Edwin "Duffy" Walter Lavigne

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Edwin Walter “Duffy” LaVigne of Port Sulphur, LA died at the age of 92 on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 in Fayetteville, NC at 9:58 pm.
Duffy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marguerite Louise Groteguth, his parents Birdina Girodano and John Baptist LaVigne, Jr., and his siblings John Baptist “J.B”, III, Clarence Francis, Gerald Julian, Gabriel Arthur, and Julie Elizabeth LaVigne Leger. He is survived by his children Edwin Walter, Jr., Michelle LaVigne Lame, and Nancy LaVigne Finucan, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He was a native of Homeplace, LA, a resident of Port Sulphur, LA and most recently Fayetteville, NC.
He graduated from LSU and enlisted in the U.S Army Air Crops in January of 1942. During WWII he was a flight instructor for the Air Corps which included instructing the Tuskegee Airman. As a WWII fighter pilot in Europe he supported Patton's Army during the Battle of the Bulge. In the Korean War he was a member of the 6147th “Mosquitoes” and flew reconnaissance missions. Duffy was shot down in battle twice. In the late 1950’s, Duffy was a test pilot with Chuck Yeager at Edwards Air Force Base. In Vietnam he flew reconnaissance missions. His military career also included serving at the Pentagon under General Carroll as Deputy Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency during the height of the Cold War. He then served as Director of Manpower and Organization for the US Air Force Europe. He retired from the Air Force in 1970 and returned to Plaquemines Parish in 1977.
At home, Duffy continued his life of service. He served as Financial Director of St. Patrick's Church, Grand Knight in Knights of Columbus, Chairman of Plaquemines Parish Arc, President of the Chamber of Commerce, a life member of the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association, Plaquemines Parish Orange King 1999, and served on the Plaquemines Parish Commission Council for two terms. He was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion.
During Hurricane Katrina Duffy stayed in Port Sulphur, opening St. Patrick's Church and the Parish building to serve as shelters for those who did not evacuate. After Hurricane Katrina he returned and rebuilt his home in Port Sulphur. Most recently he resided in Fayetteville, NC near his daughter Michelle and her family.
Relatives and Friends of the Family, also members of the afore mentioned organizations, are invited to attend the Visitation at St. Patrick Church, Port Sulphur, LA on Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 10:00 AM until Funeral Mass time at 12 Noon. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Mausoleum, Port Sulphur, LA. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME in charge of arrangements, 504-366-4343. Donations in his memory can be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 28698 Hwy 23, Port Sulphur, LA 70083 or call the church rectory, 504-564-3284.