Eugene E. Poupard

Eugene E. Poupard, age 102 of Monroe, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the IHM Senior Living Community. Born May 27, 1922 in Monroe, Eugene was the son of the late Edmund and Ruth (Soleau) Poupard. He attended the Hall of Divine Child and graduated from Monroe High School in 1940. Eugene enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during World War II from December 9, 1942 until being honorably discharged on January 3, 1946. He served in the 103rd “Cactus” Infantry Division and the 26th “Yankee” Infantry Division. For his patriotism he was awarded several Campaign Ribbons, Bronze Stars, and 2 Purple Hearts. A proud moment for him occurred when he assisted in the liberation of the Kaufering Concentration Camp, a system of 11 subcamps of the Dachau Concentration Camp… an experience he never forgot! Upon returning to civilian life, Eugene married Alice D. Lankauf on August 17, 1946 at St. Mary Catholic Church and went on to raise 12 children. Sadly, Alice passed on March 25, 2019. Eugene started working in the insurance business in 1948 and became a local businessman in 1954 when he started the Poupard Insurance Agency. He successfully owned and operated his company until retiring in 1981. Throughout his career, he took many training and business courses at various colleges and universities in Michigan, Florida, and Canada Eugene was very civic minded and devoted to the Monroe community and its history. Grateful for the support shown to him, he served on countless boards and held many offices within several organizations for the purpose of giving back to his community. Notably, he previously served as President of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, The Exchange Club, and the Michigan Cancer Foundation. Eugene’s personal interests included golfing, farming, traveling, and bowling. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe and St. Joseph Catholic Church while wintering in Zephyrhills, FL Eugene is survived by his children: Mary Leslie “Mickey” (Tim) Smith of Brownstown, MI, Barbara (Phillip) Havens of Ormond Beach, FL, Marcel (Nancy) Poupard of Leesburg, FL, Jeffery (Jamie) Poupard of Monroe, Ann (David) Swartout of Monroe, Greg Poupard of Monroe, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Blake) Navarre of Henderson, NV, Lynn (James) Osbourne of Houston, TX, Marie (Paul) Weston of Sparta, MI, and Margaret “Peggy” (Joel) VanSlyke of Newark, DE; a sister, Mary Lou Burke of Monroe; 22 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Eugene is preceded in death by two daughters, Jeanne and Patricia Poupard; 3 brothers, Robert, Maurice, and James Poupard; and sister, Ruth Ann Hoffman. Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation and funeral arrangements. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 24th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. At 6 p.m. members of Monroe Council 1266 Knights of Columbus will lead a Rosary/Litany service followed by a Chalice Presentation by 4th Degree Raisin River General Assembly 0488. Eugene will lie in state Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church where Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. David Burgard. At 2 p.m. Eugene’s cremated remains will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138. The Poupard family would like to thank the staff of Visiting Angels, Elara Caring Hospice, and the IHM Senior Living Community for the excellent care given to their father. Memorial donation considerations are suggested to SMCC High School, St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, or Knights of Columbus 1266. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Eugene E. Poupard

May 27, 1922 - June 12, 2024