There are so many beautiful memories of our time with Durel.  Marie and Durel's home was one of our favorite places to be.  When I think of your family the word love is the main focus.  His love for Marie, his children, grandchildren, brothers, and sisters was always there for all to see.  I am so thankful to be a part of the LeBlanc family and to have known him all these years.  Neal and I
send our love and prayers to you Marie
and all the children.  He will never be
forgotten.  Love to you all. Neal and
Elaine

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to your family. I was thinking of the past when our families would visit. Your Dad will be in our hearts.  Mr Durel was a wonderful man.

While Durel has moved on into the Kingdom of God, his legacy and memories will be life long lasting for those of us who had the pleasure of knowing such a caring and loving individual. We could spend hours using all of the most affectionate superlatives and adjectives that exist to describe Durel, but for those of you who knew him, it was obvious – there were three simple things that guided Durel in his life long journey - it was his love of God, his love of life and most of all, his love of family.   

He was not just a husband, not just a father, not just a father-in-law… not just an uncle, a grand paw, or great grandpa – he was Durel. He was everyman – he was real – he was honest and he was and still is everything to all people.  He touched the lives of so many people and so many people are better for having known him. 

It was never say never with Durel – there was not a single time in the 37 years of having known him that he ever called a service man to fix something. Durel was blessed with the mechanical aptitude that rivaled any engineer, any mechanic, any Mr. fix it. If it could be taken apart, Durel could do it and he did it on a routine basis. And sometimes, no, make that all the time, he could put it back together better than it was before. And he did it not just for himself and his family but for anyone who needed help. On any given day, Durel could be found under someone else’s hood or in someone’s garage or utility room…cars, washers, dryers, lawnmowers – you name it and he could fix it, which by the way was a trait that was passed along to his son Dalton.

But he was so much more than that - the love in this family and the belief in the family unit can best be personified by the family’s matrimonial batting average…not in baseball of course but in a world where divorce is almost common place - where 50% of marriages end in divorce…but not in this family. Because of the conviction and belief in the covenant and sanctity of marriage as taught by Durel and Marie, our family is batting 1000! Six for six…six kids and six long marriages – not to say that there haven’t been tough times but those times were made easier by the constant reminder from Durel (and Marie) of what the Holy Spirit can do when couples are joined in and under the eyes of God.

So why is that important on this day when we choose to honor the memory of our family patriarch Durel LeBlanc? …it’s because his belief and love of the family unit is at the heart of what family is about – the unbending and unbreakable union of two people who share the joy of life and love and of creating what God intended – family. No matter what obstacles came his (their) way, the union between Durel and Marie survived…no not survived, it flourished like that of the Holy Family which represents that bond – that unit – which we as Christians can only aspire to. 

Let’s change gears for a minute and talk about his patience – boy was he patient – one of the most patient human beings in the world – heck - he waited 28 years for the saints to have a winning season and then another 11 seasons for the ultimate prize – Super Bowl Champions. No Saints fan was happier! That Super Bowl victory was truly a gift meant especially for Durel. Those who knew Durel know that he was a long suffering Saints fan – like many of us. And one of his most favorite things besides family, was owning Saints season tickets…had them for years.  They just happened to be some of the worst tickets in the entire Superdome – south end zone, on a 45 degree angle about 15 rows up. Couldn’t seen a durn thing but it wasn’t about the view – it was about being in the Dome and about being a who dat before who dat was ever born. 
Besides being a patient man, he was also very frugal…as it relates again to the Saints and the parking – those of us who were lucky enough to join him for a trip to the Dome knew we had to park on Carrolton Avenue and walk 17 blocks just to avoid paying $4.50 for parking. But it was fun and he loved it. We all loved it and we loved him. 

Let’s not forget his sense of humor – boy was he dry -  as dry as dry could be – and no one laughed at his jokes more than he did!! But he also laughed at everyone’s jokes and when we told a good one- he would repeat it over and over again…his laugh was contagious – it made you laugh at his laugh and he laughed a lot. He enjoyed laughing and he enjoyed life. Durel was and is a happy man. And what made him happiest was the gift of grandchildren and great grandchildren. The apple of his eye, the word no was never uttered to any of them no matter what the request was. Here we were telling our children no and there he was telling them yes…he laughed about that too…

The epitome of a father, Durel was not just a father – he was so much more – he was an active participant in the raising of his children. He was involved in every aspect of raising and nurturing his kids and that included the dating game. There were rules and you dare not even approach breaking the rules but if you did, there were consequences. But the thing that stayed with many of us who were lucky enough to date one of his daughters was the front porch light. Sitting together in the swing, when the front porch light began flickering, time was up…time to end the night. Don’t let the light flicker twice. If you did, chances are that was your last date. 

