Robert Soileau

VILLE PLATTE – It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert Dale Soileau, age 74, announces his passing on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 in Ville Platte.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Ville Platte.  Father Tom Voorhies will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct funeral services.  Burial will follow in the Evangeline Memorial Park Cemetery.

Robert Dale Soileau was born in Ville Platte on January 12, 1948, to Alvin and Ethel Ortego Soileau.  Dale was a true patriot who proudly served in the United States Army during The Vietnam War.  Upon is discharge from United States Army, Dale continued his serve to his community by working in the law enforcement field. Dale started his career with Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, where it continued with Bossier City Police Department, and Ville Platte Police Department. During his tenure in law enforcement, Dale served his committee various compacities as a narcotics agent, K9 handler, detectives, and uniform patrol. Dale retired from law enforcement in 1988, embarking in a new career in the oil field where he started his own company D&S Consultants. Where he worked for Shell and BP Oil Company.  Dale loved to hunt; he was an avid hunter who made many trips across the country to harvest a plethora of animals.   When he was not hunting, he was creating wood carvings of wildlife and birds; this was one of his greatest joys.  He also enjoyed life and being a father and grandfather and ensuring that his children and grandchildren would be successful in life.  The lessons Dale taught his family, by word and example, will stay with them for a lifetime and the moments they shared will be forever cherished.

Dale is lovingly remembered by his lifelong campion, Charlene Dupre of Ville Platte; four children, Robert Kirk Soileau and wife, Malissa of Baton Rouge, Debbie LaFleur  and husband, Darin of Grand Prairie, Michael Soileau and wife, Heidi of Ville Platte,  and Hunter Soileau of Amite Louisiana;  step daughters, Rhonda Reed and husband, Jake of Vidrine and Jessica  Shuff of Ville Platte;  and step son, Graham Schaefer of Broussard.  Also left behind are his 15 grandchildren, Christopher LaFleur, Joshua LaFleur , Elizabeth LaFleur Coleman , Kyle LaFleur, Lane Soileau, Addison Soileau, David Soileau , Chase Soileau , Sydney Reed, Mason Reed, Noah Reed, Ann-Kaythryn Vidrine,  Gabriel Schaefer, Koryn Schaefer, and Kamille Schaefer and five great grandchildren, Cooper, Ana, Thomas, Lucas , Lincoln,  and Ezra.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Soileau and Ethel Ortego and brother, Nicky Ray Soileau.

At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte on Thursday, July 14, 2022 beginning at 10:00 AM until time of service.  A rosary will be prayed in his honor Thursday at 2:00 PM.

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

Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte has been entrusted with arrangements.