J.B. Leblanc

Visitation for Mr. LeBlanc will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana, with a reflection service at 6:00 p.m. that evening. Funeral services, led by Pastor Benny Reppond, and Deacon and nephew Sammy Diesi, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2016, also at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery in Opelousas.

Mr. John Bradford (J.B.) LeBlanc, Sr., a resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 94, on December 8, 2016 surrounded by his loving children and caregiver. "J.B." was born on December 15, 1921 in Opelousas, Louisiana to parents Louis and Alexandrine LeBlanc. He left this life just one week away from his 95th birthday.

In his earlier years, J.B. lived in Plaquemine, Louisiana and later relocated to Opelousas, Louisiana. After graduating from high school, J.B. enlisted in the U.S. Marines, serving in marine aviation and was stationed at Guadalcanal during World War II. He married the love of his life, Edna Mae Stelly, and together they welcomed two children, Brad LeBlanc and Becky LeBlanc. He also was a loving stepfather to his step-daughter, Mingnon Marie Chachere. He and Edna Mae raised their children in Opelousas. He was always so proud of all of his children.

During his life, J.B. was a successful entrepreneur, salesman, and businessman. During most of his business career, he was co-owner and eventual full owner of Opelousas Motor Supply. Later in his career, he owned and operated a residential fire safety business. He was widely known throughout the Acadiana region and was highly respected by his clients and customers.

J.B. and his wife, Edna Mae, were members and supporters of Christian Life Center, where they truly learned to love the Lord. For many years, J.B. and Edna led a nursing home ministry and thoroughly enjoyed visiting and praying with the elderly. His most passionate hobby was fishing, a pastime he loved to do with his son, Brad, and granddaughter, Janie, along with his two longtime fishing buddies, Percy Credeur and later with Edwin "Junior" Credeur. J.B. was a man of great character, integrity, wit, and charm. Up to his very last days, he used humorous one-liners that made everyone around him laugh, and he loved to recite the story of how he met and married his beautiful bride.

Mr. LeBlanc is survived by his two children, Becky LeBlanc, Brad LeBlanc and his wife, Cherrie, all of Lafayette, Louisiana and his son-in-law, Daniel Firmin. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Jared LeBlanc, Jason LeBlanc, Janie LeBlanc, Greg Firmin, Cully Firmin; niece, Bobbie LeBlanc Favre, as well as several other nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and great nieces and nephews throughout Acadiana and the Baton Rouge/Plaquemine areas.

Mr. LeBlanc was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Mae Stelly LeBlanc, his stepdaughter, Mingnon Marie Chachere Firmin, his parents, Louis Paul LeBlanc, Jr, and Alexandrine Hidalgo LeBlanc, his brother, Louis P. LeBlanc, III, and his nephew, Louis P. LeBlanc, IV.

The family wishes to recognize and thank Mr. LeBlanc's caregivers for their tremendous and loving care and support. Thank you for treating our precious Dad with such incredible dignity and respect, and for bringing faith and laughter to further brighten his last days and nights on this earth.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas (2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570), (337) 942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Saturday, December 10, 2016
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Service

Reflection Service

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Saturday, December 10, 2016
6:00 p.m.

Funeral Services

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Sunday, December 11, 2016
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery
4833 Hwy. 182 South
Opelousas, LA  70570