Robert Verzwyvelt

A service to honor the life of Mr. Robert Ryland Verzwyvelt will be at 2 pm on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Christ the King Lutheran Church of Natchitoches with Pastor Eric Klemme officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at American Cemetery in Natchitoches.  The family will receive friends from 12 noon until service time on Thursday the 24th at Christ the King Lutheran Church located at 305 Royal Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457. Robert, 78 years of age and a resident of Cloutierville, passed away on October 21, 2019.  He was born on January 10, 1941, to Francis Joseph Verzwyvelt and Hattie Blanche Gastrell Verzwyvelt in Alexandria, LA.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Isabelle Cataldie; and brothers, Bill, David, and Francis Verzwyvelt. Robert was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and was extremely proud of his patriotic duty.  He had an energetic personality and was never without a joke and a smile.  Never meeting a stranger, he gave freely in order to help those less fortunate.  Robert enjoyed spending time outdoors and was also a huge LSU fan.  He never seemed to have a harsh word for anyone and his kind and gentle spirit will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna Roberts Verzwyvelt; daughters, Susan V. O’Bannon and husband DeWayne and Stephanie Verzwyvelt; a son, Robert Christopher Verzwyvelt and wife Kendra; sisters, Jeanne, Nancy, Katie, Beverly, Florence, and Mary; brothers, Daniel, Thomas and Lawrence.  He was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Matthew Robertson, Phillip Hester, Noah Verzwyvelt, McKenzie Verzwyvelt, Christian O’Bannon, Fallon O’Bannon Gongre, and Dawn O’Bannon; as well as one great-grandchild, Wyatt Sullivan and numerous nieces and nephews. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include DeWayne O’Bannon, Matthew Robertson, Robert C. Verzwyvelt, Phillip Hester, Apollo Green, and Byron McKinney.  Honorary pallbearers will be his brothers and sisters.