The Times from Shreveport, Louisiana • Page 13

THE TIMES shreveporttimes.com LocalStateDeaths SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2005 3B Long-time La. political adviser les at age Quotes on Gravel Senate secretary who practiced law with Gravel in the 1970s. Long handpicked Gravel to run for attorney general in 1956 but the job paid little and Gravel, raising a large family, turned down the chance. Eventually, Ins relationship with Long soured. By the late 1950s, when the state's political warcry was segregation, Gravel was one of the prominent white political figures who did not join the mainstream.

"Purely as a moral proposition, I tlunk segregation is wrong," Gravel said in 1959. While others beat the drums for segregation, he turned his attention to the 1960 presidential campaign of a man he befriended at the 1956 Democratic National Convention, John F. Kennedy. Gravel coordinated the state campaign that put Louisiana in Kennedy's camp. Gravel reminisced about the victory in 1974 on an election night when state voters approved a new, state constitution that Gravel had helped fashion.

"The Kennedy victory in Louisiana was my best moment in politics," Gravel said. The victory tonight is next best" In Edwards' first two administrations in the 1970s, most of the governor's key legislation was drafted by Gravel. Gravel resigned in 1979 after the death of his wife of nearly 40 years, Katherine David Gravel. In 1980, he married Evelyn Gianfala, who survives him. Edwards got informal counsel from Gravel in liis last two administrations and appointed his friend to the LSU Board of Supervisors.

What caused three governors, all different in outlook, to turn to Gravel? "He had the ability to see both sides of a question and a knowledge Camille Gravel died at an Alexandria nursing home on Friday afternoon. The Associated Press ALEXANDRIA Camille Gravel, an adviser to three governors and an important political figure in Louisiana for more than five decades, died Friday afternoon at a nursing home in Alexandria, his son said. He was 90. "He had heart surgery back in February and never really recovered from it," said Mark Gravel. He died shortly before 2 p.m.

at Naomi Heights nursing home in Alexandria. Gravel was a skilled civil and criminal attorney with a keen political mind and a courtly maimer. He was an adviser to three larger-than-life Louisiana governors Earl K. Long, John McKeithen and Edwin Edwards. And he would serve as one of Edwards' defense lawyers when the scandal-tinged governor, now serving a prison sentence for a 2000 racketeering conviction, went to trial for the first time in the 1980s.

Gravel never held political office, although he tried a low-key effort in 1966 to unseat U.S. Sen. Allen J. Ellender. He said in a 1979 Associated Press interview that the best spot in politics is behind the throne.

Gravel, who pronounced his name Grah-VEC, was an early civil rights activist who attracted national attention when he led the state's delegation at the Democratic National Convention in 1948 instead of joining the Southern Dixiecrat walkout "He was a civil rights advocate before there was anyone in the South who believed in civil rights. He believed in equality," said Michael Baer, a former Louisiana Region Briefs r-r -t ai John H. Williams Tile AP Attorney Camille Gravel (right) leaves the Federal Courthouse in New Orleans with former Insurance Commissioner Jim Brown in June 2000. Gravel was an adviser to three governors and an important political figure in Louisiana for more than five decades. He died Friday at a nursing home in Alexandria.

He was 90. in an interview years ago. Edwards first met Gravel in the 1950s when they were adversaries in several civil court cases. Later, they were political adversaries. Gravel was active in Earl Long's 1956 campaign and Edwards was heading the camp for New Orleans Mayor Chep Morrison.

When Edwards' political career started blossoming, he turned to Gravel because "modesdy said, both of us were decades ahead of most others in the South about the need to establish a black-white mmm OBITUARIES View a week of obituaries online at Shreveporttimes.com mmmi iQn Friends and family remember Camille Gravel, who died Friday: "He was a civil rights advocate before there was anyone in the South who believed in civil rights. He believed in equality." Michael Baer, former Louisiana Senate secretary who practiced law with Gravel in the 1970s "There's not a priest in Louisiana that doesn't know Camille Gravel. He raised money, did legal work went to Mass four or five times a week." Jim Brown, former legislator, secretary of state and insurance commissioner, who counted Gravel as a mentor "When we tried that first Edwards case Camille was the group leader. We would confer from time to time and he coordinated the defense. I thought he was an exceptional lawyer." Risley "Pappy" Triche, noted Louisiana criminal defense lawyer Dominic Roberto Rossi BATON ROUGE, LA Dominic Roberto Rossi a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, he died Thursday, December 22, 2005 at his home.

He was 77 and was a native of Philadelphia, PA. He was a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant of 23 years with service at Barksdale and Ramstein AFB. Dominic loved being in the restaurant business where for over 20 years he ownedoperated Jim Jarreau's on False River and Dominic's in New Roads, LA. Dominic was an avid HAM Radio Operator with the call sign of K5WGV.

He is survived by his wife Evie and step daughter Tiffany; his ten children. Connie Pourciau of Jarreau, LA, Randy of Shreveport, LA, Nick of Steubenville, OH, Michael of Mandeville, LA, Tony of St. Francisville, LA, Jay of Shreveport, LA, Angela Rossi of Shreveport, LA, Don of Fayetteville, AR, David of Shreveport, LA, Dean of Shreveport, LA, twenty grandchildren and one great grandchild. Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 24, 2005 at Green Oaks Funeral Home on Florida Boulelvard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Weekend Obituaries, Card of Thanks 8 In Memorials Weekend Hours 3 P.M. until 5 P.M. (By Telephone Only) Rose Neath FLOWEB SHOP Flowers for all occasions. Open 7 days a week and holidays! 687-2200 (888) 687-2200 Your Florist for All Occasions Th power of fresh flowers. Open Daily 9-6 318.797.9585 Heavenly Qates funeral tiome (318) 222-8010 (318) 222-5004 fax 'Professional Smfe: Affordable Prices" John E.

Settle, Jr. Attorney at Law ELDERLY LAW WILLS, SUCCESSIONS 742-5513 isotllel23Crfiiol.com i3 relationship for peaceful tranquility between the races, better education and job opportunities for blacks. I tlunk we did that." Gravel went to Edwards' aid in the mid 1980s when the governor was tried in federal court for illegally brokering hospital permits. First came a hung jury and then an acquittal at a second trial. Gravel also was one of Edwards' attorneys in the federal racketeering case that led to Edwards' 2000 conviction.

That conviction is still under appeal. Mrs. Fay Wright SHREVEPORT, LA Funeral services for Mrs. Fay Wright, 95, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 24, 2005 at Antioch Baptist Church, Florien, LA. Interment will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Florien, LA.

The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 p.m. until service time. Mrs. Wright was born February 3, 1910 in Many, LA. She passed away Thursday, December 22, 2005 in Shreveport, LA.

Mrs. Wright was a member of Summer Grove Baptist Church. She received her Masters Degree in Home Economics Education from Stephen F. Austin University and taught at Bay Springs, MT, Carmel, Many and Florien schools. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernice Davis Wright; parents, James and Anna Law; one infant daughter, three sisters, one brother, and thirteen half-brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Wright is survived by her daughter, Jo Anna Wilson and her husband, John T. Wilson; sister, Zarah Hayes; brother, J.W. Law; four grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Pallbearers will be James Wilson, Johnny Wilson, Jason Wilson, Robert Wallis, Ronnie Wright and Joshua Roraback.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside Chapel, 687-1256 Alma Wiggins Woodall JAMESTOWN, LA Funeral services for Alma Wiggins Woodall, 94, will be held Saturday, December 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold, La. Officiating will be Brother Roy Perkins. Alma was born April 1st, 1911 in Jamestown, La. She went to be with our Lord on December 22nd, 2005.

