William J. Darby Sr.

ERATH — A Mass of Christian burial will be held for William Joseph Darby Sr., 76, at noon Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath with Fr. Andre Metrejean as celebrant.

He will await the resurrection at Leblanc Cemetery in Erath.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall with a Rosary to be recited at 11:30 a.m.

A native and resident of Erath, he passed at 11:17 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2017, at his residence.

He leaves to cherish his memory, five sons, William Joseph Darby Jr. (Clementine) of Youngsville, Ernest Darby of Abbeville, Clarence Darby (Ena) of Youngsville, Felton Darby (Demetri) of New Iberia and Charles Darby of Erath; three daughters, Patricia Darby (Joseph) of Youngsville, Audrey Durand (William Sr.) of St. Martinville and Victoria Howard (Kevin) of Kaplan; one brother, Wilton Darby (Marjorie) of Delcambre; 34 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Darby and Rose Mae Broussard; two daughters, Kizzy Marie Darby and Rose Darby; three sons, Donald Darby, Michael Darby and Dalton Darby; and one grandson, Lorenzo Alexander.

Active pallbearers will be William Joseph Darby Jr., Ernest Darby, Clarence Darby, Charles Darby, Felton Darby and Joseph Harrison.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jourdan Darby, Emery Darby, Donald Darby, Blake Darby, Wilbert Durand Sr. and Xavier Alexander.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fletcher Funeral Home, 1116 Green Street, Abbeville, Louisiana 70510.

Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org.