Hershel Joseph Chenevert, Sr.

Hershel Joseph Chenevert, Sr.

February 10, 1951 – August 17, 2026

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He was known for his attention to detail, his strong work ethic, and his kindness toward everyone who crossed his path — family, friends, and colleagues alike.

With deep sorrow, the Chenevert family announces the passing of Hershel Joseph Chenevert, Sr., who died unexpectedly on August 17, 2026, at UT Southwestern Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He was 75 years old, born February 10, 1951, in Lafayette, Louisiana, the son of Mathew and Ella Chenevert.

Hershel was raised in a close-knit family of sharecroppers in Louisiana, where hard work and looking out for one another were simply a way of life. Every summer, when school let out for growing season, the Chenevert children worked the fields right alongside their parents. Money was tight, and new cars were out of the question — so Hershel and his brothers made a habit of finding discarded, broken-down vehicles and repairing them by hand, a resourcefulness and work ethic that stayed with him the rest of his life.

He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Lebeau, Louisiana, where he served as an altar boy, before graduating from Phillis Wheatley High School in Melville, Louisiana, in 1969.

Like many young men of his generation, Hershel was drafted into the United States Army, where he served with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, stationed in Germany during the Cold War. He served with discipline and honor and was honorably discharged in June 1973. It was in Germany that he met Helga, who would become the mother of his daughter, Vanessa, who was born in 1974.

After his military service, Hershel went to work for Pacific Rentals, an equipment rental yard in California run by his brother Matthew. It was there that he built a career in equipment rentals and repair, and in 1984 met Felicia, the woman who would become his wife, forming a close bond along the way with her young daughter, Erika.

Hershel and Felicia welcomed a son, Hershel Chenevert, Jr., and were married on July 5, 1992 — a union that would last more than three decades. Together they raised a blended family, with Vanessa, Erika, and Hershel Jr.

Hershel went on to spend five years as a service manager with Montgomery Ward, where his work ethic and leadership caught the attention of Camping World, who recruited him away. He spent the next 25 years there, rising from the service department to General Manager, then District Manager, and eventually Vice President of Memberships — a path that brought the family to Texas. He retired in 2013 and went on to co-found C&N Construction and Remodeling, which grew from a favor for family and friends into a referral-based business built on quality and honesty.

Outside of work, Hershel loved golf, which suited his patient and competitive nature, and he rarely missed a Saints game on Sundays. He also enjoyed watching basketball with family and friends. He was known for firing up the grill for a good cookout, and having a smidge, ribs were his specialty.

Those who knew him remember a man who could seem reserved at first, but who was quick to laugh, quick to forgive, and always ready with a bit of teasing once you got to know him. He was known for his attention to detail, his strong work ethic, and his kindness toward everyone who crossed his path — family, friends, and colleagues alike.

Hershel is survived by his wife, Felicia Chenevert; his daughters, Vanessa Cardona (Jeff) and Erika Rockwell (Norman); his son, Hershel Chenevert, Jr. (Delilah); his six grandchildren, Micah Cardona, Levi Cardona, Marcus Rockwell, Olivia Rockwell, Hershel Chenevert III, and Dylan Chenevert; his brothers, Murray, John, and Layne Chenevert; and his sisters, Janet Johnson, Beverley LaMotte (Paul), Gardenia Celestine (Gary), and Ruth Garriette (Ron).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mathew and Ella Chenevert; his sister, Mary Ann Johnson; and his brother, Matthew Chenevert.

Hershel Joseph Chenevert, Sr. leaves behind a legacy of integrity, humor, and love for his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the love, prayers, compassion, and support shown to Hershel and the family during this difficult time.