Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home We take pride in the fact that we are Natchitoches's oldest continuously owned and operated funeral home and will continue to serve throughout generations.

We are experiencing phone issues:
Please Call JIM ROGERS (318) 652-1095 or TOMMY VERCHER (318) 201-9635 if needed. For over eighty years, we have been serving our community and are Natchitoches Parish's longest continually owned and operated funeral home. Our funeral home is family owned and has a wonderful staff of caring professionals. Families have trusted Blanchard-St. Denis for generations. We are proud to have served the families of Natchitoches parish with the highest level of care and compassion. Blanchard-St. Denis maintains a tradition of providing professional, affordable funeral and cremation services to our community. We are honored to be a part of a community with such a historic past and a bright future. Please feel free to call us if you need more information at:
(318) 357-8271

James Randell DupreeJames Randell Dupree “Randy”, born February 20, 1954, entered his heavenly home at his residence, su...
12/30/2025

James Randell Dupree

James Randell Dupree “Randy”, born February 20, 1954, entered his heavenly home at his residence, surrounded by his loving family, on December 29, 2025, at the age of 71.

Randy was born to the late Rev. A.J. Dupree and Pearlie Skinner Dupree. He was a devoted husband of 52 years to Rhonda Colston Dupree, a loving father to Brandi McManus and Jarred Dupree and his wife Jenny, and a proud grandfather to Ryder (Elise), Macy, Baylee, Gretchyn, Jarrett, and Kinsley. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Chloe, who brought him great joy.

He is survived by his sisters Pat Parker and Linda McGee (David), and his sister-in-law Dolly Dupree, along with numerous extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. A.J. Dupree and Pearlie Skinner Dupree; his in-laws, Red and Argie V. Colston; his son-in-law David McManus; his brother Junior Dupree; and his nephews Trevor Parker and Micah Baden.

Randy graduated from Provencal High School in 1972 and later earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from Northwestern State University in 1996. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1973 to 1976.

A true jack of all trades, Randy worked as a plumber and pipe fitter and had a deep passion for welding. A master fabricator, he was rarely seen without one of his colorful welding hats. His commitment to service extended beyond his profession, as he faithfully served the Village of Provencal as Marshal for two terms and later as Mayor for over two decades, leaving a lasting impact on the community he loved.

Randy had a special love for Dobermans, and it was common to see him out and about with one, two, or even three by his side. He leaves behind his beloved dog Sadee, who will miss him immensely.

He was a Master Mason at Robeline Masonic Lodge No. 344 F. & A.M., and was also a proud Shriner and Scottish Rite of Freemasonary.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Louisiana Extended Care, Dr. Alfred Ajise, and Hospice of Natchitoches for their compassionate care over the last few months. The family also deeply appreciates all the love, visits, calls, and prayers received during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Honorary pallbearers are Bryant Gandy, Randy Yopp, Luther Lee, Ray McComic, Robbie Dupree, Ryder Laroux, Craig Rachal, and Myles Parker.

In accordance with his wishes, Randy will be cremated.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 5 pm until 8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. A service to celebrate his life will be Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.

Though he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, his family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace in his heavenly home.

View James Randell Dupree's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Maxine CottonMaxine Cotton was born on July 20, 1956 in Zwolle, LA.  She entered eternal rest and was reunited with her ...
12/30/2025

Maxine Cotton

Maxine Cotton was born on July 20, 1956 in Zwolle, LA. She entered eternal rest and was reunited with her mother on December 25, 2025, at the age of 69.

Maxine lived a vibrant life filled with love, kindness, and joy. She touched many hearts and will forever inspire those who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Bessie Cotton; and a sister Thelma LaCaze.

Those left to cherish her memory are her brothers Douglas Cotton of West Wego, LA, Melvin Cotton of Kemper, TX, and Robert Ray Cotton of Robeline, LA; a sister Ruby Pingilley of Keithville, LA; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Lambert Town Cemetery in the Shamrock Community near Robeline, LA with Bro. Wade Penfield officiating.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Jerry Miller, Pat Miller, "BooBoo" Broadway, Toby Carnline, Kerry Rawls, and Mike Cernigliaro.

