I’m starting another day off with three obituaries.
JASON SCOTT TRAVIS
April 13, 1972 – March 23, 2022
Jason Scott Travis, beloved son, brother, and uncle, was called to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 23, 2022 at the age of 49. He was a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time watching LSU football with his family, cousins, and friends. Jason was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 13, 1972. He was a member of Comite Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Jason was a graduate of Amite High School where he loved playing football. Jason proudly served his country in two branches of service. He was a member of the United States Air National Guard for 6 years and the United States Coast Guard for 4 years. Jason was a Certified Instrument Technician. He is survived by his parents, Julia Yarborough Currier (David) and Warren Franklin Travis (Norma); sister, Jennifer Travis Daigle; brothers, Mark Trapen (Michelle) and Michael Trapen (Liliana); nieces and nephews, Luke Daigle, Lillian Moore, Allie Daigle, Morgan, Andrew, Mason, Will, Adam, Anna, Nicholas. Jason is preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert Reeves Yarborough, Sr., and Catherine McNabb Yarborough, Winfred Travs, Sr., and Pearl Bryant Travis. Jason will always be lovingly remembered by his infectious laugh, his love of God, his country, and family. Pallbearers will be Charles Wall Jr., Sherman Cutrer Jr., Joseph Cutrer, Brian Travis, Kenneth “Kenny” Crawford Jr., and Luke Daigle. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:30AM on Monday, March 28, 2022. Interment will be in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jim Geisler, 66, died Wednesday, March 23, at Richard Murphy Hospice House, Hammond, LA after a long illness.
Mr. Geisler was born in Jackson, MS but spent his childhood in Monroe, LA where he graduated from St Frederick High School. He was the president of the student council, played tennis and football and opened his home to countless friends. Jim graduated from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA.
He moved to Hammond in 1987 and opened Geisler Funeral Homes in Hammond, Albany, and Ponchatoula. After the sale of that business, Jim worked a number of years in the oil and gas business before joining Covey Rise Lodge as a guide for exotic game animals.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman with many diverse interests including hunting, fishing, photography, the theatre, sports, and a particular love for birdwatching. He will be remembered as a friendly, compassionate and loving person with an extraordinary capacity for kindness toward others.
He is survived by his wife Helen, of Hammond, LA, 2 sons: James W. Geisler, III, and wife, Monica, of Hammond, LA and Frank R. Geisler of St Martinville, LA, 1 daughter: Cynthia Geisler Thompson and husband, Ian, of Redwood City, CA, eight grandchildren: Grace Amar Dunn, Sophie Geisler, Ainsley Lewis, Betsy Geisler, James W. Geisler, IV, Ethan Bernard, Moses Thompson and Persephone Thompson, 3 sisters: Cindy Geisler Dona of Monroe, LA, Leighanne Geisler Burns of Killian, LA, and Mary Flo Geisler Boleneus of McKinney, TX, and his lifelong friend, Jeff Aycock of West Monroe, LA, many nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Mr. Geisler was preceded in death by his mother Betty Geisler Siekman and his father Dr. James W. Geisler, Sr.
A memorial service will be held for Mr. Geisler at a later time.
Services are under the direction of Timmy Breaud, funeral director, McKneely Funeral Home in Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Gaetano “Guy” Sam Spitale
September 27, 1925 – March 25, 2022
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation in Franklin, LA. He was born September 27, 1925 in Amite, LA and was 96 years of age. Guy was a good man who would give you the shirt off his back. He owned and operated Spitale’s Bar and Corner Bar known as Guy’s Bar for many years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam C. and Virginia Campo Spitale; brothers, Tony Spitale, Vincent Spitale, Nick Spitale and Sam Spitale, Jr.; sisters, Mary Currier, Frances Petitto, and Jacamino Spitale. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Services conducted by Deacon Eddie Renz. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Good morning, friends. I hope you have grown in the Lord enough that you can forgive others. That is not an option, but a requirement, for us!
Donnie Anthony Newman
September 07, 1959 – March 22, 2022
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 7, 1959 in New Orleans, LA and was 62 years of age. He is survived by his wife Lori Newman; 4 daughters, Erica Newman, Kristin Newman, Theresa Landrum (Billy), and Jennifer Kaltenbaugh; 4 sons, Colton Newman, Austin Newman, Kyle Newman (Alexis) and Robert Kaltenbaugh; 6 grandchildren, Trevor Bennett, Kaitlyn Budde, Logan Budde, William Landrum, Jr., Lauren Landrum, Savanna Kaltenbaugh, and Baby Newman on the way; sister, Terry Waterman. Preceded in death by parents, Fred and Pearl Newman and Katherine Raymond; and a brother, Fred Newman, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 4:00PM until 7:00PM with religious services at 6:00PM on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. Walter Wade Hackney. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Richard “Rick” Bogdal
September 25, 1963 – March 21, 2022
Richard “Rick” Bogdal, beloved husband of Suzanne Courtney and a resident of Amite, LA, passed away at his home on Monday, March 21, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born and grew up in Syracuse, New York and was 58 years old.
