Emile Joseph Plaisance

Emile Joseph Plaisance entered into eternal life on July 23, 2014 at the age of 80. Emile was born on November 16, 1933 in Algiers, LA to the late Bessie Pierce and Joseph Emile Plaisance. Emile is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Gayle Brechtel Plaisance and daughter Julie Plaisance Ranatza. Emile is survived by his daughters; Lynn (Darryl) Johnson, Anne (Richard) Meerman, Jeanine (Kurt) Theriot, Beth (Ron) Domingue and son-in-law Mark Ranatza; grandchildren Robert (Jacky) Drake, Mark Ranatza Jr., Jade Johnson (Seth) Bade, Hunter Johnson, Richard (Christine) Meerman, Jr., Joseph (Michelle) Meerman, Kurt and Ashley Theriot, Oran, Elise and Emily Domingue; great-grandchildren Meagan and Jenna Drake, Corry Meerman, and Karson Theriot; sisters Carol Gainey and Janice (Dennis) LaFleur; and many other loving relatives. Born and raised in Algiers, Emile graduated from Behrman High School in 1951 and LSU in 1957. Emile married his wife, Gayle, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force in 1957. After many years of active duty, including being stationed in Europe, he served in the reserves as a USAF Recruiter. He retired in 1987 with the rank of Colonel. After joining the reserves, he began his second career as an educator, coach and athletic trainer in Plaquemines and Jefferson Parish. The father of five daughters, Emile enjoyed the opportunities coaching and guiding the youth of his community. “Coach” Plaisance was affectionately nicknamed “Rock” and “Doc”. Emile retired from West Jefferson High School in 1993. Emile and Gayle moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas in 1993 where was he was active in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Altar Society, Eucharistic Ministry and Men’s Club. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Chapter 10483, 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, served as Grand Knight for Chapter 10208 and a member of the Retired Officers’ Association for Hot Springs Village. During their retirement, Emile and Gayle enjoyed traveling the world and visiting many friends they made over their many years together. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation to be held at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 West Bank Expressway Harvey, LA on Friday July 25, 2014 from 6 pm until 9pm and 9 am until 11 am on Saturday. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Rosalie Catholic Church, Harvey LA on Saturday July 26, 2014 at 11:30 am. Interment in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna LA. For funeral information, please call 504-366-4343.