View Maxine Cotton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Start the new year with peace of mind.As you set goals for the year ahead, take this moment to plan for what matters mos...
12/29/2025

Start the new year with peace of mind.
As you set goals for the year ahead, take this moment to plan for what matters most, protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are honored.

Resolve to plan ahead today.

Even the smallest note can bring great comfort.Taking time to send a thank-you note after a funeral is a heartfelt way t...
12/26/2025

Even the smallest note can bring great comfort.
Taking time to send a thank-you note after a funeral is a heartfelt way to acknowledge the love, support, and kindness shown during a difficult time.
Today on National Thank You Note Day, we’re reminded of the healing power of gratitude.

Dale SaurageAllan Dale Saurage, 76, of Winnsboro, Texas passed peacefully from this life to eternal life on Friday, Dece...
12/26/2025

Dale Saurage

Allan Dale Saurage, 76, of Winnsboro, Texas passed peacefully from this life to eternal life on Friday, December 19, 2025. His unwavering faith in God gave him inner strength and sustained him through his long health battle.

Mr. Saurage, a true Texan, born to Olen Wellington Saurage, Jr., and Helen Marie Saurage Jones, who have both preceded him in death, was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. Joining the United States Marine Corps in 1967, he honorably served four years, making two meritorious ranks and obtaining the rank of Sergeant in twenty-four months. As a Marine in the Vietnam War, he proudly served in the Graves Platoon, preparing his brother Marines for their final trip home. The pride and discipline he learned in the Marine Corps never left him. Following his military service, he pursued careers in law enforcement and loss prevention.Dale spent a great deal of time on his old Ford tractor working and enjoying the natural beauty of his wooded acres. For recreation he loved fishing, golfing, civil war relic hunting, wood working, and traveling the United States. He and Pam shared many relaxing evenings together watching classical westerns.

Memories of Dale will be cherished and kept alive by Pamela L. Saurage, his best friend and wife of 43 years; two daughters: Christy Nolen (husband, Kurt) of Lumberton, Texas and Kristen Thompson (husband, David) of Atlanta, Texas; two sons: Rodney Saurage (wife, Tina) of Canton, Texas and Robby Saurage of Beaumont, Texas; twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren and his faithful dog, Sarah Jane. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The funeral service will immediately follow with Mel Campbell officiating. Burial will be at Weaver Brothers Cemetery in Flora, Louisiana.

Chris Saurage, Brandon Saurage, Braden Saurage, Rodney Saurage, Robby Saurage, and David Thompson will serve as pallbearers. Eddie Thompson and Alex Gallien will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Dale is at peace in the arms of his Savior who he loved with all his heart.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

View Dale Saurage's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

The holidays shine brightest in the light of cherished memories. Wishing you comfort and warmth this season.
12/25/2025

The holidays shine brightest in the light of cherished memories. Wishing you comfort and warmth this season.

Margie Lee LonadierMargie Lee Anders Lonadier passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025.The daughter of Oscar ...
12/24/2025

Margie Lee Lonadier

Margie Lee Anders Lonadier passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

The daughter of Oscar and Alta Nobles Anders, she was born on October 1, 1925 in Natchitoches Parish. Margie spent her childhood living in Louisiana and California. As a young adult, she returned to Louisiana to meet and marry the love of her life Jules Henry (Buddy) Lonadier. Together, they raised 6 children on a cotton farm near Clarence, Louisiana.

Margie was known for her strong work ethic, a love for the outdoors and her tea cake cookies which she loved to make with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her three sons Robert (wife-Sylvia) Lonadier, Larry (wife-Sharon) Lonadier, and Jules William “Bill” Lonadier and her three daughters, Deviona (husband-James) Newsom, Margaret (husband-Robert) Lonadier-Hotchkiss, and Alta Elizabeth (husband-Mike) Felix along with 15 grand children and 14 great-grandchildren.

Margie is preceded in death by her parents and siblings and her husband Buddy.

Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, December 29th at Blanchard-St. Denis funeral home in Natchitoches with funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at McDonald County Living Center for the kind and compassionate care given to Margie.

View Margie Lee Lonadier's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Zelda Grace MiddletonHeaven rejoiced on Sunday, December 21, as our beloved mother joined the alto section, greeted by f...
12/24/2025

Zelda Grace Middleton

Heaven rejoiced on Sunday, December 21, as our beloved mother joined the alto section, greeted by family celebrating with shouts of joy.