Growing up, Rick had a need for adrenaline rushing activities, racing his bike against the neighborhood kid, snow-mobiles, racing motocross and driving fast cars. After school, he studied and became an electrician by trade until he retired when he and Suzanne moved back to Amite in 2015. His biggest hobby was trying pizza everywhere he went and could be considered a pizza connoisseur. He was also as good at making his own pizza from scratch for everyone to enjoy. He was a loving and kind husband, father, brother, son, grandpa (known as ‘Man’), and friend to everyone he met. Rick loved to travel and would take every opportunity to go on a road trip. He settled into country life well and enjoyed the laid back lifestyle on the Courtney Place in Hillsdale (The Hill).
Rick is survived by his wife of over 27 years, Suzanne Courtney, his son, Steven Vickery, bonus children, Courtney Putnam and husband Alan, Brett Ruffino and wife Michele and Carrie Smith, all from Woodstock, GA area, his brother, Michael Bogdal, St. Petersburg, FL. He is also survived by his greatest blessings, his grandchildren, Stevie Vickery, Wyatt and Brock Putnam, Morgan and Cooper Ruffino and Andrew, Addison and Avery Smith. Several of his parents’ siblings also survive him, including Richard Osborne, Phillip Bogdal, Barbara Bogdal Cancillieri and Tina Bogdal McKee, along with many Osborne and Bogdal family cousins. Rick will also be tremendously missed by his father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Ann Courtney and all of the Courtney family.
He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Kathleen Osborne Wyman and Henri “Bernie” Wyman, his father Frank J. Bogdal, young brother, Steven Paul Bogdal, maternal grandparents, Leo and Dorothy Osborne and paternal grandparents, John and Sophie Bogdal.
Pallbearers will be Michael Bogdal, Kenneth Courtney, Jr. Stevie Oliver, Brett Ruffino, Alan Putnam and Adam Courtney.
The family sends their sincerest appreciation to all members of his care teams at North Oaks Medical Center and New Century Hospice, his sitter, Daina Joiner, Rick’s cousin, Jennifer Adams Buttolph for leaving her family in Syracuse to spend the last weeks helping us and Suzanne’s siblings and families for all their support.
Services will be at St. Helena Catholic Church, 122 S. First St. Amite, LA on Monday, March 28, 2022. Visitation will be in the church hall beginning at 9am followed by a funeral mass conducted by Father Mark Beard in the church at 12noon. Burial immediately after mass at the Courtney Cemetery in Hillsdale, LA. In lieu of flowers, masses in his name or donation in his honor to St. Helena Catholic Church are encouraged.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com
Jason Travis also passed away. He was the son of Warren and Norma Travis and David and Julia Currier and the brother of Jennifer Daigle.
“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Pray for the people of Ukraine, the world, and our country.
Pray for Wade Boone who will be having another back surgery next week.
Continue to pray for Ora Lee Wilson and Bro. Joe Baugh who are recovering at their homes from knee surgery.
Pray for the people of the New Orleans area who were hit by a tornado. Thank God there was only one death. The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team evaluated needs yesterday and will be working to help people recover as quickly as possible.
Elouise Schilling Blazo
September 04, 1925 – March 22, 2022
Elouise Schilling Blazo, 96, a resident of Denham Springs, La passed away on March 22, 2022 at Golden Age Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Denham Springs, La. She was born September 4,1925 and was the daughter of Albert and Alma Schilling. She was a retired Dairy Farmer who after raising her children chose to return to school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked as a Geriatric Nurse until her retirement. She often spoke of many fond memories of her close relationship with her siblings and children that she loved very much. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank Blazo, Sr; one daughter, Jeannie Blazo; one son, William Blazo; 4 brothers, Byron Schilling, Jake Schilling, Ronald Schilling, and Samuel Schilling; and numerous other relatives. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Frank Jr and Elizabeth Blazo, Albert and Lunging Blazo; one daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Burles Hyder; daughter-in-law, Janet Blazo; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 1 brother and sister-in-law, Joseph Paul Schilling and Judy Schilling; 2 sisters, Elaine VanHorn and Ginger Ellis. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from11:00AM until funeral services at 1:00PM at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, La. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Frank Blazo, Sr at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood, La. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Gladys Oliver Bernard
September 01, 1937 – March 23, 2022
A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born September 1, 1937 in Amite, LA and was 84 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Everett Bernard; son, Michael David Bernard and wife, Elvira; grandson, Phillip Michael Bernard; brothers, James Oliver, Jr. And Charles Oliver; sisters, Edna Leonard and husband, Sam and Beverly Coburn. Preceded in death by her parents, James and Gladys Oliver; grandson, Paul David Bernard. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, March 25, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Walter Hackney. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Arnold T. “Doc” Stevens, Jr.