She was retired from Gulf States Theatres where she served as a manager for many years. Preceding Alma in death was her husband Curtis Cleveland Woodall, her parents Willie J. and Belle Wood Wiggins, many brothers and sisters and a great grandson, Travis Taylor. Survivors include her daughters Odell Woodard and husband Vernon of Jamestown, Dorothy Taylor and husband Bill of Elm Grove, and son Billy Woodall and wife Ann of Jamestown, La. along with seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren, one brother Frank Shively and one sister Sarah Carter, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pall bearers will be great grandsons Jonathan Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Bobby Bowden, Dusty Taylor, Matthew Todd, and Adam Mercer. Honorary pallbearer will be Luke Mercer. Alma was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. "He had heart surgery back in February and never really recovered from it." Mark Gravel, Camille Gravel's son of the law, and most important, to use those two qualities to work with legislators and reach a principled compromise," Edwards, now in a federal prison for racketeering, said drop off their trees free of all ornaments, tinsel and stands in a fenced-off area at the city's ADM warehouse property on Mill Street. Trees will be collected until mid-January.

In addition, Ward's Waste will have a Christinas tree collection day Jan. 7. Residents can leave their trees on the curb and Ward's Waste will pick them up and transport them to the ADM property. Call City Hall at (318) 352-2772, the Main Street program office at (318) 357-3823 or Ward's Waste at (318) 354-1001 for more information. Red River New Year's Eve dance set for senior citizens COUSHATTA The Red River Council on Aging will hold a New Year's Eve dance for senior citizens from 8 p.m.

to midnight Dec. 31 at Jack Laura's Social Club, 1824 Front St. in Coushatta. The Silver Five will provide entertainment. A $10 cover charge will include breakfast served at midnight.

Call (318) 932-5721 for more information. By Vickie Welborn Deaths Caddo Parish Gerreste, Christopher, of Bossier City died Dec. 16; graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Centuries Memorial Park Cemetery, Shreveport; arrangements by Centuries Funeral Home, Shreveport. DeSoto Parish Myres, Lee Arthur 74, of Mansfield died Thursday; services at 11 a.m.

Tuesday at Northwest Auditorium, Mansfield; burial in Union Cemetery, Mansfield; arrangements by Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield. Vernon Parish Matheny, Katharlna, SO, of Leesville died Thursday; services at 1 p.m. today at Labby Memorial Funeral Home, Leesville; burial in Oak Forest Cemetery, Leesville. Webster Parish Parkerson, Thelma Bernice, 72, of Sarepta died Thursday; services at 10 a.m. today at Cullen Assembly of God Church, Cullen; burial in Springhill Cemetery, Springhill; arrangements by Bailey Mortuary, Springhill.

Pryor, Betty Jo, 71, of Cotton Valley died Thursday; graveside services at 2 p.m. today in Cotton Valley Cemetery, Cotton Valley; arrangements by Bailey Mortuary, Cotton Valley. Broadmoor area of Shreveport, call (318) 868-3049. To place information in Stroller, call (318) 459-3233 between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

weekdays and between 2 and 5 p.m. weekends. Reunion announcements must be submitted in writing and will run the first weekend of each month. Send e-mail to dlylesgannett.com. Label: Attention Stroller.

State police and Natchitoches and Rapides sheriff's deputies established a staging area in Flat-woods off state Highway 8 west of Interstate 49. At times, they were using helicopters and tracking dogs during the search early Thursday afternoon. The Rev. Anthony Mangun of the Pentecostals of Alexandria, of which the family attends, joined in the search to offer spiritual support. Tree-recycling effort slated in Natchitoches NATCHITOCHES In an effort to relieve some of the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the city of Natchitoches is teaming up with area partners to organize a Christmas tree-recycling effort.

The city. Keep Natchitoches Beautiful, Ward's Waste and Shreveport Green will recycle Christmas trees to use as hurricane-level protection along with coastline wetlands. Because of the hurricane damage, the northwest region of the state has been asked to collect at least 4,000 Christmas trees for the Houma Terrebone area. Beginning Monday, residents can Always buy fireworks from an established and reputable retail outlet. Young children should never be given fireworks to handle alone.

Responsible adult supervision is a must. Never shoot, aim or throw fireworks at people or animals. Keep a bucket of water handy for emergencies (great for soaking hot sparklers). Never try to reignite fireworks that have malfunctioned. Douse with water and wait 15 minutes before properly disposing.

Be aware of dry conditions. Use common sense. Never ignite fireworks on or near areas of dry vegetation. Free flu shots available at parish health units Flu shots are free to everyone in Louisiana this year because of the state of emergency, said Jerry Perry, administrator of the Office of Public Health for Region 7. She recommends calling your health unit before showing up.

