Obituaries

On May 13, 2020, at the merry age of 93, Laverne Ralph Arnold “Butch” Pockrandt passed peacefully into his eternal home in heaven. He had spent two weeks in the hospital and ended his life in hospice care in Shreveport. Butch, as he was known to all his friends and family, resided in Mansfield/Grand Cane for over 40 years.

He was born August 12, 1926 in Henderson, Minnesota to Harry and Clara Pockrandt, Butch had extremely fond, nostalgic memories of growing up in Minnesota, but was always glad to have put his snow shovels and snow blowers aside for the warmer winter temperatures in Louisiana.

Bro. Alvin Earl Neal departed from this life on Friday morning, April 3, 2020 at home, passing peacefully in his sleep. A memorial service will be held at New Morning Glory Baptist Church with BTC Pastor Steffon Jones officiating at a later date. He was born to the parentage of Robert Lee Neal and Lula Kate Williams Neal. He was raised in Oxford, LA until his family moved to Mansfield. He attended Pelican-All Saints High School and graduated from DeSoto High School with the Class of 1971. After graduation, he served his country by joining the United States Navy and attended Southern University in Shreveport.

He confessed his faith in Jesus Christ at a young age at Rising Star Baptists Church in Oxford, and later joined under Christian fellowship at New Morning Glory BTC. He served as an Usher until his passing.

Wayne Adams, 94, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Private graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Wayne was buried next to his loving wife, Stella, in the Cool Springs Cemetery located in Logansport, Louisiana. Rev. Charles Hall officiated at the service. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Wayne was born on September 25, 1925 in Logansport, Louisiana to Louis and Katie Adams.

Private graveside services honoring the life of Mr. Jackie Lang Bedsole, 81, were held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2020 at Pelican Cemetery in Pelican, Louisiana with Rev. Skip Noble officiating. This will be an invitation-only family service not to exceed 10 people due to the restriction of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jackie was born on August 25, 1938 in Coushatta, Louisiana to Jack and Louvana Bedsole. He entered into eternal rest on April 17, 2020 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Mr. Jackie owned and operated Jackie Bedsole Timber Company for over 30 years, serving International Paper Company for most of those years. He was proud that his sons Harvey and Karl worked in the business with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Louvana Bedsole; brother, Billy Ray Bedsole; sister, Peggy Brooks.

Private graveside services for Rev. Louis James “L. J. “ Mayweather, Jr. were held on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Hill #1 Cemetery. He was the first born child of Rev. L. J. Sr. and Elise Mayweather, and was born on October 27, 1945. He transitioned from this life on April 2, 2020 at DeSoto Regional Medical Center in Mansfield following a very brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son, Louis James Mayweather, III.

L. J. professed his love for Christ at an early age and was baptized at Zion Hill #1 Missionary Baptist Church. After years of dedication he served in many capacities at his church, faithfully and dutifully. He attended school and graduated from the DeSoto Parish School system in 1963. He met the love of his life, Rosie Mae Ross, and they married on June 13, 1965. They were blessed with three wonderful children.