Lee Wallace Joseph Begnaud, 95, of LeBleu Settlement died Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 in a Jennings veteran home.
He was born in Lafayette where he was raised before moving to Lake Charles in 1960. He served in the US Navy during World War II. Upon discharge, he joined the W.B. Williamson American Legion Post #1 where he was a member for the next 73 years. He worked in the construction industry for more than 40 years and retired as a supervisor for Port City Construction. He was of the Catholic faith and belonged to the Senior Center in Moss Bluff.
He was a Cajun music musician and was honorably inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. also had the talent of making Cajun French accordions for several well known musicians, including Keith Frank and BooZoo Chavis.
He is survived by his daughters, Lynne M. Leach (Raymond) of Ragley, Julie Fruge (Burchman, Jr.) of Lake Charles, Diana Thibodeaux (Danny) of Benton, Ark., and Virginia Dale Begnaud of Nebraska; five grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Begnaud; parents, Martha and Walter Begnaud; and five sisters.
A funeral service was held Thursday, Dec. 22, in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel. The Very Reverend Anthony Fontenot officiated. Burial followed in Consolata Cemetery.
