Gus Rachal, Jr. returned home to the Lord surrounded by his family on September 20, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Gus passed away at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of generosity, honor, and devotion to his family.

His life was marked by generosity toward his family, friends, and those in need. Those fortunate to know Gus can recall his many stories and share stories of their own about him. Younger generations who knew him as Paw Paw and Uncle Gus remember the pride he had in his family and the life lessons he instilled in them. Having grown up farming, he loved animals, and each year he looked forward to raising new foals and planting his garden.

A U.S. Army veteran, Gus proudly served in the 868th Field Artillery Battalion in the post-World War II occupation of Germany during the Cold War. He was honorably separated in 1956, having been awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal for his exemplary behavior and dedicated service. Gus was one of the few remaining veterans of that era.

Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Gus Rachal, Sr. and Dona Bebe Rachal; brothers, Bobby Land, Clyde Rachal, and Claude Rachal; and sisters, Linda Foster, Helen Martin, and Janice Rachal.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Audrey Rachal; sisters, Betty Slayton and Elaine Sandel; daughter, Sheila Rachal Grappe and J.W. Rhymes; son, Robert Foster and Susan Foster; grandchildren, Michelle Grappe Armstrong and Brad Armstrong; Shiree Grappe Sullivan and Cody Sullivan; Sean Grappe and Ami Langlinais Grappe; Shelley Graves and Aulbry Graves; and Brian Foster; great-grandchildren, Joe and Kayley, Rebecca and Kyle, Memphis, Dallas, Roman, Harper, Monroe, and Marshall; and great-great-grandchildren, Waylon and Josie Ann. He leaves behind Monica Grappe, Patricia Hernandez, and Ruth Eaves who were like daughters to him. He also leaves behind his best friend, devoted caregiver, and companion on the farm, Star Youngblood.

The visitation will be held Thursday, September 24, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Campti, with Father Louis Sklar officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery on Black Lake.

Pallbearers are Joe Gallien, Brad Armstrong, Cody Sullivan, Memphis Grappe, Roman Armstrong, and Sean Grappe. Honorary pallbearers are Houston Pardee, Star Youngblood, Brian Foster, Dallas Bates, Dewayne Elliott, J.W. Rhymes, Charles Weaver, Dewey Trichel, and Ernie Smoak.

A special thank you for the exemplary care shown to Gus over the years by Dr. Mohammed Syed, Dr. Michael Rokaw, Dr. Iqbal Singh, and Dr. Robert Hernandez. A special thank you to the staff at Heritage Manor-Stratmore Skilled Rehabilitation Facility, especially Jennifer Wilson, whose love and care for Gus went above and beyond and who will always be a part of our family. The exceptional care and compassion shown to Gus throughout the years meant so much to him and to our family and helped keep him going.