Raleigh "Frenchie" Ordoyne Sr.

Raleigh (Frenchie) Peter Ordoyne Sr., 70, of rural Linn, KS, died Monday, January 7, 2013 at the Washington County Hospital. A funeral service was 10 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Linn, KS. Rev. Richard Rikli officiated. Barb Ruhnke was organist. The congregation sang "Amazing Grace", "In the Garden" and "For All the Saints." Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were William Collins, Neil Bisping, James Herrs, Glen Bekemeyer, Greg Bekemeyer and Larry Herrs. Raleigh was born the son of Wilton and Irene (Ponvelle) Ordoyne on April 15, 1942, in Choctaw, Louisiana. As a child he enjoyed spending time at his grandparent’s sugar cane plantation in Thibodaux. Raleigh would often roll clay marbles to go hunting with his sling shot. He attended school through the 8th grade. After school, he immediately went to work in the oil fields. Raleigh entered into the armed services on July 12, 1960. He served his country in Germany, Japan, Korea, France, China, and Vietnam. During this time he was a decorated veteran and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service, Army Good Conduct, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, and Army Commendation. While serving two tours in Vietnam he was awarded the Purple Heart in June of 1967 and April of 1968 and the Bronze star in August of 1968. He was honorably discharged as Master Sergeant of the 1st division 1st brigade 7th Artillery Battalion Detonate Bravo Battery on October 12, 1968. After the service he went to work offshore on oil rigs in the gulf, also worked on the construction of the Super Dome in New Orleans and later owned and operated Skipper’s Bar in Mandeville, LA. On April 13th, 1980 he married Judith Herrs, they later separated. To this union they were blessed with two children, Raleigh Peter Jr. and Jordan William. Raleigh worked many jobs in his life. His most recent job was as a feed truck driver for Bekemeyer Enterprises where he became well known as “Frenchie” and for his famous fish fry’s. Raleigh was an avid outdoorsman, a love that he shared with his children. If you couldn’t find him out hunting or fishing, you could frequently find him at a local coffee shop visiting with other members of the community or watching his favorite western movies. Raleigh also enjoyed his gardening and the simple kind of lifestyle; he never touched a computer, didn’t care about fancy things, and preferred to live off the land. He never missed a Sunday evening call with his mother speaking in his native Cajun-French dialect. In May 2010, he moved to the Centennial Homestead Nursing Home due to COPD and heart issues associated with Agent Orange exposure as a result of his service in Vietnam. During his time at the Homestead, he became very well known and loved by the staff for his positive attitude, joking around, and constant appreciation. Raleigh was preceded in death by; his father, Wilton Ordoyne; and infant sister, Barbara Ordoyne. Survivors include his mother, Irene Ordoyne, Thibodaux, LA: brothers, Ricky and wife, Tammy, Thibodaux, LA, Gordon and wife, Faye, Thibodaux, LA, Elden and wife, Laura, Mandeville, LA: children, Raleigh and wife, Haely Ordoyne, Brantford, and Jordan Ordoyne, Manhattan: grandchildren, Hunter Alfred and Leah Irene Ordoyne. A memorial fund has been established and designated towards the Centennial Homestead & Immanuel Lutheran Church Building fund. Contributions can be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raleigh "Frenchie" Ordoyne Sr., please visit our flower store.