June 01, 1946 – March 22, 2022
Arnold T. “Doc” Stevens, Jr., beloved and devoted husband, father, Pop and friend to so many, was called to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 22, 2022 at the age of 75. He was a longtime resident of Baker, Louisiana and more recently Osyka, Mississippi where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and making a place for his family to gather together. Doc was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Magnolia, Mississippi. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 1, 1946 to Elmese Tate Stevens and Arnold T. Stevens, Sr. Doc graduated from Baker High School in Baker, Louisiana in 1964, and played football at Ranger Junior College in Ranger, Texas before transferring to Louisiana State University. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, graduated from LSU in 1968, and was commissioned to the United States Marine Corps and at the end of his service he had attained the rank of Major. Doc proudly served thirteen years in the USMC and led a platoon of 2nd Battalion 1st Marines in Vietnam. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his bravery, sacrifice and heroic and meritorious deeds in an armed conflict. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carolyn “Lyn” West Stevens, his two sons: Michael Scott Stevens and wife Marcy, and grandchildren Justin and Haley of Greenwell Springs, Louisiana; and Eric Raiford Stevens and wife Carla, and grandchildren Jaxon, Kira, and Londyn of Kingwood, Texas; sister Brenda Kay Winburn and husband Mike; brother Terry Scott Stevens; brother-in-law Michael Ray West and wife Nancy; and numerous adoring nieces and nephews.Doc is preceded in death by his father Arnold T. Stevens Sr.; mother Elmese Tate Stevens; brother Michael Alex Stevens; in-laws W. Raiford West and Bessie Gurney West; and sister-in-law Susan Stennett West. Doc will always be lovingly remembered by his devotion to his family, his love of God and country, his infectious laugh, and his fearless personality. He was his family’s protector. A special thanks and Semper Fidelis to all of his lifelong Marine Corps friends. A private Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sunday, there will be a youth fundraiser for camp. The chicken boxes will be available after church.
FBC, Kentwood has again been chosen to be a collection site for OCC. We will be receiving “Shoeboxes” from nearby churches and individuals and sending them on to the next site as they travel to their destinations around the world.
It has been good to see the Ukraine children receiving “Shoeboxes” in the refugee centers. Those children really need assurance God loves them and is with them no matter their circumstances.
FUNDING FOR OCC
We function on donations only and are not included in the church budget. Your financial help is appreciated as much as your time at the workdays.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
10 Ifyou keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
~John 15: 9-10~
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE today.
March 23 – John 15:9-10
PLEASE PRAY FOR MY FRIEND’S HUSBAND. Melanie Wilson Mitchum visited relatives in Amite and Roseland as a child. She attended church with me at Roseland. Her husband,Mark, has been having problems associated with diabetes and has recently had surgery. He continues to have problems. Please pray for Mark in Texas.
Pray for the people of the New Orleans area who had damages from a tornado last night. Pray for the people further east who are experiencing the storm today.
Please continue to pray for the situation and the people in Ukraine. It breaks my heart every time I hear or see news about the invasion/war there.
This morning, I completed online forms for our church continuing to be a collection site for Operation Christmas Child the week before Thanksgiving. It’s a big job, but thankfully, we have great volunteers to help. I’m so thankful for volunteers who help all year long so we can get boxes shipped out to children around the world.
Please plan to be a part of tonight’s prayer meeting at 6:00 either in person or online.
Have a great day today. Do something that has an eternal impact on someone else today!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE RELATING TO THE WAR IN UKRAINE& THANK GOD FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOING THERE TO HELPOR SENDING ITEMS FOR THE REFUGEES.
