Olan Veronie

BASILE-With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Olan Andrus Veronie, age 78, on Friday, January 8, 2021 at home surrounded by family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Basile on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Celebrant will be Father Brian Taylor. Viewing for the immediate family will also be St. Augustine Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 9 a.m., followed by public visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. A rosary will be recited at 12 noon. Rite of Committal will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery in Iota, LA immediately following the ceremony.

Olan was born on February 8, 1942 to Horace Louis and Isabelle LeJeune Veronie. He was raised in Tepetate, LA and attended school in Basile until he graduated from Basile High School in May 1960. He married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, his honey, his dance partner, Betty Jeanne Ardoin on July 23, 1960. They made their home in Tepetate where he farmed, and they raised five children. His nickname was “Japon,” and as an avid sportsman, he hunted and took great pride in providing food on the table—squirrel, deer, duck, and doves. His favorite meals were always wild meat, but also included catfish, garfish, turtle, and crawfish which he farmed. As a past president and member of the Big H Hunting Club, he prided himself as one of the master cooks, his specialty being catfish couvillion. His love of the land led him to do business in the fur industry, buying and selling hides of muskrat, nutria, mink, and raccoon which earned another nickname— “Trapper.”

In later years, when the economy devastated small farming business, he and his sister owned and operated Trapper’s Bar & Grill in Tepetate. This country watering hole became iconic for worldwide travelers looking for the real Louisiana lifestyle, especially Mardi Gras. Olan and Betty were honored with recognition and dedication to the Basile Mardi Gras and enthusiastically looked forward to the Basile, as well as Tee Mamou Krewe and many visitors for the Fat Tuesday festivities each year. Olan was also honored by the Basile Chapter of Friends Supporting Friends organization. He and Betty felt strongly about giving back to the community which had given so much to them over the years.

Olan was a lifelong parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Olan was also an avid sports fan, having played high school football as a Basile Bearcat. As their biggest fan, he enthusiastically supported his grandchildren, who played music, sports, and showed livestock. He was fiercely loyal to the New Orleans Saints and LSU football teams. He fondly reminisced about his experience visiting Death Valley. Olan and Betty were exceptional dancers and loved Cajun French music. In their younger years, they frequented the Main St. Bar and the Four Corners Bar, not only enjoying the music but also the company of friends. Cajun French music could always be heard in the house and on the patio, every day, all day.

He is survived by his sweetheart of 60 years, Betty Jeanne Ardoin of Tepetate; children, Vicki Little and husband Brent of Grand Lake, John Veronie and wife Crystal of Alexandria, Shara Dawn Baker and husband Wade of Basile, James Veronie of Basile, and Barry Veronie of Basile. Along with ten grandchildren—Ashlen Baker Pousson, Baylee Baker, Kyle Little, Javen Little, Blair Little, Jacob Veronie, Noah Veronie, Elijah Veronie, Mikala Veronie, and Elizabeth Veronie, and two great grandchildren—Emelia and Jack Pousson. All his grandchildren were truly a constant source of pride. He is also survived by a sister, Brenda Miller of Basile.

Family and friends may leave condolences for the Veronie family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Basile, 1210 South Ryan, (337) 432.6726 is in charge of arrangements.