July 10, 1930 – Aug. 29, 2018

VIDALIA – Services for Charles Hudson Chauvin, 88, who died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at his residence, will be 1 p.m. today at Vidalia United Methodist Church with the Rev. Clyde Ray Webber officiating, assisted by Stuart Sherman.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time today at the church.
Mr. Chauvin, affectionately known by his grandchildren and friends as “ChaCha”, was born July 10, 1930, and raised in Ferriday, the son of Arthur Emile Chauvin and Blanche Alwood Chauvin.  He became a resident of Vidalia in 1956.
Chauvin was a 1948 graduate of Ferriday High School and a graduate of Northwestern University in Natchitoches, La.  He then earned his master’s degree in education from Louisiana State University including Plus +30.   He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Gillespie Chauvin, in 1953. They recently celebrated their wonderful marriage of 65 years.  Chauvin served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War.  His career as an educator began as teacher and coach at Vidalia High School, later to become principal of Vidalia Lower Elementary and was advanced to superintendent of Concordia Parish School System until his retirement in 1987.   During his life, Chauvin served the community in various capacities.  He served as a member of the Vidalia Town Council and Alderman; secretary and treasurer of the Vidalia recreation district; an active member of Vidalia United Methodist Church; and president of the parish Louisiana Teacher’s Association.
His leadership touched not only the youngest but the adults who were a part of the school system. Throughout his life, he maintained a quiet demeanor while his wisdom and influence gained the trust and hearts of others. He was often sought for advice as he had a way of saying the right thing without saying too much.  He was open and had a genuine compassion for people with his constant nurturing and love.
The Chauvins did not wait for retirement to enjoy life.  They had a huge circle of family and friends with whom they lived life to the fullest with constant gathering, dancing and travel.  His most treasured moments were cooking for others and spending time at the lake.  His memory will always remain in the hearts of family and friends.
Chauvin was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Arthur E. Chauvin Jr.; and three sisters, Helen Chauvin Warden, Ruth Chauvin Saxton and Blanche Chauvin Griffin.
Survivors include three daughters, Suzan Chauvin Hogue and husband, Dennis, Nancy Chauvin Laird and husband, Bruce, and Jane Chauvin Opperman and husband, David, two sisters, Emily Chauvin Massey and Betty Ann Chauvin Roden; one brother, Lawrence John “Edie” Chauvin and wife, Dorothy Gillespie Chauvin; and six grandchildren, KateLee Laird, Hudson Laird, Andy Wilson, Emma Hogue, Paul Opperman and MaryJane Opperman.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Laird, Dennis Hogue, David Opperman, Hudson Laird, Andy Wilson, and Paul Opperman.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mitch Ashmore, Arthur E. Chauvin III, Charles Falkenheiner, Bryant Hammett and Bill McDonough.
The family requests memorials to be sent to Vidalia United Methodist Church or a charity of choice.