Merle Ann Duplantis

May 24, 1927 - August 26, 2013

Merle Ann Duplantis, 86, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2013, at Mid Jeff Rehab Hospital after a brief illness. She was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur and a graduate of Lamar State College. Merle concluded her carrer in banking as a Trust Department Vice President at Chase Bank in downtown Port Arthur. Merle celebrated life to the fullest. Whether cruising across the ocean or traveling on "mystery trips" across the U.S., she was always open to new adventures. Merle possessed a great curiosity and was an avid reader. She was a doting aunt and a steadfast friend and confidante who will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. Merle was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice J. Duplantis, Sr. and Emilie Hebert Duplantis of Port Arthur and her brother, Maurice J. Duplantis, Jr. M.D. (Debbie) of Covington, LA. Merle is survived by two nieces, Suzanne D. Fortier-Hodge (Joe) of Covington, LA and Andre D. Skida (Todd) of Austin, TX, and a nephew, Maurice J. Duplantis, III (Karen) of Covington, LA. She is also survived by three great-nephews, Reese, Hal and Karl Duplantis and two great-nieces, Meredith Hodge Harmon and Meagan Hodge. Special thanks to Dr. Izi Obakhare and the staff at Mid-Jeff, as well as the dedicated members of River City Hospice. Thanks also to Christie McNeill and Betsy Ricks for their unwavering support. Visitation will be Thursday, August 29, 2013 from 12:00 PM til 2:00 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home. Funeral service will start at 2:00 PM with burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Community Retirement Home, 3141 Proctor Street, Port Arthur, Texas 77642 or River City Hospice, 2688 Calder Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.