I am thankful for the children at church who are bringing small stuffed animals and to the classes/individuals who have been ordering T-shirts, bandanas, underwear, etc. for the boys and girls. This week, some ladies have been busy washing all the T-shirts and completing some projects that were started Saturday.
We will have two workdays in April.
April 2 – Regular workday for everyone
April 23 – Ladies workday
You are invited to join us.
YESTERDAY’S GRAVESIDE SERVICE FOR FAY SHOEMAKER
It was heartwarming to see all the people who loved her and honored her memory by attending. Bro. Joey, Bro. Darryl, and Bro. Butch all added to her service.
POSSIBLE BAD WEATHERTODAY
Be prepared and alert.
PRAY FOR OUR WORLD SITUATION.
Do what you can to prepare for the difficulties that may be ahead.
You can text Annie to 888123. (Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. Terms & privacy.)
Checks can also be mailed to North American Mission Board, P.O. Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368 (note in the memo line: Annie Armstrong Easter Offering). Gifts are accepted all year.
We had a good turnout of wonderful, sweet ladies who all found a project they enjoyed to work on. Not only did they work on the project yesterday, but they took the supplies home to continue the work. The spirit was so sweet. The attitudes were very positive. If you would like to join us for the next ladies only craft day, we plan to meet again on April 23. The monthly workday will still be on the first Saturday, April 2. What a great day we had!
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
March 20 – John 8: 31-32
ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING
This map is available so your church people can see the area covered by the Annie Armstrong Offering.
Clyde Crowe born May 13, 1942 and a native of Stoney Point went to his eternal home Thursday, March 17, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memories: his son Tyron Crowe and daughter Vicki Parks; 6 grandchildren: Megan Hamby, Lindsey Hodge, Ashley Crowe, Erin Hamby, Emily Lofton, Kevin Hamby and Riley Crowe; 8 great grandchildren: Camerin Brumfield, Makaylie Hamby, Alayna Brumfield, Autumn Coco, Ashlyn Stott, Dani Hodge, Bailey Lofton and Logan Hodge; brother: Jerry and wife Carol Crowe of Amite, sister Linda Dykes of Roseland. Preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Verlie Crowe and brothers Gaylon and Joe Crowe. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, March 21.2022. Services conducted by Bro. Tim LaCoste. Interment Bolivar Cemetery, Bolivar, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Please be in prayer for the Crowe family.
HAVE A GREAT LORD’S DAY. IF YOU ARE WITHOUT A CHURCH, YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF KENTWOOD. We meet at 9:15 and 6:00 Sundays and 6:00 Wednesdays. We are also online at 10:30 and 6:00 Sundays as well as Wednesdays at 6:00 if you are unable to attend in person.
Thank God for blessing us with so many willing hands!
TODAY, LET’S PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN UKRAINE FIGHTING FOR THEIR COUNTRY. Pray for God’s watchcare over them.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
March 19 – John 6:56
CRAFTING AND SEWING FOR OCC
We will meet at 9:00 this morning in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.
Bring scissors and a friend.
Make something that will go in the “Shoeboxes”.
ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING
The offering was started in 1895 by Woman’s Missionary Union® (WMU) to benefit the work of the Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board). In 1934, it was named in honor of Annie Armstrong, a bold missions advocate and WMU’s first national executive leader. Today, more than $2 billion has been donated by Southern Baptist churches and individuals.
PLEASE SPEND SOME TIME TODAY IN PRAYING FOR THE SERVICES IN OUR LOCAL CHURCHES TOMORROW.
Pray for the REFUGEES who have escaped the war and the many PEOPLE LEFT IN THE WARZONE. PRAY for and END to this war in the Ukraine. Pray for all THOSE HELPING THE REFUGEES. Pray for the FAMILIES WHO HAVE HAD DEATHS and LOST ALL THEIR POSSESSIONS. Pray for THOSE WHO ARE TRYING TO END THE WAR.
ANNIE ARMSTRONG OFFERING Every dollar given goes to train and resource more than 2,200 missionaries and their families involved in church planting and compassion ministries who share the life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ across the United States, Canada and their territories.
OCC CRAFTING AND SEWING SATURDAY
Skills needed: ability to tie a bow, stuffing a Teddy bear, coloring a paper doll dress, putting a cord in a little tote bag, braiding a jump rope, painting
clothes pins, sewing yoyos and attaching to headbands, making bead dolls, making “bean” bags, cutting out paper doll clothing, etc.
Did you find anything you are capable of doing? Come use your skills to make items for our shoeboxes.
COVID is still around. Some cases are mild, but some are causing deaths.
The Prayer Link 
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