Symphony conductor

PINEVILLE – Services for long-time symphony conductor William Kushner are pending. He died March 11 at age 87.

He was conductor for 36 years of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and the Lake Charles Civic Symphony. He was a graduate of Julliard School of Music and a clarinetist with the Houston and New Orleans symphonies, the New York City Opera and Metropolitan Opera orchestras in New York City.

Survivors include his wife Marsha and three children.

Pastor, missionary

DODSON – Services for long-time minister the Rev. Lester Carpenter will be Tuesday. He died March 10 at age 92.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the World War II North Atlantic Fleet who held the Purple Heart. He was licensed commercial and residential contractor before entering the ministry. He pastored Baptist churches in Ouachita, LaSalle, Caldwell, Grant and Winn Parishes and was a missionary for more than 30 years in Jamaica.

Survivors include his wife Zelma and four daughters.

Arrangements are by Southern of Winnfield.

Retired Exxon-Mobil exec

TIOGA – Services for retired Exxon-Mobil corporate supervisor Earl Roshto will be Wednesday. He died March 11 at age 91.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife Dora, a son and a daughter.

Arrangements are by Rush, Pineville.

Pat O'Brien's owner

NEW ORLEANS – Services for restaurant owner George “Sonny” Oechsner, III will be Wednesday. He died March 12 at age 71.

He was owner of Pat O’Brien’s Bar and Restaurant in the French Quarter.

Survivors include two children.

Arrangements are by Jacob Schoen & Son.