Rivers Frioux

March 21, 1923 - June 10, 2014

Rivers Aurilien Frioux, 91, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 10, 2014. He was born March 21, 1923, to Paul and Anna Frioux in Loreauville, LA, and was the oldest of nine children. He was a charter member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister, usher, and numerous other ministries. Through his membership in the Knights of Columbus, Rivers made many lifelong friendships and was named Grand Knight of the Santa Maria Council. He was also Vice President of DAWN. Rivers' career in the grocery business spanned 50 years. He worked for the Plessela family then formed a partnership with James Hauck. He later became the manager of Howard's Grocery in Port Arthur where he was known as "Mr. Rivers" who handed out bubblegum to all the children. One of his greatest joys was that no matter where he went, he was greeted by people who knew and remembered him from Howard's Grocery. He is survived by his 3 children: Sandra Borel of Nederland, Lorraine Fletcher of Beaumont, and Rodney Frioux of Port Arthur; nieces: Anita Ward and Joyce McDonnell; siblings: Mae Belle Thibodeaux of New Iberia, LA; Richard Frioux of Loreauville, LA; Carroll Frioux of Houston, TX; Mary Jane Dye of Stafford, VA; grandchildren: Michelle Borel Forrest, Donna Borel Byars and husband Mark, Deanna Fletcher Wilson and husband Andrew, Angie Fletcher Smith and husband Brock; great-grandchildren: Kaitlin and Logan Forrest, Lauren and Mark Alan Byars and Garrett Smith. He spent many wonderful years with his special friend Thelma Kiger of Groves. Rivers was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Nora Benoit Frioux, grandson Mark Borel, siblings: Edith Durand, Alice Boudreaux, Howard Frioux and Perry Frioux. Faith and family were the center of his life. Rivers loved to dance and prided himself on his and Thelma's active lifestyle. He lived a life committed to his Catholic faith and was the spiritual leader of his family. He instilled in them a strong work ethic, but most of all an appreciation for the value of family and a love of the Lord. He lived his entire life in service to and providing for others and is surely receiving his eternal reward in heaven. Visitation will be at 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thurs., June 12, 2014, at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home at 5200 39th St., Groves. A spiritual rosary will follow at 6:30. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Fri., June 13, 2014, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Port Arthur.