Wilbert Sonnier, 91, of Winnie, died Thursday, May 31, 2012, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, Beaumont. A native of Jennings, Louisiana, he was born on May 9, 1921, to Merante Landry Sonnier and Lucas Sonnier.

Wilbert was a United States Navy veteran, having served in World War II from 1942-1945. He retired from Sun Pipe Line after forty plus years, and not the type of man to stay retired for long, he worked for B and L Water Well for several more years. Wilbert was an excellent carpenter, enjoyed dancing and listening to Cajun music, fishing, working in his yard, cooked the best Bar-B-Q, and was a faithful member of St. Louis Catholic Church. He always had a smile on his face and loved to laugh and pick at his family and friends and was a hard worker. Wilbert enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends, devoted to his family, and never met a stranger.

Survivors include his son, Tim Sonnier of Houston; daughter, Suzette Martin and her husband, Jerry of Snyder; grandchildren, Theresa Stephens, Michelle Bird, Christopher Sonnier, Natasha Sonnier, Brittany Sonnier, and Bridgette Sonnier; great-grandchildren, Clarissa Bird, Brantley Stephens, Abbey Stephens, Grace Bird, and Isabelle Bird; brothers, Lilton Sonnier and his wife, Doris of Winnie and Leroy Sonnier of Toledo Bend; numerous nieces and nephews; and special nephew, Kenny Ortego and his wife, Suzie of Winnie.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his wives, Marie Theresa Sonnier and Maxine Sonnier.

The family would like to give special thanks and gratitude to Jeannie Martinez and Heather Waites, for their love and help to us while Wilbert was in the hospital.

A gathering of Mr. Sonnier’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2012, at Broussard’s, 134 W. Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 4, 2012, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 W. Buccaneer Drive, Winnie followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery.