Israel Hypolite, the 8 ^th child of 16 born to the late Harry and Rose (Edward) Hypolite, was born January 6, 1920 in St. Martinville, Louisiana.

Brother Hypolite was called to glory at the age of 97 on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 12:16 p.m. in a local hospital.

He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized and held membership in Union Baptist Church of St. Martinville until his move to Lake Charles where he united with Evergreen Baptist Church. Brother Hypolite was a dedicated member of the church for 76 years and served as an usher for 65 years. He dearly loved giving service to the church, his church family and his pastor.

Brother Hypolite was united in marriage to the late Hazel Gardner Hypolite February 19, 1944 and to this union eight children was born, five boys and three girls. Three sons and one daughter have completed their earthly journey, Lois Marie Hypolite, Israel (Jerry) Hypolite, Jr., Johnny Lee Hypolite, and Samuel W. Hypolite.  He was proceeded in death by his siblings, seven brothers, Richard, William, Henry and James Hypolite of St. Martinville, Felton and Harry Hypolite and Paulman Epolite all of Lake Charles, La., five sisters, Rose Mae Narcisse, Willie Mae Narcisse, Ida Francis and Malerena Hypolite all of St. Martiville, LA and Beatrice Monday of Lafayette, LA.

Brother Hypolite worked at the Molbert Brothers poultry plant for 17 years as a supervisor. After the closure of the plant he secured a position with the City of Lake Charles Civic Center on February 20, 1973 where he worked until his retirement on August 31, 1992.

"Popee and Paw Paw" as he was affectionately known to his many friends and loved ones, loved gardening, working with flowers and shrubs and keeping his car clean and road ready for any emergency. At Christmas time you could find him spending countless hours decorating the Cedar Tree in his yard as well as hanging lights around the house. He had wires going everywhere and one would think he was an electrical engineer to figure out how he got all the lights to work.

He is survived by two sons, Ricky (Sharon) Hypolite, Raymond Hypolite all of Houston, TX, two daughters, Joanna Allen of Houston, TX and Patricia (Alvin) Pete of Lake Charles, LA, two brothers Clarence Hypolite of St. Martivnville, LA, Willie (Elva) Hypolite of Independence, LA, one sister Julia Mason (Hayman ) of St. Martinville, LA,  12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.