MEMORIAL

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Casey Novak

July 5, 1973 – October 24, 2023
natchez, Mississippi

Casey was born on Thursday, July 05, 1973, in Natchez, MS and passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2023 in Vidalia, LA doing what he loved. He was a resident of Natchez, MS. Casey, a beloved man of just 50 years, left us all too soon, but his memory will forever soar through our hearts. He was a man of many passions and talents, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Casey’s life was deeply intertwined with a profound love for his country. He served in the Army overseas, displaying unwavering patriotism and dedication to protecting the freedoms he held dear. His professional journey was equally impressive. Casey was the proud owner of Ferriday Flying Service, a crop-dusting company that enjoyed his leadership. Sharing his enthusiasm for the skies as a member of the NAAA and LAAA. A true adrenaline junkie, he found his calling in the skies, earning a reputation as a fine pilot. The thrill of flying was in his blood, and his infectious passion inspired all who flew with him.

Beyond the cockpit, Casey was an avid outdoorsman, passionate about hunting and shooting. His sharp wit, sarcasm, and penchant for pranks added a special light to gatherings, making him the life of the party. Casey had a natural mechanical mind. He could operate and fix anything he laid his hands on, showcasing a brilliant mind for all things technical. Above all, Casey cherished his family. His health-conscious lifestyle was a testament to his commitment to those he loved. The time he spent with his family was his most cherished possession. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, let us remember Casey as a patriot, a skilled pilot, a passionate outdoorsman, a prankster, a man’s man, and, above all, a devoted family man. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts.

He has gone to be with his mother, Beverly Jean Hall, maternal grandparents, Carl Ray and Sister Lehmann, and paternal grandparents, Stanley and Rae Novak.
Those left to honor Casey’s memory are his wife of 22 years, Lindsay of Natchez, MS, and their sons, Lehmann and Dane, both of Natchez, MS, father, Ronald Novak of Natchez, MS, sister, Nikki Barry of Lafayette, LA, brother, Justin D. Martin (Suzanne) of Spanish Fort, AL, sister, Jessica Martin Knapp (Max “Booger”) of Natchez, MS, brother, Ron Novak (Lesli) of Natchez, MS, a cousin that’s like a brother, Austin Weeks (Samantha) of Roxie, MS, 12 nieces and nephews, Weldon, Presley, Nicholas, Connor, Joshua, Landon, Ava, Caroline, Mason, Callen, Kemp, and Bennett. 

Carl Lee Hill

May 2, 1952 – January 19, 2021
Tallulah, Louisiana

As we celebrate the life of Carl Lee Hill, we remember him as an amazing husband, father, grandpa, brother, friend, and pilot. Carl was born on May 2, 1952, and entered into his heavenly home on January 19, 2021, at the age of 68. Carl was born to Claude Houston and Mary Ann Hill in Port Gibson, Mississippi. Carl married the love of his life, Vicki Arnold, on March 20, 1981. Together they had three children: Michael Wade Vinson, Jr., Samantha Hill Moses, and Cody Lee Hill.

Carl dedicated his life to his family, business, friends, and community. He served as an aerial applicator for 48 years and founded Tensas Flying Service in 2004. When Carl was not spending time with his family or flying, he was known for spending time in his workshop creating anything that came to mind. Some of his most memorable works include his signature iron tables, steam engines, and remodeled boats.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Samuel Hill; and son, Michael Wade Vinson, Jr.

Carl is survived by his wife, Vicki; daughter, Samantha Moses (Stephen); son, Cody (Garnett); granddaughters, Camille Elizabeth Moses and soon to arrive Ava Allen Hill; grandson, Garrett Vinson; sister-in-law, Lisa Hill; brother, David Hill (Charla); sister, Tracy Hill; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Jakob Porter

March 14, 1999 – May 18, 2021
Ferriday, LA

Jakob Tomas Porter was born on Sunday, March 14, 1999 in Natchez, MS and passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2021 doing what he loved. He was a resident of Ferriday. Jakob was a fearless man, always living life to the fullest. He could fly and drive anything he touched if you asked him. He loved his family and friends with no end. Jake was an employee of Ferriday Flying Service crop dusting fields all over the state of Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa. He was in the first graduating class of Delta Charter in 2017. He pursued his lifelong dream of aerial application at AG flight in Bainbridge, Georgia.

His maternal great grandparents, Joe and Bobbie Cascio, paternal grandfather Juan Gonzalaz and maternal grandmother, Donna Cascio Maroon, precede him in death

Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Paul and Christy Porter of Ferriday, LA; girlfriend, Madison Passman of Monterey, LA; sister, Bailey and Nathan Farmer of Ferriday, LA; maternal grandfather, Loyce Maroon of Lake St. John, LA; paternal grandparents, Jack and Juanita Porter of Eros, LA; paternal great grandmother, Tomasa Gonzolaz; uncles and aunts, Phillip and Lisa Smith of Lake St. John, LA; Matt and Tanja Maroon of Lake St. John, LA; Waylan and Karla Piercy of Eros, LA.; Christopher Porter of Eros, LA; cousins, Aaron Maroon and wife, Lauren and their daughter, Annie of Lake St. John, LA; nephew, Kason Farmer; and many more cousins.

Zachary Warren Pourciau

1991 – June 25, 2021
Ventress, Louisiana

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Warren Pourciau, 30, of Ventress, Louisiana, entered eternal rest on Friday, June 25, 2021, when his OH-58 Agricultural Aerial Application helicopter crashed while working in Alpine, Alabama. Zachary, Army Aviator, was assigned to 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment, TF-Voodoo based in Hammond, Louisiana. Prior to this assignment, he served on three deployments including Iraq Global War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Zach served in the United States Army from 2008, until his death. He started his career serving as a 91L Heavy Equipment Mechanic until 2016, when he was accepted into the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Program as an Army Aviator. Zach went on to achieve the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2, making Pilot In Command and accruing over 900 hours of flight time. His drive and ambition led him to pursue starting his own Agriculture Application Service, Bluewing Flying Service, which he appropriately named capturing all three of his biggest interest, flying, agriculture, and the outdoors. Zach knew from a young age that he was called to be a soldier. He was dedicated, passionate, intentional, adventurous, incredibly funny, fiercely loyal, and never apologetic about who he was. He was one of a kind. He was a true warrior. Although, only thirty at the time of his death, Zach impacted many people in his lifetime. He lived more life in thirty years than many, who see old age. He will always be our hero. Part of Zach’s amazing spirit live on in his pride and joy Molly The Duck Dog. All who know Zach knew his passion for duck hunting and his love for Molly. They were an inseparable team. Zach is survived by; His parents Warren and Nancy Pourciau, sister Maddie Tarter (Talon) of New Roads, Grandparents Warren and Billie Pourciau of Livonia. As well as Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. He is preceded in death by his sister, Morgan Elizabeth, and his grandparents, Janette Perry and Santa Nicosia.