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Francis Regis Catholic Church for Joseph “Joe” Schexnailder Jr., 87, who passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at 11:22 p.m. at his residence in Arnaudville.
Interment was in St. Francis Regis Cemetery in Arnaudville. The Rev. Gary Schexnayder, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, officiated at the services.
Musical selections were provided by Ron Moreau, accompanied by Phyllis Simar on the organ. The songs were Amazing Grace, J’Irai La Voir Un Jour, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Our Father and How Great Thou Art.
Mr. Schexnailder was a native and lifelong resident of Arnaudville where he owned and operated Schexnailder’s Barber Shop for over 40 years. A veteran of the military, Mr. Schexnailder was a member of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a member of the Indian Bayou Hunting Club. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and an all-around hunter and gardener. He had a love for animals, especially his beloved dog, Molly. His most important pastime was enjoying Sunday dinners with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, the former Marie Breaux Schexnailder of Arnaudville; one son, Gregory J. Schexnailder and his wife Angie of Lafayette; two daughters, Carmen Nichols and her husband Jim, and Vicki West and her husband, Carey, all of Lafayette; one daughter-in-law, Julie Schexnailder of New Iberia; ten grandchildren, Patrick Schexnailder and his wife Rachael, Michael Schexnailder and his wife Audrey, Beth S. Hodge and her husband Carl, Robert Schexnailder, Natalie Nichols, Kathryn West, Elise W. Broussard and her husband Barret, Garrett Schexnailder, Grant Schexnailder and Caroline Schexnailder; six great-grandchildren, Luke Schexnailder, Mark Schexnailder, Jack Schexnailder, Neil Schexnailder, Britlyn Schexnailder and Thomas Hodge; and one sister, Joyce Zerangue of Crestwell, Ore.
He was preceded in death by one son, Joseph “Joey” Schexnailder III; his parents, Joseph Schexnailder Sr. and the former Clara Stelly, both natives of Arnaudville; two brothers, Edwin Schexnailder and Ivy Schexnailder; and three sisters, Elaine Moreau, Anaise Hebert and Lena Hollier.
A rosary wase prayed at 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Visiting hours were observed from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and continued from 8 a.m. until service time on Saturday.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his longtime caregiver, Audrey Jerry, and the members and staff of Amedisys Hospice, and especially Dr. Michael Alexander.
Memorial contributions in the name of Joseph “Joe” Schexnailder, may be made to Acadiana Animal Aid, 142 Le Medicine Rd. Carencro, LA 70520 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.