Joseph Dwight Manuel

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Dwight Manuel, who departed this life suddenly at his residence on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the age of 75. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Dwight was a native of Eunice, LA, and a long-time resident of Lafayette. A graduate of Eunice High School, Class of 1968, he attended Louisiana State University in Eunice before moving to Baton Rouge and earning his degree in Finance from LSU in 1972. Following graduation, Dwight attended Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School, where he graduated with honors and completed flight training on the F-4 Phantom in San Diego, California. He was then deployed to Fighter Squadron 151 onboard the USS Midway and served a 2 ½ year deployment overseas. He attained the rank of Lieutenant before his release from active duty.

Dwight worked professionally for many years in financing, real estate sales and lending, management, and construction. Most recently, he worked in real estate development, both independently and in various partnerships, developing several subdivisions in Lafayette and the surrounding areas, including Frenchman's Creek, Tolson Oaks, and Ville-Marie.

A music enthusiast his whole life, Dwight loved The Beatles and could easily name when each single was released. In high school and college, he played bass guitar in the rock band he formed with friends. Upon enrolling at LSU in Baton Rouge, he joined the Tiger Band, where he played trombone. He enjoyed returning to play in Tiger Stadium for many performances with the LSU Alumni Band. In 2009, Dwight joined the Eunice Community Concert Band & Choir, and later the Iberia Community Band and Iberia Jazz Band. He remained an active member of all three bands until his passing.

Dwight has been a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club of Acadiana since 1989. He was a Past Distinguished Club President and the Kiwanis Division 7 Lt. Governor for 2002-2003. He could be found working behind the griddle at many a Zydeco Pancake Breakfast, the organization’s annual fundraiser.

Dwight loved baseball and football. As a proud LSU graduate, he was an avid Tigers fan, spending many weekends tailgating with friends and attending as many games as he could. He was a friend to everyone he met, often telling jokes or offering advice and words of wisdom to strangers he encountered in everyday life.

Dwight was a loving brother, devoted father to his two daughters, and proud grandfather. He spent too few years with his wife, Jan, before her passing in 2008. He was a loyal friend and committed volunteer and band member who will be remembered for his affability, sense of humor, and musical talent.

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Vanessa Manuel Richard and her husband, Kyle of Lafayette, and Kay Manuel Osmer and her husband, Kyle of West Virginia. He also leaves behind his sisters, Jocelyn Bellard and her husband, Charles of Mowata, and Arleen Mink of Lafayette. He will be lovingly remembered by his three grandchildren: Lila Richard, Lucy Richard, and Declan Osmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Luther Manuel and Anna Lou Bordelon Manuel, his cherished wife, Marylyn "Jan" Manuel, and his sister, Paula Manuel.

A visitation to honor Dwight will take place at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice on Wednesday, June 11th, starting at 8:00 am. A Rosary will be prayed at 12:30 pm, followed by services at 1:00 pm, officiated by Deacon Gary Gaudin. Cremation will be at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to view this obituary and sign the guest book at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, located at 1301 West Laurel Ave, Eunice, LA, (337) 457-3371.