Daniel John Roche’
Daniel John Roche’, 72, of Welsh passed away Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lacassine at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, June 1, 2022, with Father Whitney Miller and Father Jom Joseph officiating.
Visitation was held at Hixson Funeral Home in Welsh Tuesday, May 31, 2022, from 6-9 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home today, Wednesday, from 8 a.m. until the procession to the church.
Burial will follow in Bon Pasteur Cemetery in Welsh.
Daniel was born to his late parents, Rodney and Regina Roche’, on Sept. 29, 1949 in Jennings. He was a 1967 graduate of Goretti High School in Lake Arthur and a 1971 McNeese State University graduate with a degree in agriculture business. He then married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Firestone.
He entered the Air Force Officers Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated as a Second Lieutenant. After serving for three years in the United States Air Force, he was honorably discharged with a rank of First Lieutenant.
He then joined his father in running the family farm for the next 30 years while building Aerolites Incorporated, which he owned and operated. His business venture took him to China, Panama and Nicaragua.
Daniel was also enrolled in the Agricultural Leadership Program at LSU, which allowed him to view agricultural practices across the U.S., as well as England, Belgium and Holland.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, member of the Flyways and Byways Committee and a member of the local ultralite flying club and FAA.
He enjoyed flying, riding his motorcycle, family gatherings and most of all, raising his five children.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Marlene Firestone Roche’; children Danielle Caraway (Bart) of Welsh, Alicia Hayes (Will) of Jennings, Monique Lawless (Jeremy) of Crowley, Cherie Dantone (Marc) of Austin, Texas, and Andre’ Roche’ (Sally) of Natchez, Miss.; brothers Allen Roche’ (Ginger) of Lake Arthur and Neil Roche’ of Trenton, Penn.; sister Annette Holtmyer (Scott) of Beaumont, Texas; and aunt Mildred Roche’ (Anthony Kouzonis), along with 13 grandchildren.
Daniel is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Theresa Roche’.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonwelsh.com for the Roche’ family.