Harold Joseph Becnel Sr.

Harold Joseph Becnel, Sr., entered into eternal rest with his family by his side on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the age of 84. Beloved and devoted husband of Carol Angelo Becnel for nearly 64 years. Loving father of Monica Rice (Preston), Harold “Bubba” Becnel, Jr. (Sommer), Scott Becnel (Laurie) and Eric Becnel (Kim). Grandfather (Paw-Paw) of Christopher Toups (Jen), Devin Rice (Victoria), Kirstie Becnel, Corbin Becnel (Allie), Cara Richardson (Blaine), Catherine Becnel, Zachary Becnel, and Isabella Becnel. Great-grandfather of Ronan Isadore, Peyton Rice, Easton Becnel, Grayson Richardson, and Stella Toups. Son of the late Arthur, Sr., and Gladys Brandt Becnel. Brother of Robert (Bob), Shirley, Benjamin (Ben), and the late Arthur, Jr., Carol, Hewitt, Saxon, Thomas, Sr., and Johnny Becnel, Sr. Esteemed uncle to a host of nieces and nephews, especially his endearing and selfless nephews Matthew, Ricky, David, and Tommy. He leaves behind Roscoe, his prized Shih Tzu puppy companion of almost two years, which brought him endless joy. A lifelong resident of Plaquemines Parish, he owned and operated the family citrus farm, Citrus Grove Nursery & Orchards. Harold was a multigenerational citrus and vegetable farmer, with his latest venture of planting a pecan orchard. He also owned Exotic Plants providing plants to garden centers throughout the New Orleans area. He enjoyed cultivating his bountiful crops of vegetables, blackberries, blueberries, muscadine grapes, and fruit trees, later transforming the berries and grapes to wine for his family and friends to enjoy. With gifted hands, he found a talent in woodworking, leaving his crafted pieces of furniture, frames, boxes and signs behind for many to enjoy. His ambitious spirit guided him to work in many jobs, initially as a worker in the oilfield, to a machinist, to even being a Fuller Brush salesman. His love for his community led him to serve as a Plaquemines Parish Councilman, where he was most proud of his accomplishments of obtaining the donation of a School Boat for the Grand Bayou Village, the development of recreation fields/parks for the Diamond and Ironton communities, and beginning the process of sewerage to the Jesuit Bend area. He formed many enduring relationships during his 33 years as a school bus driver. Harold enjoyed traveling to many destinations with his wife Carol in their camper. Life’s journey brought them to countless stops across the United States and to a myriad of countries abroad. He showed his great love for both travel and family by gifting his 23 family members with the most memorable trip to his favorite destination, Costa Rica. He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, where his treasured times were spent with his loved ones and friends at his camp in Pine Apple, Alabama. He also could never pass up a good card game of Bourré with friends on Monday nights at his home or on Wednesday mornings at the Council on Aging Center. He was a devout Catholic, attending many retreats at the Manresa House of Retreats. He leaves behind a legacy of love for life and family.  He will be missed deeply not only by his family, but also by the many friends he made along the way. The family would like to extend a most sincere appreciation for the professional care and compassion provided by the West Jefferson Medical Center Neurocritical Care Unit staff. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 6201 Stratford Place, in Algiers, LA on Saturday June 17, 2023 at 1:30PM. Visitation will begin at 12PM. Interment will follow immediately at the Bayhi-Becnel Cemetery, 14977 LA-23, in Alliance, LA. Please visit www.MOTHEFUNERALS.com to view and sign the online guestbook.