Larry Paul Bernard

Larry Paul Bernard, 72 of the Fruitland Park community, passed away Sunday, August 15th at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. He was born Dec. 20, 1948 in New Orleans, the fifth of six children to Irvin Peter and Alfreda (Dufrene) Bernard. Larry grew up in the Bayou Gauche area, which we are told means "bayou to the left". Being one of six with just one sister, Larry and his brothers were always into something. They were typical South Louisiana "bayou boys" to say the least. They loved the outdoors and everything that came with it, like camping, crabbing, fishing and more. They played a lot together, including "cowboys and indians", war among themselves by sling-shoting "china balls" at each other, or boxed each other. There was always some sort of competition between them. When they weren't doing that, they were catching fish to sell for spending money. Larry attended St. Charles Parish schools, opting to enter the work force before graduating. He thought it best to go to work in the oil field with his older brother, but it took just 2 days to figure out that wasn't for him! Larry went to work as a deck hand on a tug boat and found his calling in life. He worked his way up to captain rather quickly and did that until he retired in 2013. He is remembered as a loving brother that enjoyed a good argument. He was a straight-forward person with a somewhat dry sense of humor. If Larry really liked you, he picked on you, though at times it was difficult to tell if he was serious or not. He still loved the outdoors, pulling his camper all over the place. When he wasn't doing that, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his brothers and friends, or having cookouts and gatherings with family and friends. Larry will be fondly remembered and sadly remembered by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded by his parents, Irvin and Alfreda Bernard, along with four of his five siblings, brothers Forest, Irvin, Jr. and Roy Bernard, with their sister, Betty Dufrene; and three children, sons Jason and Jared and a daughter Nevada, all who sadly passed away at early ages from Gaucher's disease. Left to cherish his memories are: his wife of the past five years, Jo Ann, his daughter Tiffany Robinson (Trey Powell) of Gautier, and a son, T.J. (Sonia) Windham of Perkinston; his remaining brother, Ray (Gayle) Bernard of Hammond, along with numerous extended family and friends scattered across the bayous and beyond. Larry's wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring. A memorial service may be scheduled at a later date and time. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Bernard family in their time of need. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.