Pershing Joseph Oubre, Jr. was called to his spiritual home on Wednesday, September 6, 2006, when he died of congestive heart failure at the age of 63. He was the beloved husband of Joan Hymel Oubre and the father of the late Dax Joseph Oubre.

He was born in New Orleans, La., on January 24, 1943; was a native of St. Bernard Parish; was a resident of Lutcher, La., for one year after Katrina; and had previously lived in Gretna for 35 years. He was nearing retirement in January 2005, when he suffered a massive stroke. He was employed in apartment management and maintenance at that time.

Pershing is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joan Oubre of Lutcher, La,; sister, Rosemary Robin, and brother-in-law, Perry Robin, Sr. of Arabi; sister, Linda Freire, and brother-in-law, Lloyd Freire, Jr. of Ponchatoula; mother-in-law, Connie Miller of Lutcher; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Louque of Reserve; brother-in-law, Leslie Hymel of Gainesville, Ga.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pershing Joseph Oubre, Sr. and Rose Mary Ruffino Oubre of Meraux; son, Dax Joseph Oubre of Gretna; sister-in-law, Kay Hanlon McArthur of Bay St. Louis, Miss.; and brother-in-law, Paul Hymel of Lutcher.

Funeral Services were conducted Thursday, September 14, 2006 at Alexander Funeral Home, in Lutcher, and interment was in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery in St. Bernard.

Pershing was very energetic and had made a positive impact on many youngsters through the years, as he was looked upon as a father figure. His sad and untimely departure has been a tragic loss and has left an immense emptiness for all his loved ones. Pershing's family extends sincere thanks and appreciation to all the staff at West Jefferson Hospital in Marrero and St. James Parish Hospital in Lutcher for the care and kindness shown Pershing during his illness since January 2005. Also, to friends who helped-- your service, prayers and support will never be forgotten. May Pershing rest in the peace that God has promised and look down upon us and help guide us in our earthly lives to the time when we will all reunite again. We love you, Pershing, and we miss you so much.