Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011, at 1p.m. in Maryland C.M.E. Chapel in Branch for Valsin Rochester, Jr., 81, who died at 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.

Burial will follow in the Maryland Chapel Cemetery in Branch.

Officiating the services will be Rev. Jessie C. Banks.

Visitation will be at the church from 8 a.m. until time of services.

He is survived by eight children, Westanna Rochester of Crowley, Barbara Ellis of Lake Charles, Clara Bell Rochester, Delia Rochester and Merline (Randy) Rochester, Arthur Rochester, Leonard (Mary) Rochester, all of Rayne, and George (Lisa) Rochester of Crowley.

Hwas preceded in death by his parents, Valsin, Sr. and Delia Minix Rochester; his wife, Clara Senegal Rochester; one son, Freddie Lee Rochester; one brother, Curtis; and one niece and godchild, Cathy Charles.

Wilturner Funeral Home of Crowley is in charge of funeral arrangements.