Gonzales, Alfred A. “Al”
He was owner of Gonzales & Associates, Vehicular Collision Analysis and Reconstruction, a retired lieutenant deputy commander of the Louisiana State Police and former Gonzales police officer. A resident of Watson and a native of Gonzales, he passed away at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2008, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet after a hard-fought courageous battle against cancer. He was 69 and served in the U.S. Air Force. He began his career with the Louisiana State Police on Oct. 16, 1960, as a road trooper assigned to Troop A. He was a member of the SWAT team. He was instrumental in beginning the Applied Technology Division, where he trained troopers and other law enforcement officers in the use of the first breathalyzer machine and VASCAR. He served as the commandant of the Training Academy for three years. At the time of his retirement, he served as the head of the Bureau of Investigations Division I Narcotics. He sincerely believed it was his calling to serve and protect the people of Louisiana. He was a graduate of the National FBI Academy. After his retirement from the State Police, he became a certified and nationally accredited accident reconstructionist belonging to many reconstruction organizations. He was tendered and accepted in many states throughout the Southeast as an expert in the area of accident reconstruction. Interment in Hope Haven Cemetery, Gonzales.

Gustain, Matthew Louis “Rat Rudy”    
A resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Donaldsonville, he died in Baton Rouge at age 56. Memorial service at St. Peter United Methodist Church on Friday, July 18, at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Gaynell Simon. Arrangements by Demby & Son Funeral Home, Donaldsonville.

Heck, Paula Marchand
Paula Marchand Heck was born Nov. 18, 1943, in Alexandria, to Nelda and Sgt. Whitney S. Marchand. She passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2008, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Survived by her husband of 41 years, John; son, Matt Heck and wife Leah, of Austin; daughter, Sarah Heck Snyder and husband Gregg, of Houston; two expected grandchildren; sisters, Connie and husband Ronnie Villar, of Gonzales, Joyce Waggener and husband Ken, of Houston, and Maureen Mayeaux and husband Ken, of Collierville, Tenn.; brothers, Wayne Marchand and wife Judy, of Houston, and Brian Marchand and wife Kyle, of Gonzales; and tons of very loved nieces and nephews. Also survived by mother-in-law, Evadna Heck, of Houston; and special aunt, Elaine Edmonston, of Duplessis. Preceded in death by her parents, Whitney and Nelda Marchand; and father-in-law, Carl Heck. She was a graduate of Gonzales High School, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Saint Thomas. She taught at St. Luke's Day School for 16 years. Paula loved life and left nothing on the table. Her energy was boundless and every project completed to a higher degree than necessary. She loved family and friends, the arts and all things living. She was a giver and sender. She was a hugger. She left this place better than she found it. Thanks to everyone for their cares and concerns. The compassionate professionals at M.D. Anderson, St. Luke's Day School and the First Wednesday Book Club. Boo Radley and Dorothy Fontana get a special thank you. Funeral Mass at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, Special Pals or any art endeavor.

Villneuve, Dale Michael “Slim”
Dale Michael “Slim” Villneuve, age 52, and a resident of Enon died at 11:20 a.m. Sunday, July 13, 2008, at St. Tammany Hospital in Covington. He was an employee of Dairy Farmers of American in Franklinton with 22 years of service and a member of Mt. Zion United Pentecostal Church. Survived wife, Darlene Miley Villneuve of Enon; daughter and son in law, Charlene and C.J. Kass, Jr. of Stoney Point; grandson, Trey Kass; granddaughter, Kathy Kass; and brother and sister-in-law, Brent and Linda Villneuve of Hammond. Preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Villneuve, and parents, Joseph Welmon and Mable Braud Villneuve. Visitation  was held at Mt. Zion Church on Monday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 15 until the funeral service at 2 p.m. at the church with Rev. Leon Hickman and Rev. Pete Williams officiating. Burial in the McNeese Cemetery.