Johnnie Joseph LeBlanc, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, passed away peacefully Friday, September 17, 2021 in Galveston, with his loving family at his side. He was 71.
Johnnie LeBlanc was a man bigger than life. He lived by his motto, “If you’re not living on the edge, then you’re taking up too much space.” Johnnie loved people and was beloved by many. He never met a stranger, no matter the place, that he couldn’t strike up a conversation with. Thank you to all he met along the way for many years of friendship.
The one thing Johnnie put above all else was his family. He cherished every morsel of minutes he could spend with them and felt blessed by God for every moment. He instilled his strengths and values into his four children. This has bloomed into a bond for them to stay together and take care of each other no matter the circumstance. He has always stated this was his biggest accomplishment.
Johnnie had satisfied many careers. After high school, he attended The School of Mortuary Science in Houston, Texas. Post-graduation he returned home to Jeanerette to assist many families in their time of need as a funeral director for Landry’s Funeral Home and later Evangeline Funeral Home. During that time, he also managed his family’s furniture business. He later built the career of his dreams, as a self-employed owner/operator of Anywork, LLC. He always said he was most happy in his excavator and tractor. In his wishes Anywork, LLC will continue under the leadership of his son.
Johnnie will be greatly missed by many friends and forever held dearly in the hearts of his family, upmost his wife Diana Stevens LeBlanc, his five loving children; Kelly LeBlanc Helms and husband Craig Helms, Robert John Hebert, Derek James Hebert and his significant other Kelsey Schuler, Bernard Clinton LeBlanc and his wife Brai Vinet LeBlanc, Amber Lynn Juarez, His grandchildren; Dylan Michael Helms, Lucas Andrew Helms, Charli Rose LeBlanc, and Soleil Gabrielle Juarez, and lastly, his four legged friend Zippy. Johnnie is also survived by his sisters; June Voorhies and Faye Parsley and her husband Vernon Parsley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Bernard C. “Black” LeBlanc and Margaret Elaine Kelly, his brother Barry LeBlanc, and loyal companion Diesel.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Johnnie at 11:00 am Saturday, September 25, 2021 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Jeanerette. Fr. Alexander Albert, Pastor, will be the celebrant.
Family and friends are invited to join the family for the recitation of the Rosary, led by the Franklin Ultreya Group, at 10:30 am, with the church doors open for the public at 10:15 am.
Immediately following the Mass, a reception will be held Cooper Street Coffee, 214 Cooper Street in Jeanerette. All are welcome to join the family and celebrate Johnnie’s life.
In lieu of flowers, Johnnie would appreciate donations be made on his behalf to St. Jude Children’s research center.
Family and friends are encouraged to share the memories and condolences with the family by visiting Johnnie’s memorial page at www.evangelinefuneralhome.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia and Melancon Funeral Home of Bunkie is in charge of arrangements.