A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony Catholic Church on 5th Street Saturday, March 24, 2012, 11:00 a. m. for this long-time entrepreneur whose family owned and operated Conant's Cleaners and Hatters on Texas Street.
The family will receive friends at a wake/visitation at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home, 318 North Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 on the preceding Friday evening, March 23rd from 5:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p. m. Mr. Conant will be entombed at the St. Augustine Catholic Church Mausoleum immediately following the Mass.
Obituary

Mr. James Arthur Conant who was a resident at Carrington Place of Baton Rouge, LA died peacefully on March 14, 2012. He was born on April 26, 1924 and spent the majority of his life in Natchitoches, La. He was the son of Aurelia "Ora" Perot Conant and Willie Avit Conant and the 11th of 15 children in a large, deeply loving and caring family. James was an entrepreneur and expanded his family business "Conant's Cleaners" into one of the largest dry cleaning enterprises in Natchitoches Parish.
James was an honorably discharged veteran of World War II and served lengthy tours of duty in France, Italy and Germany where he acquired all three languages. In 1949, he married Lois Vivian Jones, They were the proud parents of five energetic and creative children. His life long hobbies were fishing, frog hunting, boating, squirrel hunting and playing cards. His avocation and passion were his children, grandchildren , great- grandchildren, and his entire family. His favorite sayings were "God knows what is in my heart" and "God does not charge you time for fishing". His favorite car was his "red convertible".

James is survived by his five children and their spouses: Barbara Conant DeCuir (Winston Sr.); Theresa Conant Demery (Adrian); James Anthony Conant (Glendora); Maria Conant Jones (Oben); Michael Gregory Conant (Holly). Grandchildren: Winston DeCuir , Jr. (Jennifer); Jason DeCuir; Brandon DeCuir (Sharlene); Deanne Demery; Adrian Demery, Jr.; Landon Demery; Adam Demery; Angela "Joy" Conant Suane (Vic) ; Crystal Conant Moreno Melrose (Charles); James "Anthony" Conant, II; Oben "Marcus" Jones, II (Aoi); Erica Jones Morgan (Cory); Austin Conant (Sara); Erin Conant; Kellyn Conant. Great-grandchildren: Winston DeCuir, III; William DeCuir, I; Jason DeCuir, Jr; Zoe Demery; Adam Demery, Jr.; Danielle Moreno; Christian Moreno; Tyler Melrose; Jordyn Suane; Tyler Jones; Sofia Jones; Aurelia Morgan; Cory Morgan, Jr.; Erillyn Conant; Jaleen Conant. Three sisters: Elouise "Weetsie" Conant Martin; Cecelia Conant McLaughlin; Alice Conant Gregory. Two brothers-in-law: Beverly Martin and Chester Donatto. Four sisters-in-law: Gloria Sers Jones: Delores Patin Conant; Shirley Compton Spicer; Sybil Compton Brown. Three loving godchildren: Ada Cole; MaryAnn Conant Wigley; and Oben Jones. A host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Pre-deceased: by his loving wife, Lois Vivian Jones Conant; baby daughter, Grace Conant. Parents: Aurelia "Ora" Perot Conant and Willie Avit Conant. Five brothers: Genesis Conant; Willie "W.A." Conant; John Conant; Joseph Conant; and Adolphe Conant. Five sisters; Mary Conant Chevalier; Garnett Conant Cole; Rowena Conant Metoyer; Theresa Conant Donatto; and Velma Conant.
The family offers special thanks for the love and care provided by: Mrs. Rozelia Grant; Mrs. Edna James; Mrs. Glenda Llorens; Mrs. Elaine Smith, the Baton Rouge General Bluebonnet ER, 3rd & 4th floor staff; Carrington Place residents and staff and Baton Rouge St. Joseph Hospice.