Charles Manuel

VILLE PLATTE - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Charles Ray “Charlie” Manuel at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Ville Platte, LA followed by interment at Sacred Heart Mausoleum officiated by Father Mitch Guidry.

A lifelong resident of Ville Platte, Charlie graduated from Ville Platte High in 1959, where in FFA he first began a life of public speaking. He then attended the Southwestern Louisiana Institute, now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. There is nothing that he is more proud of than his French heritage, Cajun food, and culture – except his family.

Charlie Manuel was the primary French announcer for KVPI for many years doing both the French News and La Tasse de Café each morning. He started at KVPI in 1959 as a DJ and host of the popular “Juke Junction” show. He stayed involved with the station over the years doing events like the Our Lady Queen of All Saints on air mass, the only on-air French coverage of the Tee Cotton Bowl, color commentator for Sacred Heart football and baseball games, and a recurring host of La Nouvelle Francais and La Tasse de Cafe. During his time with KVPI, he befriended Swamp Pop figures Tommy McLain, Warren Storm, Rob Benard, Clint West, and others.

Charlie had been involved in the Louisiana Cotton Festival, was chosen to be Colonel Cotton in 1993, and had previously served as Master of Ceremony for many years for events like the Queen’s Coronation and the Tournoi. Charlie also served the Ville Platte community for 45 years as a member of the Lions Club where he served as President of the club from 1986-1987. He was awarded Lion of the year 1992-1993 and received countless other awards for his involvement in the club. Charlie was involved with the Lions Club radio auction, served as Chairmen of the Countradanse sponsored by the Lions Club and the Louisiana Smoked Meat Festival. He was also involved with the community through participation with The Knights of Columbus and was presented Man of the Year from the city of Ville Platte in the early 1990’s.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years; Loretta Soileau Manuel of Ville Platte; son, Eric Manuel and wife, Angie of Pine Prairie; two daughters, Phyllis Daigle of Silsbee, TX, and Annette Lafleur and husband, Brian of Carencro, LA; grandchildren, Sarah Gordon and husband, Donnie of Silsbee, TX, Katie Jameson and husband, Joseph of Kilgore, TX, Amanda Riley and husband Matt of Silsbee, TX, Emily Bellamy and partner, Jessie of Silsbee, TX, Cory Lafleur and fiance, Nicole,and Dylan Lafleur of Carencro, LA; great grandchildren , Kayden, Collin, Riley, Maelyn, K-Lynn, Nolan, and Evelyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Evanus Smith Manuel; brothers, Cleve Ray Manuel and Roland Manuel; and son-in- law, Larry Daigle.

Visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Friday, August 25, 2022, from 2:00 -9:00 PM.  A rosary will be prayed by Father Mitch Guidry at 6:00 PM.  Visitation will resume on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM.

Family and friends may send condolences to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements.