Obituary

George Emilien Arceneaux

January 8, 1933  -  June 19, 2026

Funeral services will be held on Thursday June 25, 2026 at 1:30 P.M. in La Chapelle de Martin Castille in Lafayette for George Emilien Arceneaux, age 93, who passed away on June 19, 2026 at The Ellington of Rayne.

The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's downtown location on Thursday June 25, 2026 from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. A rosary will be prayed at 1:00 P.M. in the funeral home.

Reverend Gilbert J. Dutel will conduct the funeral services. Inurnment will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Lafayette at a later date.

Survivors include his brother, Leon Arceneaux, Jr., nieces and nephews, David Arceneaux (Glenda), Lynette Arceneaux (Tomokazu Nakamura), Michael Alleman (Angela), Rebecca "Becki" Chaisson (Marc), and Emily Wharton (David).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Leon Arceneaux, Sr., and Mrs. Emily DeBlanc Arceneaux; his sisters, Therese Arceneaux, Emily "MeMe" Arceneaux, and his twin sister, Georgette Arceneaux Alleman and her husband, Herbert; his sister-in-law, Marjorie LeBleu Arceneaux, his niece, Janet Arceneaux, and nephew Matthew Alleman.

George was a native and longtime resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, born on January 8, 1933. A proud graduate of Cathedral High School, Class of 1951, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI) in 1955.

Following graduation, George answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force. As a fighter pilot, he flew America’s first operational supersonic fighter aircraft and spent much of his military service stationed in the Far East. After completing his military service and working in the geophysical industry, he returned to the University of Southwestern Louisiana, where he earned a second Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1962.

George began a distinguished career with Crown Zellerbach Corporation and its successor companies, serving for 26 years as an engineer at the paper mill in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Through dedication and leadership, he advanced into plant operations management. During his years in Bogalusa, he was deeply involved in the community and his faith, serving as past president of L’Heritage Français and The Mill Town Players. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving three years as Grand Knight of Father Placide Dobyns Council 1819 at Annunciation Parish.

Upon his retirement in 1988, George returned to his beloved hometown of Lafayette. As a devoted parishioner of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, he generously gave of his time and talents, serving as a Parish Trustee and active leader within the parish community. Following the unexpected death of the pastor in 1992, Bishop Harry Flynn entrusted George with overseeing parish operations until a new pastor was appointed seven weeks later. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus whose faith remained central throughout his life.

George’s commitment to service extended well beyond his parish. He served as an officer of the Lafayette Sertoma Club, was President of the Lafayette Community Concert Association for seven years, and served as President of the Serra Club of Lafayette for three years. His leadership within Serra International included service as District Governor, Associate Regional Director, and Chairman of the Serra International Communications Committee. In recognition of his dedication to fostering religious vocations and serving the Church, he was honored with the Paul Zimmerman Memorial Award by the Lake Charles Serra Club in 2006.

His lifelong devotion to his faith and community was further recognized in 1999 when he received both the Bishop’s Medal and the Devoted Service Award from the Diocese of Lafayette.

George will be remembered as a man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, and selfless service whose leadership, generosity, and commitment to others left a lasting impact on his family, church, and community.

The family of Mr. Arceneaux would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to The Ellington of Rayne and Hospice of Acadiana.