Saying goodbye to our brother Deacon today

Patrick Raphael Becnel Sr.   

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BECNEL Patrick Raphael Becnel, Sr. of Jesuit Bend, LA, 47 years of age, died tragically on Wednesday, October 09, 2013. Beloved husband of 25 years to Marci Larousse Becnel; Father of Jami Marie Becnel, Patrick Raphael Becnel, Jr., and Casi Gabrielle Becnel; Son of the late Carol James Becnel and Claire Curtis Becnel; Brother to Cynthia A. Becnel, Jan M. Becnel, Melissa Becnel Gliottoni (James), Michelle Becnel White (Jeff, Sr.), Mary Becnel Scullin (Keith, Sr.), Angela Becnel Gauthier (David), Konrad H. Becnel, Sr., and Karl D. Becnel (Gretchen); Loving son-in-law of Jeanette Larousse and the late Don Larousse and brother-in-law to Rhonda Larousse Castillo (Henry) and Ricky Larousse (Renee). Patrick is also deeply missed by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Patrick was a lifelong resident of Plaquemines Parish, LA. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He was also an avid ultra-light and fixed wing pilot. He was a member of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance Board of Directors since 1994, and most recently served as their President. He was also a member of the American Farm Bureau Citrus Advisory Committee and the Louisiana Vegetable Association. He was a licensed landscape contractor and horticulturist and was the proud owner and operator of a sixth generation Plaquemines Parish citrus nursery and grove. Patrick was also a member of the Plaquemines Parish Orange Fair & Festival Committee and was elected Orange King in 2008. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was selected as one of the youngest candidates by Archbishop Alfred Hughes for the Deaconate Formation Program at Notre Dame Seminary. He received the sacrament of Holy Orders and was ordained in 2006 and lovingly served at St. Patrick's Church in Port Sulphur, LA. Patrick was employed by Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office for 8 years. He successfully established a prison farm, was chaplain for the inmates at the parish prison, and was Chief helicopter pilot for the Sheriff's Office. He was most recently employed as a charter pilot for Panther Helicopters. Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Belle Chasse, LA on Monday, October 14, 2013 at 1:30 PM. Interment will follow in Becnel Cemetery, Alliance, LA. Visitation will be at church Monday morning from 10 AM until funeral time. To view and sign the online tribute wall, please visit www.mothefunerals.com.

Published in The Times-Picayune from Oct. 11 to Oct. 13, 2013