Jan Mathias Trahan

Jan Mathias Trahan, age 83, passed from this life on June 24, 2026, in Monroe, LA. Originally from Houma, LA, Jan was born on February 24, 1943.

He was a Louisiana kid who enlisted right out of high school during the early Vietnam era, proudly serving with honor as a diver in the United States Navy. He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his service.

His time in the service sparked a lifelong passion for travel and adventure; Jan loved to see the world and held particularly fond memories of a short time spent living in Honduras. For the rest of his life, he remained deeply drawn to the water and loved anything nautical.

He walked a path entirely of his choosing, working a variety of unique occupations that reflected his resourcefulness and ingenuity. He was a gifted artist who was frequently commissioned to paint beautiful portraits and murals, and he also successfully owned and operated his own sewing machine repair business.

Guided by a strong belief in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, Jan lived with a fierce independence, a steadfast spirit, and a lifelong commitment to living life on his own terms.

Jan's legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his partner Sandra Tivet Ruble and their daughter, Irene Tivet Correro, and her husband Darrell; and his grandson, Gregory Hawkins, and his wife Jessi. He leaves behind his four devoted sisters, Mollie Ikner, Sally Gray (Byron), Ellen Lemoine, and Cynthia Piatt (Bradley). He is also survived by his precious great-grandchildren, as well as a large, sprawling family of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Anthony Trahan and Felicia Naquin.

A graveside service honoring his life, independent spirit, and military legacy will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Northeast LA Veterans Cemetery at 2413 Highway 425 Rayville, LA 71269.

The family requests that any donations be made in Jan Trahan’s name to the Northwast Louisiana War Veterans home at 6700 Highway 165 North, Monroe, LA 7121.