Zelda Grace Rawls Middleton was just days away from reaching the grand age of 95. She was born on January 13, 1931, to Robert and Nettie Rawls in Marthaville, Louisiana. After attending Louisiana College for three years, she married the love of her life, Robert Raymond Middleton.

Their married life began in the oil fields of South Louisiana and South Texas. In five short years, they made 33 moves. After a serious accident left Raymond unable to work again, they returned home to the land they had purchased in Marthaville, where they built their life together. They were long-standing members of Bethany Baptist Church.

One of the greatest ways Mother showed her love was through her cooking. She fed a big family with a joyful heart, welcoming everyone to her table for legendary Sunday dinners that brought generations together. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and belonging. Her pies were especially loved—so much so that when asked for a recipe, she would simply smile and say, “Pie fixes everything.” And of course, there were her famous 13-day pickles—a family tradition and a labor of love that can’t truly be explained. You just had to be there.

Those awaiting Mother—known by most as “Mother,” and by her grandchildren as “Nanny”—include her parents, Robert and Nettie Rawls; her sisters, Ruby Trader and Bobbie Salley; her brother, Nuel Rawls; her husband of more than 70 years, Raymond Middleton; her first great-grandchild, Taylor Cole Nelson; and a nephew who was almost like a son to her, Stanley Hahn.

Zelda is survived by her children, Beth Middleton Nelson (Jim) of Marthaville and Rod Middleton (Lynndel) of Longville, Louisiana; her grandchildren, Katie Nelson Arthur (Monty) of Marthaville, Christina Nelson Johnson (Josh) of Natchitoches, Cody Nelson (Tricia) of Marthaville, Lauren Middleton Beckemeyer (Chad) of Dickinson, Texas, and Hunter Middleton (John) of Indio, California.

She also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren: Tucker Arthur (Kilee), Anna Kate Arthur, Cooper Johnson, Cole Johnson, Cannon Johnson, Matson Nelson, Adrian Nelson, Stagg Beckemeyer, Maclynn Beckemeyer, and Lottie Beckemeyer.

Pallbearers who will carry Nanny to her final resting place between Raymond and Taylor in Marthaville are Cody Nelson, Matson Nelson, Cooper Johnson, Cole Johnson, Cannon Johnson, Tucker Arthur, Stagg Beckemeyer, and Chad Beckemeyer.

The family would like to thank Natchitoches Community Care for the care given to Nanny. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 4196, Monroe, Louisiana 71211.

Funeral services for Zelda Middleton will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Marthaville Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Sunday from 12 noon until 2.

View Zelda Grace Middleton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

The holidays can be especially difficult for those who are grieving. In this video, grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt off...
12/23/2025

The holidays can be especially difficult for those who are grieving. In this video, grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt offers guidance on supporting a grieving friend during the holiday season. We invite you to watch, reflect, and share with anyone who may find comfort in these words.

This video with Dr. Alan Wolfelt explores how to be support your friends and family who are grieving during the holiday season.

Daryl Allan BrunoDaryl Allan Bruno, born on March 3, 1961, in Houston, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on December 20, 2...
12/23/2025

Daryl Allan Bruno

Daryl Allan Bruno, born on March 3, 1961, in Houston, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on December 20, 2025, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He is fondly remembered for his incredible sense of humor that brought joy to those around him. Daryl had an exceptional talent for devising unique and off-the-wall sayings that would fit any occasion, eliciting laughter from friends and family alike.

His passion for music was profound, possessing the remarkable ability to identify the artist behind any song, whether it was a contemporary hit or a classic oldie. Daryl also had a deep love for sports; he was not only an enthusiastic follower but could recall detailed statistics from any game, showcasing his engaging personality and keen interest.

Daryl proudly served in the United States Navy, where he earned the rank of MS3 before being honorably discharged. His service to his country is a testament to his dedication and commitment.

He is survived by his brother Rick Ammons and his wife Denise, along with a large extended family of nieces and nephews: Tammy Ammons Thorton, Vickie Ammons Adams, "Lil" Terry Ammons, "Lil" Rick Ammons, Kristan Ammons, Randy Kilgore, Daisha Kilgore, Gabe LeDoux IV, Dustin LeDoux, Danika Sanders, and Dana Frost.

