Obituary

Hiluard Lavan "H.L." Crain

July 31, 1935 - March 27, 2025

Hiluard Lavan Crain, known to most as H. L., was born number ten of thirteen siblings, in Pine, LA on July 31, 1935 to his parents Nick and Isabel Ingram Crain.  After being hospitalized while visiting his daughter and family in Jackson, Mississippi, the Lord called him home on March 27, 2025 at the age of 89.  

H. L. was raised in Bogalusa and served our county for many years in the National Guard. He was a lifelong member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, R.A. Leader and through the years taught Sunday School classes from youth to adults.    He worked for several decades delivering Holsum Bread to the local grocery stores and quick stops.  He was proud to be referred to many customers/friends as “the Bread Man”.  After retirement from the bread company he decided he couldn’t sit idle and went to work for the Ice Company in town where he continued to meet many more customers/friends.  He was a “people person” and loved visiting with family and friends, whether while working or running into someone in the Dollar Store.  His customers became family to him. 

H.L. is survived by his wife of 69 years, Charlene Burdeaux Crain of Bogalusa, a brother, Luke (Lisa) Crain of Bogalusa.  Two children: daughter, Donna Crain Guy (Rick) of Flowood, MS, and son, Nick Crain of Calico Rock, Arkansas.  He welcomed three grandchildren who called him Paw-paw: Haley Ashe Whitlock (Chris) of Brandon, MS, Josh Crain (Shannon) of Bogalusa, LA, and Alan Guy of Oxford, MS; he was Poppy to four great grandchildren: Lily Robinson, Hayden Whitlock, Julia Crain and Matt Crain; and Uncle Van to many nieces and nephews, all who loved him dearly

He is preceded in death by parents, Nick and Isabel Ingram Crain; his father and mother-in-law Floyd F. and Lillian Holston Burdeaux;  brothers, Hubert Crain , Eufford Crain, Bufford Crain, Lavell Crain, Arnold “Pete” Crain, Houston Crain, and a stillborn brother; and sisters, Eurena Stogner, Eva Miley, Azzie Lee Crain and Athalee Williams.  

The Celebration of Life will be held in the sanctuary at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on Saturday, April 19th from 9 a.m. until the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.