Harry Peter Becnel, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at his home in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Mr. Becnel was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Jacqueline Ferguson Becnel, daughter, Mary Pat Holt, siblings Roy Becnel, Louise Babin, Dick Becnel, John Becnel and Pearl Keller. He is survived by 5 children: Harry Jr and wife Mary Ann, Judy and husband Eric Schroeder, Jo Elen Coussan, Jacqueline and husband Pini Weinstein, Robert and wife Billie, son-in-law, Joe Holt, 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings: Joseph Becnel, Grace Keller, Mary Ann Breaud and Rita Webber, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Gramercy and raised in Destrehan, Louisiana, the son of Sidney and Malvina Becnel, harry was a lifelong resident of New Orleans and relocated to Lafayette in 2005. In his early years, Mr. Becnel worked on his family farm in Destrehan. After graduating in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in Drafting. He met his wife, Jacqueline Marie Ferguson, at an LSU football game, proposed under the LSU campanile clock tower and soon married in 1942. That same year, the U.S. Army ROTC commissioned him as a Lieutenant.
Mr. Becnel is a veteran of World War II, where he earned several medals, including the two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, and two Bronze Stars. He served three years with distinction as an Army Officer, including participating in the Normandy invasion in 1944. He was wounded twice and received other commendations for his dedication and bravery. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest.
After serving with the U.S. Army, Mr. Becnel found success as a pipe draftsman, a home builder, and in real estate. His professional success can be directly attributed to his work ethic and his natural mechanical ability. He dedicated his life to caring and providing for his family. Because of his diligence, Harry did not retire until his mid 80’s to pursue his other passion, gardening.
An avid parishioner, he was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree.
A Funeral Mass will be said at the Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home at 3827 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 10am interment will follow at Hope Mausoleum, 4841 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be on Thursday, 5:00 to 8:00 pm, and again on Friday, 9:00 to 10:00 am.