Lets talk for just a brief moment about being grateful - Thank you so much – thank you so much – thanks so much…those words were repeated time and time again whenever ANYONE provided him with even the smallest of favors. And the words had meaning and those words were true and were directly from the heart. Genuine gratitude towards all people and for all things. Durel was truly thankful and appreciative. As one of his children put it so beautifully, she could imagine him telling everyone present today, thank you so much for the pleasure of having known you all. 
So as we remember and celebrate the life and passing of Durel we need to remember that his passing has now allowed him to be healed of the afflictions that plagued the latter years of his life. He suffered much – but that suffering is now over and the joy and happiness...the blissfulness of heaven is his to enjoy… we all know that he is now dancing in Heaven on two GREAT legs and laughing heavily and heartily at his own jokes. Heaven will never be the same – welcome home Durel! Welcome home!

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Durel. He taught me soo much in his years at SGS and we had plenty of good times. My prayers are with his family.

My condolences to all the family. His friendship was greatly appreciated while working around him. My prayers are with you all.

My memories of Uncle Durel bring laughter to my heart. He was blessed with the unique ability to make people around him feel good. I pray for the blessing of comfort for the entire family during this difficult time.

My love to you all,

We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Leblanc. Please know that your entire family is in our prayers. 
May God Bless and Keep you!

My deepest thoughts and love go out to you all. As I looked at the pictures on this site, memories began to flood over me . Wonderful childhood memories of the Aunts, Uncles, and my many cousins at reunions or other family gatherings. And always at the center...that Uncle of mine, evoking contageous smiles and laughter through his many stories and jokes. 
My love goes out to Aunt Marie and my cousins Dalton, Hillary, Becky, Beverly, Christine, and Maisy. I have way too many memories to mention here, but know that Uncle Durel will always be remembered with a smile. 
"Family" is the word I use to describe him. He obviously loved and treasured you so. Will continue to lift you all in prayer during the days ahead.
Love, Jeanne (Neal's daughter)

I have nothing but the fondest memories of Mr. Durel. He loved his girls and loved watching Dalton play ball. As the years have passed I still remember all the fun we had as teenagers and how all our fathers must have prayed as we left the door. That's what Fathers do. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jared & Michelle, Mrs. Beverly & family,
Although we did not know Mr. Durel personally, we know he must have been a great husband, father and grandfather because he raised such a wonderful family, all of you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Aunt Marie and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you as you go through this season of missing such a wonderful man. Uncle Durrell held a very special place in our hearts and we will always cherish our recent visit with you all. Love and Blessing from us here in St. Louis. Charlie & Jill LeBlanc & family

Bev, Maisy and the Leblanc family,        
Sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.  Keep in mind the many memories of wonderful times spent together. He will forever remain in your hearts.
God bless all of you,

Davis and Cynthia Hymel

Hi everybody, 
I'm sorry to say that I won't be with you in person on Friday; I wish I could. Uncle Durel was a very special person and I'm soo glad that I got to meet him and you all.  He really touched my life.  I love the main picture you chose because that's how he looked when I met him and will remember him.  He always made me laugh.  Even though we will all miss him very much, I pray that he is in a joyful place with the rest of his family and friends...at peace and pain free.  The jokes and laughter will surely be there. You all are in my prayers.

Marie and family, 
Durel was so kind to us throughout his lifetime.  We love Destrehan, and he is a good example of the people who welcomed us.  We pray for him and for all of his beautiful large family. Love, Arleen & Henry

Christine and Maisy
I am very sorry about your dad. I am very blessed that I have both of ya'll as my wonderful and best friends. Ya'll are in my prayers and thoughts. I love both of ya'll

Mrs. Marie
I am very sorry about your husband. You are in my prayers and thoughts. I love you.

The memories we all shared as kids on Destrehan Drive will always be stilled in my heart.  Know that your Dad has only relocated with all the other neighbors and is at peace in heaven.  We miss them all  - Bless you all and give you courage to face the passing of your sweet father.

OBITUARY

Durel C. LeBlanc

20 February, 1928 – 9 September, 2011

H.C. Alexander Funeral Home

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