Special to
L’Observateur

RESERVE — Jules Thomas Brashear has been a resident at Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home for over six months.

He was born Sept. 2, 1917, to parents Albert and Elizabeth Brashear, who lived in St. Rose and moved to New Sarpy.

Brashear’s father died when he was 2, and his mother raised four brothers and 1 sister alone.

He graduated from Destrehan High School in 1939. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in the heavy construction signal corps and climbed high poles to install various types of signal wires.

His service from 1942-45 took him to Germany, Belgium, England, Luxembourg, France, Wales and Scotland.

After his service, Brashear settled in Norco and married the former Ruth Smith. They had an adopted son, Travis Scott, who is deceased. Brashear’s grandson, also named Travis, looks after his affairs presently.

Brashear was employed at Shell in Norco for 30 years.

He is one of many residents at the Veterans Home, which is a treasure trove of military history. 

The home is always looking for volunteers to help in various roles from activities, room visits and talent shows.

Those interested in helping can call Sonya Hebert, resident activity director, at 985- 479-4080, ext, 1028, or email sonya.hebert@vetaffairs.la.gov.