The number in Bossier is 741-7314 and in Caddo is 676-5222. From Staff Reports Lost and Found Pets Edtor's note: All unwanted animals will be picked up at no charge by Bossier Animal Control, 741-8499, and Caddo Animal Control, 226-6624. Dogs and cats are available for adoption at Bossier and Caddo. It is illegal and punishable by fine to abandon animals. Identification and or rabies tags on animals greatly help in reuniting pets with owners.

LOST: grey and white striped cat, 15 years old, has no front claws, Natchitoches Two missing boys found after cold stay in woods Two Rapides Parish boys reported missing Thursday, prompting authorities to launch a massive search, were found about noon Friday in a deer stand on Skunk Hills Road about three miles from their grandmother's Lena-Flatwoods home, Natchitoches and Rapides sheriff's officials said. Authorities and more than 500 volunteers searched for cousins Dayton Point, 5, and Bryce Allen, 10. The boys were found by Rapides sheriff's detective Buddy Willis in a heavily wooded area of northern Rapides. Authorities had feared chilly night temperatures might have hindered chances of finding the boys alive. Temperatures late Thursday and early Friday dropped to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

They were found a day after their grandmother Jeanne Fontenot first reported them missing. She last saw the boys and the family dog that followed them about 10:30 a.m. Thursday near a fence in her yard. Local Briefs Oil firm gives $85,000 to Shriners Hospital Valero Oil Co. on Friday delivered a check for $85,000 to Shriners Hospital in Shreveport, money from the Texas Open Golf Classic, a fundraiser held in September.

The San Antonio-based company found out about Shriners in Shreveport through a former Shriners employee, Allison Swanson. Her husband works for Valero. Officials urge fireworks safety during holidays Bossier City Police Chief Mike Halphen and Fire Chief Sammy Hal-phen remind everyone who chooses to mark the holidays with fireworks to play it safe and legal. Under Bossier City law, fireworks may be sold and set off within the city through Jan. 1 between 10 a.m.

and 10 p.m. except on New Year's Eve, when fireworks may be discharged until 12:30 a.m. Those who discharge fireworks outside the designated dates and time periods can be subject to fines of up to $500 and-or up to 60 days in jail. Following are some rules to heed wliile discharging fireworks. Stroller Birthdays Celebrating a birthday today: THE REV.

RONALD BROWN and THE REV. DONALD BROWN of Shreveport. FRAN MORGAN of Keithville. SARAH BROWN of Shreveport. MARY LOVETTE of Shreveport.

SHANA STEWART of Shreveport. MELVIN SINVILLE of Shreveport. Celebrated a birthday Dec. 22: JOHN GARCIA of Longview, Texas. Mr.

William C. Gann SHREVEPORT, LA -Graveside services for Mr. fes. William C. Gann, 86, will ho holrl at 11 -nn a Sat.

urday, December 24, 2005 at Forest Park Cemetery with the observance of Masonic rites. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Caraway. His family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 24, 2005 at the funeral home. Mr.

Gann was a born May 8, 1919 in Birmingham, AL to the late Seab and Minnie Gann. He passed away Thursday, December 22, 2005 in Shreveport, LA. Mr. Gann proudly served his country in the Fifth Division United States Marine Corp during World War II. He was a member and the oldest living Past Master of Fair Park Mason Lodge 436, and was also a member of Grand Lodge of LA Mr.

Gann was avid sportsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a former pro baseball player with the Detroit Tigers, and the Shreveport Sports; was active in the Little League, also a member of Mangum Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of the Old Timer Pro Sport Club. Mr. Gann was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Moses, Harry, Charlie, Bob, J.C., and Dan Gann; and his sisters, Amelda and Amega. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Margie Marks Gann; son, William Cecil Gann; brothers, Joe and Jack Gann; and sisters-in-law, Betty Richardson.

The family requests memorial donations to be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71 103. Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside Chapel, 687-1256 rr- John Welty Loved and Missed Always. Weekend Obituaries, Card of Thanks 8 la Memorials Weekend Hours 3 P.M. until 5 P.M. (By Telephone Only) 318-423487.