Joseph Ira Hourguettes

Joseph Ira Hourguettes, born January 11, 1922, died November 26, 2012. Beloved husband of the late Emilie Reynaud Hourguettes. Son of the late Louis Francois Hourguettes and Olivia Hartley Hourguettes. Brother of Inez Rhodes and the late Arthemise Haws, Elvin (Buddy) Hourguettes and Etta Daniel. Father of Laurie Anne Ledet (Cullen II), Lisa Olivia Weber (Rick), Lynn Claire Hourguettes (Carol Schlueter) and Jacques Hourguettes (Laura). Grandfather of Cullen J. Ledet III (Marisa); Elise Claire Lofton, M.D.; Maggie Brice and Richard Fox Weber, Jr.; and Lillian Maria, Nicholas Joseph and Philip Louis Hourguettes. Great-grandfather of Cullen J. Ledet IV.

He was a lifelong resident of Gretna, La. A 1940 graduate of Gretna High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana College and a master’s degree in education from Northwestern Louisiana University. He served in World War II as a surgical technician in the U.S. Army assigned to the 65th Infantry Division’s 868th Field Artillery Medical Detachment in the European Theater of Operations.

He was a teacher and principal in the Jefferson Parish Public School System for 30 years. Starting in 1970, he attended 53 retreats in groups 23 and 51 at Manresa in Convent, La. Relatives, friends and family are invited to attend the funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 610 Sixth St., Gretna, La., on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 11 AM. Interment will be at Hook and Ladder Cemetery in Gretna. Visitation will be from 9 AM until 11 AM, at the church.