Maj. Gen. O'Neil J. Daigle Jr., 87, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2010. He is survived by his children, Stephen J., Debra A. and husband Zeb Mayhew Jr., Arthur D., and Jane E.; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two brothers, Percy "Puddin" and Warren Daigle. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette Waguespack; parents, O'Neil J. Daigle Sr. and Eva C. Daigle; and grandson, Jason. He served for more than 37 years in the military, culminating with his promotion to major general and appointment as the adjutant general of Louisiana from 1972 to 1980. The awards and honors he received throughout his life were the Legion of Merit, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Louisiana Longevity Medal with two Fleurs de Lis, Louisiana War Cross and Louisiana Distinguished Service Medal. He was inducted into the Infantry School Hall of Fame, the Cadets of Ole War Skule Hall of Honor, the Louisiana National Guard Hall of Fame and the USS Kidd Hall of Fame. His associations included the Military Order of World Wars, American Legion, Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, Washington Artillery Association, the National Guard Association of the United States, Reserve Forces Policy Board and member and president of the National Guard Association of Louisiana. Additionally, he was a member of the Baton Rouge Deanery Council of Catholic Men, past chairman of the Ascension Parish United Givers Fund, past chairman of the Industrial Development Board of Ascension Parish, past member of the Volunteers of America Advisory Board, member of the LSU Foundation, president of Daigle Pontiac Buick GMC Inc., president of First National Bank of Gonzales, vice president of Southeastern Securities, partner in Daigle and Mire Real Estate and partner in Circle Jay Dee, a real estate holding company. Visitation at Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville on Monday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Donaldsonville. Entombment in the church mausoleum.
Published in The Advocate on April 10, 2010

 

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