Unlike Monday’s state funeral for former Congressman and Governor Dave Treen, yesterday’s memorial service at St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church in Mandeville was more family and friend oriented focusing on Treen’s private life rather than as the state’s foremost Republican.

Lauded by political peers on Monday, the family service Tuesday featured his pastor, the Rev. James Mitchell, who spoke about having Treen and his family “back where Dave called his church home” for the service. A simple flag-draped coffin at the front of the church with a picture of the governor symbolized the principled and rather simple life he led. A slideshow of moments of his life greeted mourners on both sides of the church.

Treen’s daughter Jennifer Treen Neville of Mandeville said her father had been suffering from lung disease since April and was hospitalized for his back, but his death was unexpected. During the visitation before the service, Ronnie Kole reminisced about his friend, saying that he would play the piano for Treen at the Governor’s Mansion for parties during the holidays. He was appointed by Treen to serve on the state Tourist Commission, which he later chaired.

The flag-draped coffin lay in state at St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church in Mandeville. (Staff Photo by Debbie Glover)

When Kole and his wife Gardner were getting married, Kole said they had many friends of various faiths. He was unsure of who should perform the ceremony. Knowing that a captain can perform weddings, Kole asked Treen to perform the ceremony as “captain of the state” on board a ship. “It’s the only time he said no to me,” said Kole.

Mitchell said that although everyone was gathered to mourn his passing, “We are also here to give thanks to God for the life of David Conner Treen.” He said that he had always admired Treen, and when Mitchell found out he was to be pastor at the church where Treen worshipped he was very excited.

Mitchell called Treen’s death “a time of transition for a great man. You (God) gifted Dave and Dave gifted us.”

Jason Neville, Treen’s grandson, reflected on life with “Granddad Treen.” He told a story about Treen’s ability to reach out to everyone. “When part of the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts was dedicated in his honor, he was asked to address the students. Having been a student there myself, I was skeptical of the reception he would get. He told the students ‘the day the legislature approved this school was the happiest day of my life except the day my wife agreed to marry me.’ The students were captivated.” Neville said Treen’s political life was an overflow of his private life, caring and loving.

Dr. David Treen Jr. also remembered his father’s kindness. “Thank you all for coming. My dad would’ve thought all this was too much trouble.” Treen said that Saturday night in Tiger stadium at LSU a remarkable thing happened—there was a moment of silence in honor of the former governor at the start of the LSU/Tulane game.

Treen said that what made the moment remarkable is that it epitomized his father’s life, bringing people together no matter how they disagreed. Even though Treen was a Tulane alumnus, and the old rivalry still persists between the two schools, everyone at that moment respected him and remembered him. Treen ended the anecdote by stating that at least one Tulane person received respect at Tiger stadium Saturday night.

The night Treen was elected governor, he congratulated his namesake for being accepted at medical school. Treen Jr. congratulated him on being elected governor. He told his son, “I guess we’ve both been selected for four years of hard labor.”

Treen’s memories of his father included many character traits Treen was known for in his political life as well—honesty, punctuality, frugality, fairness, impartiality and generosity.

He was also known for his honesty. He once told his son that he was amazed at how many people thought they could buy their way into his favor. He told his son that integrity has its rewards; integrity was how you behave when no one is looking.

At the conclusion of the service, Mitchell recalled Treen’s humility and faith-filled life. Treen was known for praying “The Lord’s Prayer” every night and was a man of faith, a brother in Christ and loved his church. He was also a regular at Bible study on Wednesday nights.

Mitchell said Treen was not interested in monetary gain but was a good family man — a man that believed there were two kinds of perfect people, grandparents and grandchildren.

Treen is survived by his three children, Jennifer Treen Neville of Mandeville, Dr. David Conner Treen Jr. and wife Michelle of Metairie, and Cynthia Treen Lunceford and husband Lloyd of Baton Rouge; nine grandchildren; his brother John Treen and his wife Martha Ann. His beloved wife Dodie had passed away in 2005.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to the Methodist Children’s Home, the American Cancer Society, Louisiana School for the Deaf Foundation or a charity of the person’s choice be given in Treen’s memory.