Daryl was preceded in death by his mother, Molly McCallister Brown, his father, Louis Bruno and a brother, Terry Wayne Ammons.

A service to honor his life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation beginning at 12 noon on Saturday and lasting until service time. Burial at Pine Grove Cemetery near Hagewood, LA will follow the funeral. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Chip Jordan, Danny Jordan, Marshall Guin, Lee Guin, Benny Welsh and John Randall Grayson.

As we remember Daryl Allan Bruno, let us cherish the joy, laughter, and love he brought into our lives, a legacy that will forever remain in our hearts.

View Daryl Allan Bruno's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Ernestine Neal Foshee AllenErnestine Neal Foshee Allen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, was ...
12/22/2025

Ernestine Neal Foshee Allen

Ernestine Neal Foshee Allen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, was born on November 7, 1940, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, to James Lawice Neal and Grace Louise Latham Neal. Ernestine passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, after suffering several health setbacks, at the age of 85.

Ernestine graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter, she married the love of her life, Richard Earl Foshee, Sr., on June 26, 1958. Together they welcomed their only child, Richard Earl Foshee, Jr., on September 25, 1961. When Richard Sr. decided to continue running Foshee Electrical Services on his own, Ernestine was right by his side, overseeing the office and keeping the crew in line with her steady hand and sharp wit.

After the death of her first husband, Ernestine later found love again and married Ray Hewitt Allen (Blossom) on May 4, 2008. Ernestine and Ray shared a love for travel and enjoyed memorable trips to Alaska, Yellowstone National Park, Nashville, and Del Rio, Texas.

Ernestine had a deep love for the outdoors. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, tending to her flowers and plants, and faithfully feeding the birds outside her window. She assisted her first husband with beekeeping, woodworking, and winemaking, and she took art lessons from Mina McKaskle, becoming a very talented artist in her own right. Ernestine was also never without a dog in the house—size or breed never mattered—as animals held a special place in her heart.

She dearly loved her grandchildren but was especially proud of her great-granddaughters, Ripplie and Piper. They spent much of their younger years sneaking over to visit “Grandma Allen” and raiding “Papa Ray’s” cookie jar. Ernestine often joked that she hated how fast they were growing, and once they became taller than she was, she would make them kneel down so they “weren’t so tall.”

Services for Ernestine will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, with Brother Tim Leach officiating. Visitation will take place on the same day from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Earl Foshee, Sr.; her second husband, Ray Hewitt Allen; her son, Richard Earl Foshee, Jr.; her grandson, Christopher Allen Foshee; her parents, James Lawice Neal and Grace Louise Latham Neal; her paternal grandparents, James Ernest Neal and Minnie Belle Searcy Neal; and her maternal grandparents, William Edgar Latham and Emma Irene Harrel Latham.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth “Beth” Foshee; her grandsons, Richard Earl Foshee, III, and wife LeAnna, and Matthew James Foshee and wife Megan; her grandchildren Ripplie Perkins, Piper Foshee, Haleigh Dowden, and Louise Dowden; her “bonus son,” Marvin “Butch” Johnson and wife Debbie; her sister, Geraldine Gullion; nephews Terry Mitchell, Jr., Mark Busby, Chris Busby, and Eddie Jordan; and her niece, Denise Solomon, along with a host of other family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

The family would like to thank The Courtyard of Natchitoches and Hospice of Natchitoches for their care and attentiveness to Ernestine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals’), P.O. Box 2552, Natchitoches, LA 71457; the Baptist Children’s Home; the NRMC Cancer Center; Coldwater Baptist Church in Hagewood; Emanuel Baptist Church in Natchitoches; or the charity of your choice.

View Ernestine's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Every memory is a light that continues to shine.On this National Remember Me Day, we invite you to share a favorite memo...
12/21/2025

Every memory is a light that continues to shine.
On this National Remember Me Day, we invite you to share a favorite memory of a loved one you’ve lost. A story, a smile, or a simple moment you’ll never forget.
Let’s fill this space with love, remembrance, and the legacies they left behind.

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848 Keyser Avenue
Natchitoches, LA
71457

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