Lodie James (L.J.) Darder passed away at his residence in Port Acres, surrounded by his family on November 14, 2015 at the age of 89. L.J. was a lifetime resident of Port Acres where he was born and raised.
L.J. served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific Fleet then returned to Port Arthur where he worked at Gulf Oil Refinery as a process operator/supervisor for 34-1/2 years before retiring. L.J. was also an avid fisherman and hunter.
He was also a lifelong member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Port Acres where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
L.J. is survived by his wife of 69 years, Selma Darder; son Bill Young (Patricia) of Colmesneil; daughter Denise Otero of Port Acres; son Vince Darder (Twyla) of Colmesneil; son Courtney Darder (Paula) of Port Acres; brothers Henry (T-Bud) Darder (Ruth Ann) of Bridge City, Oray Darder (Pat) of Nederland; grandchildren Lisa Breaux, Debbie Hazelbaker, Patrick Darder, Gregory Gatlin, Garrett Darder and great grandchildren; Alex Breaux, Lauren Breaux, Kaylee Breaux, Casey May, Brandon Hazelbaker, Emily Hazelbaker, Hayden Darder and Kaydence Darder.
L.J. was preceded in death by his parents Vincent H. and Odelia Darder; sister Gertie Rita Darder and daughter Katheryn Collins.
A gathering of the family and friends will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Little Flower Church in Port Acres with burial to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.