Obituary

Dr. Waldemar Oran Toce, Jr., son of Waldermar Oran Toce, Sr., and Jeris Blanchard Toce, was born on October 31, 1946, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Yes, a lot was said about him being born on Halloween, but those who were lucky enough to know him knew it was a fitting holiday for a man who always had a smile on his face, a joke to offer, and tricks up his sleeve. It seems his favorite scary character was the boogeyman, and he often teased his grandchildren that if they didn't behave, the boogeyman was gonna get them! For nine years, Oran was Jeris's and Wally's only child. Then his sister, Jeri, came along, followed closely by Celi and Blane. He was an incredibly patient and loving big brother. While attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana-Lafayette), Oran lived at home, and he never once complained about sharing his bedroom with Blane, who was little more than a toddler. Being so much older than his three siblings, Jeri, Celi, and Blane looked up to their big brother with respect, pride, and so much love. While at USL (now ULL), Oran met the love of his life, his wife of 52 years, Mary Elizabeth Hymel, from Norco, Louisiana. They married after Oran's first year of dental school, and their first home was a 2nd story apartment above a dentist's office in New Orleans. Mary worked as a registered nurse while Oran attended dental school. Oran and Mary had two beautiful daughters, Allyson M. Toce Houston and Kimberly E. Toce Walker. Above all else, Oran was a loving, supportive, and caring father. His daughters were the apples of his eye and the joy in his life. Oran graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Oran played baseball for USL and was an exceptional pitcher. He was noticed and recruited by Major League Baseball farm teams. Yet, Oran's childhood dream was to become a dentist. It was a difficult decision, but Oran turned down pitching in the minor leagues to attend dental school at Louisiana State University Dental School in New Orleans, Louisiana. While in dental school, Oran discovered he was highly allergic to Novocain, the anesthetic commonly used for dental procedures. LSU Dental School recognized Oran for developing a new anesthetic that he and others allergic to Novocain could take. After graduating from LSU Dental School with honors, Dr. Toce began his lifelong career as one of Lafayette's most beloved and trusted dentists. His patients adored him for his gentleness, unstoppable humor, and painless injections. Nearly every dental assistant, receptionist, and hygienist who worked for Dr. Toce worked for him from the start of his dental career to his retirement a few years ago. "His girls," as he affectionately called his crew, were considered family by Dr. Toce. At one time, Dr. Toce was the official dentist for the University of Southwestern Louisiana Athletic Department and sports teams. He was also the official dentist for the Louisiana Ice Gators, a Southern Professional Hockey League team once based in Lafayette, Louisiana. Although dentistry was Oran's passion, he was equally passionate about hunting, fishing, and golfing. Oran and his hunting buddies spent many weekends at their Pecan Island hunting camp in south Louisiana. Most of us, the lucky ones, were regaled with Oran's unbelievable stories about the shenanigans and mishaps he and his hunting buddies were known for. And despite the many entertaining hunting camp stories we all heard, we also knew there were just as many stories of mischief we didn't hear about. Oran loved spending time at his fishing camp in Toledo Bend, Louisiana. Time there was not only to fish but to spend cherished time with family and friends, cooking and shooting the breeze. Oran lived life to the absolute fullest, and family and friends were an essential part of his quest to make the most of his life on Earth. Oran's life centered on spending time with his family and friends. Whether it was at his hunting camp in Pecan Island, his fishing camp at Toledo Bend, or the Toce Family's beach house in Navarre Beach, Florida, Oran was always there for his friends, family, and food. Oran cherished his family and friends, and he was also dedicated to his furry family members. Oran got his first dog, Lucky, a white German Shepherd, when he was in dental school. Throughout his adult life, he was never without a beloved canine companion. Mason and Lottie were with him when he left us. As with anything Oran did, he did it with great gusto. Cooking for family and friends was a religion. Preparing and sharing smoked briskets, fricassees, gumbos, crab boils, and crawfish boils was standard fare at all gatherings. And you can be sure Oran had an Old Fashioned in his hand, a critical ingredient for any meal. As a fitness enthusiast, Oran biked, golfed, and worked out for health and longevity. With each new venture, club, or hobby, Oran put his heart and soul into its cause. He trained and rode his bike from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Pecan Island, Louisiana. A 156-mile trek to raise money for Hospice of Acadiana. He was an active member of the Lions Club, the Bassmasters "Dirty Dozen" Club, the Seattle Study Club dedicated to cultivating comprehensive dental practices, and the Mike Bernard Acadiana Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society. His patio was the envy of any hibiscus-growing aficionado. Dr. Toce was an instructor for FACE, Foundation for Advanced Continuing Education for dentistry. With the Blue Coats, he volunteered at the Louisiana state high school basketball championships Top 24 tournaments. Oran was an avid golfer and could be found golfing with friends and family. He formed a golf group with friends known as the "Krewe". And when there wasn't a golf course, he built one. Oran built Goose Acres in Pecan Island, Louisiana. He also hunted on the golf course, often searching for stray golf balls for his grandsons. Oran became a licensed pilot along with his father and brother. All three spent years flying their planes together and hanging out at the airport in Opelousas, Louisiana. For all three men, this was an irreplaceable time together. Retiring from dentistry was not an easy transition for Dr. Toce. Spending time with Mary, Allyson, Kimberly, and his seven grandchildren filled his retirement with love, laughter, and joy. And, of course, fishing at his camp in Toledo Bend and lots of golf games helped a bit, also. Most importantly, Oran was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where he attended mass daily. For many years, he participated in a men's Bible study group with members of St. Mary's. Those who knew Oran understand what a void he leaves in our hearts and lives. Few men live a life so full of laughter, love, and passion. His joy for life was contagious, and no one walked away without feeling his joy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 11, 2022, in St. Mary Mother of the Church. Dr. Waldemar Oran Toce Jr. passed away on July 7, 2022, at his residence. He was 75. Rev. Fr. Cedric Sonnier, Pastor of St. Mary Mother of the Church, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Hymel Toce; daughters, Allyson T. Houston (Mark) and Kimberly T. Walker (Stuart); grandchildren, Madison P. Toce, Katelyn M. Houston, Marek C. Houston, Ely W. Houston, Mae E. Walker, Graham D. Houston, and Meredith C. Walker; great-granddaughter, Evie Holt; sisters, Jeri T. Dupuis (Ricky) and Celi T. Trepanier (Yves); brother, Blane A. Toce Sr. (Lisa); his brother-in-law, Clyde Hymel, and a host of nieces & nephews; and his canine companions, "Mason" and "Lottie". He was preceded in death by his parents, Wally and Jeris Toce, and his brother-in-law, Robert Hymel. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at St. Mary Catholic Church on Monday, July 11, 2022, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A Rosary will be recited at 1:40 PM on Monday afternoon in the church. Oran had a shepherd's heart and always championed the underdog. He was a considerable philanthropist, devoting much of his time to supporting different charities. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.