We regret to announce the death of Merrill J. Gaillard, son of the late Leonard and Aline Gaillard, on Friday, July 16, 2021.

Mr. Gaillard graduated from Cottonport High School and served in the Army in 1957, where he was stationed in Germany.  He married in 1960 to Dorothea "Dot" Lemoine.  He attended trade school to attain his electricians license, which took him through raising 8 kids and giving them a catholic education.

He loved hunting and tinkering with anything.  His grandmother called him "Golden Fingers", because he could fix anything.

Survivors include his wife, Dot Gaillard; his children, Monica Gaillard of Plaucheville, Mark Gaillard (Erica) of Plaucheville, Michelle Bordelon (Chris) of Plaucheville, Marcel Gaillard (Pamela) of Moreauville, Maria Golseth (Chad) of Colleyville, TX, Melanie Gaillard of Plaucheville, Maureen Herrera (John) of Plaucheville and Miki John Gaillard of Plaucheville; his sister, Mary Ann Gaillard of Baton Rouge; 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Mary Gaillard; a grandson, Noah Bordelon; his parents, Leonard and Aline Moreau Gaillard; a sister, Georgette Ducote; and his dearest friend he called his 9 ^th child, Anthony (chicken) Gauthier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 12:00 noon, at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church with the Rev. Martin Laird officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 noon at the church.  A rosary will be recited at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in the Mater Dolorosa Catholic Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Plaucheville.   In lieu of flowers, donations to church for masses in honor of Merrill Gaillard will be appreciated.

Pallbearers will include:  Kerry, Jacob, Dylan, Cosmas, Dawson and Gabe.  Cross bearers will be Nathan and readers will be Abby and Holly.

He was a very good and faithful Catholic, husband and dad.  Somewhat of an introvert, he loved life and his family so much and had a very contemplative prayer life.

Although he struggled through his last breaths surrounded by his wife and eight children, we envision him at his first glorious awesome breath at our Lords side.  How happy he must be!  We now have daddy as an advisor and an advocate to help with our earthly struggles.  He was constantly praying for his family.  He will be missed and our memories will help us hold onto him dearly forever. We love you daddy.