A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Buddy Breaux will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Sidney Louis Bares, 92, who passed away on August 2, 2026, at his residence. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, James LeMaire, Matthew Broussard, Jon Bares, Jacob Bares, Joshua Bares and Jonah Bares, along with his good friends, Ronnie Abshire and Darrin Lege.

Visitation will be held at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8:00 AM until 11:45 AM, when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus at 11:00 AM.

Born on September 17, 1933, in Abbeville, Louisiana, Sidney lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family and community. A proud 1951 graduate of Abbeville High School, he went on to build a respected career as the owner of Bares Welding for 67 years. Known for his craftsmanship, strong work ethic, and remarkable ability to fix almost anything, Sidney often joked that he could repair anything except a broken heart—a saying that endeared him to many. He also served honorably in the National Guard for eight years.

Sidney’s commitment to his community was evident through his service as a charter member of the Knights of Columbus in Abbeville and as an usher at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church. He found joy in raising cattle and tending to his small farm, where he embraced the peace of rural life. He also treasured time spent with friends, including 33 years as part of a supper club, and enjoyed leisurely afternoons playing cards. Sidney was deeply devoted to his family and placed great value on education, especially for his four children. He took immense pride in their accomplishments and in the fact that each earned a college degree. His generous spirit and willingness to help others, often without charge, left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Among his many contributions to the community was a memorable act in 1964, when he used his winch truck to lift a fallen water tower from the Erath City Hall, demonstrating both bravery and resourcefulness.

Sidney leaves behind his loving wife, Una Bares, with whom he shared 72 wonderful years of marriage; his children, Tina LeMaire (Ronald), Diane Broussard (Karl), Michael Bares (Deborah), and David Bares (Shannon); his grandchildren, James LeMaire (Monica), Katie Benoit (Ryan), Matthew Broussard (Kristen), Jenna Caho (Jack), Jon Bares (Sheena), Lauren Carmichael (Jake), Jacob Bares, Joshua Bares (Macy), Jonah Bares, and Bailey Latiolais (Taylor); and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Sidney was preceded in death by his parents, Azare Bares and the former Emerente LeBlanc; his sisters, Florence Steinhorst and Lola Frederick; and his in-laws, Amar “Paddy” and Lelia L. Stelly.

All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.