Hemen Joseph Broussard

February 7, 1957 

– January 31, 2023

Cecilia – Hemen Broussard, 65, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, after an almost five-year courageous battle with glioblastoma, one of the most deadliest forms of brain cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cecilia.

Visitation took place at Pellerin Funeral Home in Cecilia on Saturday from 7 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Father Gregory Cormier celebrated at the funeral Mass. Entombment followed at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Cecilia.

Hemen attended school in Cecilia and graduated from Cecilia High School in 1977.  After graduating from high school, he obtained his CDL license. Hemen worked as a commercial truck driver for 20 years. In July 2001, he was ready for a change.  He procured employment with the Lafayette Housing Authority. He was a dedicated and hard worker. He became a Master Repairman and retired after almost 20 years of service. 

Hemen was a member of the National Guard for 11 years.

Hemen loved sports.  As a young boy, he would risk being punished by his parents to participate in athletics at school.  Hemen coached family and friends in the Lafayette Adult City League Basketball for 20 years.  Refereeing was his vocation. In 1994, he started his lifelong referee career with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association officiating basketball games as well as the AAU circuit. He refereed basketball for 27 years with the LHSAA. He also umpired softball for 15 years, football for 12 years, and volleyball for three years. 

He was also active with collegiate sports.  He officiated SWAC girls fast pitch for over five years which brought him to Southern University, Alcorn State University, and Mississippi Valley State University just to name a few. He also officiated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Basketball for over five years.  This venture took him to many colleges such as LSU-A, Centenary, Millsaps, Hendrix, Rhodes and Valdosta. 

To know Hemen, you know he was all about sports. On Sundays, he  donned his Saints attire and his blanket even when he was ailing. He also enjoyed weekly Bible study calls with family and friends. His faith never wavered through this difficult time, it brought him closer to God and stronger in his faith. His strength and faith encouraged others.  He always said, “God is Good.” 

Hemen was always about business, but he was also a friend and mentor throughout his years.  He often gave encouragement and pointers to new officials that entered the Athletic Association.

Hemen’s love and memory will be forever cherished by his loving and caring wife of 39 years, Bella M. Broussard of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; and two daughters, Brittany (Kyle) Toomer Jr. and Tara (Dameon) Williams. He leaves behind three lovable grandchildren, Kason Toomer, Dameon Sampy Jr. and Keegan Sampy. He is also survived by five brothers, Clarence (Carrie) Broussard of Lafayette, Louisiana, Herbert Broussard of Arnaudville, Louisiana, Samuel (Stephanie) Broussard of Arnaudville, Louisiana, Curtis (Laura) Broussard of Cecilia, Louisiana and Randall (Jackie) Broussard of Arnaudville, Louisiana; and seven sisters, Shirley (Jessie) Pipkins of Arnaudville, Louisiana, Margaret Alexander of Cecilia, Louisiana, Ruby (Jessie) Smith of Arnaudville, Louisiana, Linda (Joseph) Hall of Arnaudville, Louisiana, Lisa Broussard of Cecilia, Louisiana, Patricia (Perry) Benjamin of Cecilia, Louisiana and Dana (Marlon) O’Niel of Arnaudville, Louisiana; his memory will also be cherished by his surviving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilda A. Broussard and Alton Broussard; and his in-laws, Ageas A. Joseph and Wilhelmina Williams Joseph.

Pallbearers were Dennis Savoy, Samuel Broussard, Daryl Francis, Joseph Boudreaux, Craig Harris and Walter Guillory.

Honorary Pallbearers were Clarence Broussard, Curtis Broussard, Herbert Broussard, Randall Broussard, Michael Joseph Sr., Phillip Joseph and Kyle Toomer.

The family of  Hemen Broussard wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you for your love and support during this difficult time. Expressions of sympathy and acts of kindness extended to us during our time of bereavement were greatly appreciated. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Jon Olson, Dr. Milton Jolivette, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, M. D. Anderson, Hospice of Acadiana, our caring and supportive neighbors, his caring sisters and brothers, and especially his fellow officials who followed him through his journey with their countless calls and texts offering love and support.

Pellerin Funeral Home was been entrusted with arrangements.

(Pd.Adv.)