Cecilia – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am, on Monday, August 29, 2016, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cecilia, for John Davis Devillier, 73, who passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016, at J. Michael Morrow Memorial Nursing Home.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Sunday, and continue on Monday at 7:00 am until 10:15 am, at Pellerin Funeral Home in Cecilia.   A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm on Sunday.

Rev. Ed Degeyter will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Christy Gauthier and Katherine Young.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Cecilia.

Mr. Devillier was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was retired from the St. Martin Parish School System. Better known throughout the community of Cecilia as "Coach", Johnny dedicated his life to educating and coaching the youth of Cecilia. He served as the Athletic Director of Cecilia High School and Park Director of Paul Angelle Park in Cecilia for many years. Johnny was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and spending time with his dogs. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Katherine Huval Devillier, of Cecilia; his daughter, Melissa Devillier Huval and husband, Scott, of Cecilia; his son, Stoney J. Devillier, of Breaux Bridge; his grandson, Sawyer Huval, of Cecilia; and two sisters, Cecile Russett and Jenny Devillier, both of Lafayette.

He was preceded in death by parents, Stoney and Alice Angelle Devillier; and his brother-in-law, Robert Russett.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Watkins, Mike Berard, Paul Jude Hardy, Dane Huval, Lionel Robin, and Robert Russett.

His family would like to give their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of St. Martin Hospital, especially Charles, Chelsey, Vicki, and Yvonne; J. Michael Morrow Memorial Nursing Home and staff, especially Dr. Kirk Elliot and Harriet, for the wonderful care given to him during his time of need; and a special thanks to Dr. Mike Berard, for his continuous love and dedication to his friend during his illness.

Pellerin Funeral Home of Cecilia, 2238 Bushville Hwy., Cecilia, LA 70521, (337-667-6464) is in charge of arrangements.

To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com

Athletic Network Footnote by Ed Dugas.

Click www.athleticnetwork.net , Photo Gallery, Baseball – then the years 1962-64 for photos of Johnny and his teammates.
It was a pleasure to know Johnny when we were USL HPE students, then later to have him as a student in graduate classes at UL. He could definitely brighten a room with his entrance and was very likeable, unless you were across the court or field from him playing against his Cecilia teams. Having also taught many of his former students, it was apparent that he instilled many positive qualities in them – both on and off the field.