RAGLEY, La. — Jean-Marie Doyon, 67, formerly of Lewiston, passed away Monday, Dec. 26, after a prolonged illness.

He was born in Lewiston, Aug. 18, 1944, the son of Jean-Paul Doyon and Emilia Bilodeau Doyon. He attended Saints Peter and Paul Parochial School, played clarinet in the schools marching band, under direction of Brother Henri-Pierre, and was also a member of “Les Petits Chanteurs” directed by Brother Norbert, both Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

He attended St. Dominic’s High School and upon graduation in 1962, joined the U.S. Air Force. Jean was an airplane mechanic and a helicopter pilot serving tours of duty in Vietnam, Thailand, France and Saudi Arabia.

After retiring from the military in 1978, he moved to DeRidder, La., where he and his business partner, Ivan Derrick, built townhouses, a nightclub and a computer company. Simultaneously, he continued to work as a helicopter mechanic and pilot for the oil industry in the Gulf of Mexico. After retirement, he moved to Ragley, La.

Music and art were a real passion for him; as an artist, playing the piano, clarinet and singing. He spent much of his time listening to recording artists of every style, analyzing the music production values and lyrical content of great songwriters.

An avid reader, he was exceptionally well-informed and held his own in discussions and debates on religion, government, world history, philosophy and music. He was also a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by Debbie Simmons, his loyal companion of 25 years; her two sons; his close friend and business partner, Ivan Derrick, all from Ragley, La.; a sister, Anne Marie Doyon and her son, Emmanuel J. Boucher, both of Lewiston; a brother, Paul K. Doyon and his wife, Carole, of Scotland Neck, N.C.; and several aunts and cousins.

He was predeceased by an older brother, Brother Rosaire Doyon, O.F.M , in 1966; his parents, Jean-Paul Doyon in 1988, and Emilia Bilodeau Doyon in 1991.