2026-0199
Title
In Memoriam: Leon C. “Sunny” Vial, III
Body
The Parish of St. Charles
IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, on May 9, 2026, Almighty God, in His Infinite Wisdom, saw fit to call from amongst us one of His most worthy servants, Leon C. “Sunny” Vial, III; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Vial was born to parents Leon C. Vial, Jr. and Jessie Lucille Lowe Vial, and was the brother of Dr. David “Jerry” Vial. He was devoted to his family, his wife of 69 years, Mary Janet Hargrove Vial, and his children Leon C. “Lon” Vial, IV, Mary Janet “Nanette” Vial, Thomas Edward Vial, and John Lowe Vial; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Vial was a lifelong resident of St. Charles Parish, where he graduated from Hahnville High School. After graduating from Southwestern University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he became a jet fighter pilot and flight commander, flying the North American F- 86 Sabre, the United States Air Force’s first swept-wing jet fighter; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Vial later attended Tulane University Law School and began a long and honorable legal career spanning 62 years. He served for 23 years as Parish Attorney for the St. Charles Parish Police Jury, St. Charles Parish Council, and three Parish Presidents; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Vial exemplified integrity, honor and dedication to his legal profession and was known for his cordial demeanor treating everyone with dignity and respect, with a deep commitment to always helping those in need; and,
WHEREAS, on behalf of the citizens of St. Charles Parish, the Parish Council, and the Parish President we proudly posthumously honor Leon C. “Sunny” Vial, III for his exceptional service to our parish and his legacy as a devoted and loving family man.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, WE THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, duly assembled on this 13th day of July, 2026, do hereby express our sincere sympathy to the family of
MR. LEON C. “SUNNY” VIAL, III
JULY 10, 1929 - MAY 9, 2026
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a page in the Official Minute Book of the St. Charles Parish Council be set aside to record this Memoriam and when this Meeting is adjourned, it shall be done in memory of MR. LEON C. “SUNNY” VIAL, III.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
“PARISH OF PLENTY”
created in 1807 from the county of the
“German Coast”, a parish of
unprecedented economic and social
development, known for its
hospitality, rural living and sporting
opportunities… with the added
distinction of being located
on both sides of the
Mighty Mississippi River.