Father’s Day Spotlight

It is common knowledge that Father’s Day plays second fiddle to Mother’s Day, but that’s not because fathers are less important or deserve less. In fact, the disparity in spending is due to the public usually giving higher priced items such a jewelry to mom, while buying dad some cheaper gilling tools. And speaking of the grill, many fathers love to grill and don’t mind firing up the pit on the holiday compared to mothers taking a break from cooking on Mother’s Day. 

Fathers are of equal importance as mothers in the roles they hold for children. Meet some local dads who have made big impact on both their families and friends due to the unwavering support and strength they provide. And, to be clear, all of these men were nominated by women. It’s obvious that men are special in their own right, and when they father well, everyone benefits.

Kyle Edmiston

In 2017, I lost my dad, Shea, after more than two decades of medical struggles. Losing him left a hole that I carried with me when I made the decision, just two years later, to start over somewhere new. I moved to Lake Charles in 2019 to join Visit Lake Charles, as Kyle Edmiston’s very first hire as CEO. I didn’t know it then, but I wasn’t just beginning a career chapter. I was finding something I hadn’t expected to find again. 

Kyle is, without question, a remarkable leader and a visionary CEO. Over these seven years, Kyle has become a father figure to me in every sense of the word. He has taught me practical life lessons that have nothing to do with job descriptions or performance reviews. Like how to navigate hardship, how to carry yourself, how to keep showing up. He championed me when I decided to pursue my master’s degree (and many other lofty goals of mine), offering not just encouragement but a genuine belief that makes you think maybe you actually can achieve anything. 

Kyle has always been curious about who I am outside of work, including my passion for music and photography, and that curiosity has never felt performative. It has felt like care. The kind of care that sees a whole person, not just an employee. 

And beyond all of that, Kyle has welcomed me into his own family. His wife Leslye, their children Kathryn and Parker, Kathryn’s husband Hunter, and now their daughter, Maryn, have all become a part of my life. 

What means the most to me is this: I know that Kyle’s investment in me is not conditional on my title or tenure. Whatever comes next, wherever life takes me beyond Visit Lake Charles and beyond this city, I know he will still be in my corner. That kind of presence, that kind of loyalty, is what fathers give their children. It is what he has given me. 

I am grateful every day for the unexpected gift of landing in Lake Charles, and for the man who welcomed me here as family. Happy Father’s Day, Kyle. 

—Kathryn Shea Duncan

David Smith, Jr.

I have known David for over three years. When I met David, he was spearheading the purchase and development of the Second Harvest warehouse. Through the years, David has brought so much attention and energy to the Lake Charles region about the hunger crisis we face. David has been the primary leader to a multitude of community events, all aimed toward fighting hunger for Second Harvest, including golf tournaments and holiday feeding programs.  

As a person, David is a joy to be around. He speaks positively and passionately about everything he is involved with. I’ve personally watched him soar in Fusion Five, on the board of ABC pregnancy and also in the 2025 leadership class. David has dabbled in ministry and has spoken to congregations. He is deeply driven by servanthood.   

Why I think David is an amazing father is because I was around him when his wife was about to deliver his first-born son. David has always made sure that his focus remains on Jesus and protecting his family. It was during that season where I was able to witness this firsthand.  

David took paternity leave during his wife’s delivery so he could be of support stay and connect with his son. He drew a firm boundary around his family and let everyone know about it. Leading up to her delivery, he told everyone within his network how important it was for him to unplug from others and work so he could fully plug into his family.  

I remember begging David for pictures of his new baby and he directly told me that his focus was on preserving his family in their sacred time and space. I was moved by the power in that statement. He really did it too. David did not post pictures of his child until the baby was a year old.  

I recently asked David to tell me about any special rituals he does with his children. Outside of the weekly daddy daughter ice cream run, David spends time not only praying with and over his family but also practices daily affirmations with his children each morning on the way to school. They also watch him speak affirmations over himself. He coaches the sports, he does the hair, he does school pickup and drop off . . . . He is in a true partnership within his family and eagerly takes a strong & conscious role in his kid’s lives every day. 

—Katy Rozas 

Owen Clayton

For Owen, leadership has never been about recognition or titles, it has always been about people. Whether he is serving his family, mentoring students, encouraging coworkers or helping someone discover their potential, Owen has dedicated his life to pouring into others and helping them become the best versions of themselves. His life is rooted deeply in his Catholic faith, a faith that guides the way he loves, leads, serves and gives of himself so freely to those around him. 

As a husband and father, Owen is the steady foundation of his family. He leads with strength, humility, compassion and dedication. He is the kind of father who is fully present, encouraging their children, teaching them through both words and actions, and showing them what it means to live a life of integrity, kindness and purpose. He loves deeply, sacrifices willingly, consistently puts his family first and happily cooks breakfast most mornings. More than anything, Owen loves being a dad. It is one of the greatest joys and most important callings in his life. No matter how busy life gets, he always shows up for his children, supporting them, celebrating them and making them feel seen and valued. One of his greatest goals is not only to be a good father and husband but to model for his children what faithful, present and selfless leadership in a family looks like through his everyday actions. 

Understanding the importance of intentional fatherhood, the impact a present dad can have on a family, and the many hats dads juggle, Owen felt called to write a devotional for fathers titled Foundations of Fatherhood. Through it, he hopes to encourage other dads to lead their families with faith, love, purpose and consistency. 

For the last 20 years, Owen faithfully served the Calcasieu Parish School Board, dedicating his career to education and the growth of students and educators throughout the community. His passion has always extended far beyond the job itself. He genuinely cares about people and believes in investing in others so they can succeed and thrive. 

Now, serving as the director of advancement at St. Louis Catholic High School, Owen has found tremendous joy in returning to a campus environment and immersing himself in the lives of students once again. Being surrounded by young people energizes him, and he embraces every opportunity to encourage, mentor and support them. He believes strongly in helping students recognize their God-given gifts and inspiring them to use those gifts to make a difference in the world. 

One of Owen’s greatest strengths is his commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. He is constantly reading, learning, reflecting and sharing wisdom with others. He challenges those around him to grow spiritually, personally and professionally while always offering encouragement and support along the way. What makes Owen truly special is his servant’s heart. He gives freely of his time, energy and talents without ever expecting recognition in return. He quietly shows up for people, supports and celebrates. 

To his family and to this community, Owen is far more than a devoted husband, father, mentor, and leader. He is a living example of faith in action. His impact is felt not only in the work he does, but in the countless lives he has touched simply by caring deeply and loving others. 

—Erin Clanton