Elderly La. couple die less than 24 hours apart

(AP) — Union Parish Sheriff Bob Buckley said businessman J.A. Auger and his wife, Relda, were so close in their 75 years of marriage it seemed natural that they would leave the world together. Auger, who owned J.A. Auger Inc. trucking company, died Sunday. He was 98. Relda Auger died Monday, less than 24 hours later. She was 90.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Farmerville said the funeral for both is scheduled at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Marion.

Buckley said Auger built the parish's first wood chipping plant, and operated his trucking company until last year, when his health began failing.

The sheriff describes Auger as one of the most honorable men he's met. He said that as far as Auger was concerned, his handshake was an unbreakable contract.

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Information from: The News-Star, http://www.thenewsstar.com