SHREVEPORT, La. — A public celebration of life for John Wesley “Trey” Auld III, 26, who died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, was 6 p.m. Friday at the Krewe of Centaur Den, 351 Aero Dr., in Shreveport, La. The celebration continued with a home going service at 10 a.m. Saturday at Shreveport Community Church, 5720 Buncombe Road.

Family and friends gather for a coffee reception at 8 a.m. at the church. Last call ceremony and burial followed the service in Belmont, La., with a second line procession to the cemetery. A repast celebration followed on the grounds of the Salter family home, two miles from the cemetery.

The family welcomes anyone to conclude Trey’s celebration with more “Trey Tales,” today, after church at Marilyn’s Place in Shreveport.

“Legacies are not the result of wishful thinking. They are the result of determined doing. The legacy you leave is the life you lead. We live our lives daily. We leave our legacy daily …” Author unknown – found written in Trey’s notebook.

In just 26 years, two months and 10 days, John Wesley Auld III, built an epic life of service, love and laughter. His profound legacy will live on and flourish in the many lives Trey continues to touch.

Trey came here to change the world Sept. 9, 1991, seeming to pack at least 150 years into his 26. Sunday evening, Nov. 19, 2017, Trey slipped the surly bonds of this world, along with two of his heroes, Mike Bollen and Jim Sprueill, serving aboard the Pafford Air One Bravo medical helicopter in Lodge Corner, Ark. Trey strived to be “the best part of someone’s worst day” for most of his life and felt especially privileged to be living his childhood dream he had planned since the age of 3.

Growing up, Trey’s favorite places were Natchez and Belmont with his precious grandparents, siblings and cousins. Preschooler Trey, rarely seen without his fire hat and rubber boots, spent his days putting out fire his papaw built repeatedly just for him. Trey was involved in Summer Grove Methodist Church Children’s Ministry, Grace Methodist Church Youth Group, 4-H, Boy Scouts and the Red River Children’s Choir where he sang in 14 different languages and performed throughout the U.S.

Trey and his constant wingman, brother Tyler, were longtime members of the Shreveport Opera Chorus, performing in a number of professional productions. At age 15, Trey moved to Los Angeles and was under the management of The Young Performers’ Studio. This led to the brothers’ creation of their company, Wesley Brothers Entertainment. Together they made a number of friends on film locations and amassed many memories. Trey was also a casting associate with Bam Casting.

Returning permanently to his beloved Louisiana, Trey joined his dear friend, the Rev. Sione Tu’uta, in creating “Cool Guys on A Mission,” running a food pantry for the homeless as part of the Pool of Siloam Medical Ministry, where he served on the board of directors in recent years. Trey traveled to various parts of the world on mission trips. Locally, he volunteered to be an assistant to the Pool of Siloam director, Terri Strain, during Hurricanes Gustov and Ike. It was under her leadership that he realized his true calling which lead to a career in pre-hospital emergency medicine. While studying to become an EMT, he volunteered at Caddo Fire District 6, eventually becoming a full time EMT/fireman there. Later, Trey served several other Fire/EMS departments in Northwest Louisiana, most recently as part of Bossier Parish Fire District 1.

Trey was a consummate EMS professional and worked diligently to earn a number of prestigious, advanced certifications as evidence of the deep commitment to his profession. Trey was a Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP) and had also obtained the designation of critical care paramedic (CCEMTP.) He was licensed in three states: Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. He was a board certified critical care paramedic (CCP-C.) Finally, he had traveled to Baltimore (UMBC) to become a certified pediatric/neonatal critical care transport provider (PNCCT.) In the last 10 years, less than 400 providers in the world have been able to achieve this certification. He continued to his profession in meaningful ways whether it be mentoring, teaching, or his humor that was enjoyed by all.

Through his work in emergency services, Trey made friends who became family. At the invitation of one of his EMS brothers, he joined the mighty Krewe of Centaur in 2015, finally able to merge his love of community service with his love of celebrating all things Louisiana. Trey was devoted to shining the best possible light on Shreveport/Bossier and was committed to improving his city. The highlight of his life was his August coronation as part of the 2018 Krewe of Centaur Royalty. There was no more appropriate title for Trey than the Duke of Fun. At the time of his passing, he was truly living the dream in every aspect of his life.

Trey is the beloved son of John and Kimberly Salter Auld of Shreveport and Natchez; he is the real-life hero of big sister, Tiffany Adair Short; and his ultimate wingman, brother Tyler Zane Auld; Tiffany’s husband, Roy Travis Short, and their children, Parker Hayes Adair, Spencer, Levi, Noah Wesley and Easton Travis Short also survive Trey; his beloved family includes his grandmother, Marjorie Salter, along with his aunts and uncles, Sharon Salter Brock, Jayla Remidez, Chris and Eva Salter, Bradley and Bobbie Jo Salter, Freddie Lee, Pete and Jesse Terrell, and Matt Brock; his beloved aunt, Ms. Johnnie Mae Johnson; his godmother Debbie Russell Gunter; his godfather Mike Gunter; his special cousins, Chance, Kyle, Dena, Cade, Cohen, Caleb, and Kaylen Salter, Karly Brock and William Valentine.

His legendary urban family and his adored Duchess of Fun Toni Gardiner aspire to continue his good work and shenanigans.

Honoring Trey as pallbearers will be Chance Salter, Daniel Hawkins, Timothy Thompson, Stuart Duke, Austin Tull, Jeremy Tasby, Mikey Garrett, Parker Atwood, Craig Menefee, Carlton Holland, Jay Whatley, Todd Olague, Fernando Gonzales, Travis Short, Victoria Cunningham, Candy Shamburger, and Garrett Olague.

Honorary pallbearers will be his Pafford Air One and Air Methods family, Caddo District 6, Bossier District 1 and his other brothers and sisters in emergency services along with the incredible Mardi Gras Krewes in the Arklatex.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations for the foundation recently created in Trey’s memory, GIVE EVERY DAY YOUR AULD.