Celebrating the Life and Legacy of ~

Lernest Semien, age 87, also known as “Linus” growing up, was born in Eunice, LA on February 12, 1939, to Ernest and Laures Semien. At the age of 2, they relocated to Lake Charles, LA, where he resided until he was called to glory on March 16, 2026.

Lernest impacted countless lives with his kind words and genuine care. He left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His example of loving and caring for others is his legacy. He was very intentional with his family, and he loved each one of them distinctly and genuinely. He was the best earthly example of our heavenly Father.

He went to Sacred Heart School for his primary education. At the age of 11, he left school to begin working to help support his family. He continued to work various jobs until he joined the Army Reserve at age 18 and served from 1957 to 1965. During that time, he met and married the love of his life, Laura Ceasar. In 1968, he worked while resuming his education and went on to earn his GED from Washington High School.

He worked for the City of Lake Charles for 44 years and retired in 2009 as a supervisor. During his tenure, he was more than just a supervisor; he was a mentor and an example of a hardworking family man to those he encountered. On every project that he was affiliated with, he left his mark of dedication, focus, and completion.

He began using his voice in the North Lake Charles community as a member of the NIC ACORN activist group to support low-income families by promoting fair housing access, equitable wages, and increased voter registration. He and his wife hosted meetings and participated in various activities to support the Black community in North Lake Charles.

Although his impact began on the job and throughout the community, his ministry continued as he served in the church. He was a committed member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church from an early age. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Knights of Peter Claver, and the Holy Name Society. He was active in other important roles, supporting the church through volunteering and service. Wherever he saw a need, he stepped in to fill it.

In 2022, Lernest and Laura relocated to The Gardens Assisted Living Facility, then to The Verandah Senior Living Community. As he became acclimated to each site, it didn’t take him long to make friends with other residents, and he became a father figure to many staff members and nurses. He will be loved and missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Laura Garrick, Evelyn Moore, Anna Semien, Jimmy Semien, Nolan Semien, and Eleanor Damon.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 65 years, Laura Ceasar Semien; his four sons, Darrell Semien of Beaumont, TX, Gerald (Kelly) Semien of Birmingham, AL, David (Juliette) Semien of Zachary, LA and Kevin (Tina) Semien of Killeen TX; three daughters, Jennifer (Shaun) Walker of Katy, TX, Sharon Semien of Memphis, TN, and Melissa (Tracy) Vaughn of Lake Charles, LA; two brothers, Carl Semien and Kenneth Semien; and two sisters, Judy Booker and Deborah Comeaux; one aunt, Edna Guillory, one brother-in-law, Curtis Ceasar; 21 grand-children, 16 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.