After a brief illness, Robert Courville, 92, died on Sept. 13, 2026 at his home in Roanoke surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be held at Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. with a rosary at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Of Seven Dolores Catholic Church in Welsh with Reverend Prabhakar Kowtiki officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Stuart Daigle, Keith Daigle, Brock Leger, Conan Boudreaux, Shaun Touchet, Brandon Kratzer, Bobby Kratzer and Adam Pickle.
Robert was born on Dec. 9, 1933 in Thornwell to a large farming family. He graduated from Roanoke High School in 1952. He was an athlete whom the local newspaper dubbed as the 'Roanoke Flash' for his success on the small Roanoke track team, which included Charles Carter, his oldest friend. He served in the Louisiana National Guard Company M 156th Infantry from 1952 through 1956.
Aftergraduation,hemarriedhishighschoolsweetheart, Marlene Carnahan, and they had five daughters. He provided for his family as a production operator on an offshore platform. Robert was an avid hunter of all the area had to offer, which served as a great counterbalance to his life in an all female household.
A true jack of all trades, he could build, fix or figure out just about anything — especially alongside his brother Jay. The two shared many adventures, camping, hunting and numerous projects. Their friendship was truly special. Robert built everything including the family's table. The one thing he didn't build was the sunroom, which was a big surprise from Marlene. Much like the dining room table, it also became a beloved gathering place, filled with laughter, love and so many cherished memories. A place where family and friends came together and where the moments we treasure most were made.
When the girls were young, the family enjoyed lots of camping trips including a couple of cross country trips in a Volkswagen van. In retirement, Robert and Marlene travelled all over the USA in their RV, most often with their dear friends, Melvin and Jeannette Hoy. They found their special place on Crystal Peak near Lake George, Colo. in a beloved cabin fondly referred to as 'Aspen Bayou' where they would spend most summers. The chipmunks would approach to eat out of their hands and hunting days came to an end when the deer began making their way up to the cabin each day, peering through the glass door looking for the snacks so faithfully provided.
Those left to cherish his memory include his five daughters and their husbands, Corda and Cleaton Leger, Karen and Gary Boudreaux, Jody Touchet and Byron Champagne, Dana and Greg Young, Christy and Donald Pickle; his companion, Joyce Courville and her family; as well as his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Jay Courville; his sisters, Rita Bolick and Alice Daigle; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lollie and Don Klein and numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Carnahan Courville; his parents, Morris Sr. and Melda Schexnider Courville; as well as his step-mother, Vinnes Courville; his brother, Calvin Courville; his sister, Mary King and brothers-in-law, Ned Carnahan, Don King, Jim Bolick and Errol Daigle.
The family would like to thank the staff of Ochsner Hospital of Jennings, LAMM Family Care Hospice of Crowley and especially, Dr. Bahman Sabbaghian for being such a strong patient advocate.
