LAKE CHARLES – Funeral services for former McNeese State running back Merlin Walet will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph's Church in Loreauville.
 
Walet (wall-ay), the Cowboys' Offensive Player of the Year in 1964, passed away on Friday at the age of 72 in New Iberia, played for McNeese from 1963-65 after transferring from LSU, and was a member of the school's first unbeaten team in 1963 when the Cowboys finished 8-0.
 
A gathering of family and friends will be Sunday from 4-9 p.m. at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia. A rosary will be prayed on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday from 8 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.
 
Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Loreauville.
 
As a McNeese running back, Walet rushed for 1,349 yards on 257 carries. He led the Cowboys and the Gulf States Conference in 1965 with 914 yards on 182 carries for a 114.3 yards per game average in eight games played. He scored a team and league-high nine touchdowns in that season while his 182 carries set a school record at that time. He earned the league's Back of the Year Award and first team all-conference honors
 
A native of Loreauville, Mr. Walet was born April 1, 1943 to Merlin Peter Walet, Sr. and Edna Dugas Walet. Mr. Walet coached students in Iberia Parish for 41 years. He enjoyed planting flowers, fishing and cooking. Most importantly, he found great pleasure in bringing people together. One of his best qualities was finding potential in people where others could not see it.
 
He is survived by his wife, Marla M Walet, daughter, Kathryn Claire Walet, son, Ross Michael Walet, sisters, Kathleen W Heitkamp, Deanna W Gondron, Jodie D McHugh and husband David all of Loreauville, and several nieces and nephews.
 
Mr. Walet is preceded in death by his parents, Edna D. Walet and Merlin Walet, Sr; his brothers-in-law, Alton Gondron and Harold Heitkamp.
 
Pallbearers will be Cecil Landry, Kirk Crochet, Brett Rhymes, Robert Segura Sr., Rod McHugh, and Alton Gondron, Jr.
 
Honorary pallbearers will be David McHugh, Greg Boudreaux, Jo Judice, Ronnie Breaux, Mike Johns and the student athletes Mr. Walet coached over the last 41 years.
 
The family would like to give special thanks to his caregiver, Helen Anthony.