Marcel Gumbs, the head custodian at Our Lady of Fatima School for 30 years, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 2:20 PM at Ochsner University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
He was 54 and had a long, courageous battle with cancer.
The familiar face of Marcel Gumbs was a staple at Our Lady of Fatima School for three decades.
He was the head custodian, a quiet, steady presence who took immense pride in his work. He ensured the school was a safe and welcoming place for generations of students and teachers, caring for the building as if it were his own home.
His dedication to hard work didn’t stop when he left the school each day.
On evenings and weekends, he could be found tending to lawns in the community. He didn’t view his lawn service as just another job, but it was something he genuinely enjoyed.
Above all his professional qualities, Marcel will be remembered for his tremendous heart. He was a man with a humble spirit who never hesitated to lend a helping hand.
He leaves behind a legacy not of grand gestures, but of quiet dedication and unwavering kindness. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his gentle soul and his willingness to always be there for others.
Rest in peace, family
Paulette Gums
Family and Faith: Remembering the Gentle Soul of Marcel Gumbs
A celebration of life will be held for Marcel Gumbs, a devoted husband, father, and beloved member of the Our Lady of Fatima School community, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Ochsner University Hospital.
He departed this life at 2:20 PM, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Marcel Gumbs, the son of the late John U. Gumbs and the late Betty Jane Alfred Gumbs, was born on February 3, 1972, in Lafayette, Louisiana.
He was a fixture of kindness and dedication in the Lafayette community. Students and staff at Our Lady of Fatima School knew him for his warm smile, his work ethic, and the quiet, steady presence he brought to the hallways every day.
His greatest pride and joy was his family.
Marcel leaves behind his cherished wife of 30 years, Bridget Bernard Gumbs, and his beloved sons, La’Marcus John Bernard and Braylon Chester Bernard. His sisters, Charlotte A, also survive him.
Similarly, his memory will be lovingly carried on by his nieces, Jupria Gumbs and Mieltionna Boudreaux; nephews, Markell Malveaux and John Gumbs, Jr.; as well as a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and coworkers who were blessed to know him.
It’s been a rough year already.
Stella Leona M
Marcel was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Rosalyn M. Gumbs; one brother, John J. Gumbs; his fathers-in-law, Jos C. Bernard and Joseph E. Kennedy; his maternal grandparents, Joseph Dorsey Alfred and Loriana Fiest Alfred; his paternal grandparents, Clarence Gumbs and Geneva S. Gumbs; his uncles, Jeffery, Nelson, Joseph, and Gerald Alfred; Johnny Francis, Roy Brown, and Paul Gumbs; and his aunts, Thelma Francis, Mildred McZeal, and Barbara Francis.
Kinchen Funeral Home Inc., located at 1011 North Saint Antoine Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, handled the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family on their website at www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.
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