Claude Anthony Syas

On Sunday, January 3, 2016, an angel was called into heaven. Claude Anthony Syas was born May 17, 1954, to the late Raymond Syas, Sr. and Gwendolyn Skipper Syas. He was a 1972 graduate of W.O. Boston High School where he was an All-State Football Player. Claude married his high school sweetheart Johnnie Raye Boone, and unto this union 2 children were born: Trekessa Renee' and Brandi Nicole.  He was a loving family man to his wife, children and beloved granddaughter, Whitney Sade' Moore.

Claude was a faithful parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Holy Name Society as well as the Men's Prayer Group. He also served as an usher and an instructor of Catechism. Claude was an affiliate of the Knights of Peter Claver #141 where he served as Deputy Grand Knight and the Vernon W. Joseph Assembly 22 4th Degree Knights where he served as Navigator until his passing. He also worked with the youth as Commander of the Junior Knights of Peter Claver #141. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic High School Board.

He was a man of high caliber who truly cared about his community. Over the course of his career, he served as an elected official of the Calcasieu Parish Police Juror District 4. He was also an active volunteer with Abraham's Tent and the Phillips 66 outreach community. Claude has had a major impact in the lives of many children through coaching several football, basketball and softball teams for over 30 years. After 33 years of service Claude retired from Phillips 66. During his tenure at Phillips he held the office of USW Local 555 union president, served on the Conoco Fire Brigade and contributed to various groups and organizations.

He was a lover of people and a charismatic man who could surely light up any room which he entered. He was an avid sports fan who loved life and adventure. He embellished in hobbies such as traveling, golfing, cycling, hunting, bowling, playing racquetball and softball.

Claude is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Gwendolyn, maternal grandparents Morris and Myrtle Skipper, paternal grandparents Crawford Sr and Stella Syas and uncle Glenver Skipper. He leaves to mourn: His loving wife of 38 years Johnnie; Two daughters, Trekessa Syas of Atlanta, Ga and Brandi Syas of Dallas, Tx; One granddaughter, Whitney Moore of Lake Charles; One great-grandson Dylan Anthony Williams of Lake Charles; One uncle, Henry (Patricia) Skipper; Four aunts, Rosa Smith, Josephine Reed, Marjorie (Melvin) Franklin, all of Lake Charles, Cynthia Franklin of Monroe, La.; Two brothers, Raymond Syas Jr of Lake Charles, Darrel Syas of St. Louis, Missouri; Three sisters, Edna Mae Syas, Sharon Jacko, both of Lake Charles, Eva Syas of Westlake, La; Loving mother in law, Ruby G Boone of Lake Charles; 6 godchildren Johnny P. Vital, Devon Skipper, Brandon Boone, Demetrius Boone, Danielle Keys and Kristen Jade Jenkins; As well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Saturday January 9, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend  V. Wayne LeBleu officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Kings Funeral Home. Visitations will be held Friday January 8, 2016, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday January 9, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at King's Funeral Home.