John Anthony LaCombe Sr.

Born on August 27, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the adored son of Celse Anthony LaCombe and Lillian Cripple LaCombe. John was welcomed into Heaven by his parents and his devoted wife of 65 years, Eleanor Suhre LaCombe.

He is survived by his five beloved children: Allison LaCombe Bentley (John), Cheryl LaCombe Hollier (Ricky), John Anthony LaCombe, Jr., Michele LaCombe Van Geffen (David) and Jennifer LaCombe Melton (Keith). His legacy continues through his 14 grandchildren: Charly Hollier Downen (Jesse), Dennis Crocker (Allie), Brittany Paige Hollier, Kaitlin Bentley Schaeffer (Wes), Andrew Crocker (Sara), Jackson Bentley, Jacob Van Geffen (Megan), Caleb Van Geffen, Seth Van Geffen, Sarah Melton, Jillian Hollier, Chris Melton, Alex Melton and Catherine Melton, along with his 12 great grandchidren: Chad, Christian, Teshub, Chase, Colton, Kamryn, Connor, Huntliegh, Allie James, Corbin, Elizabeth Anne and Cohen. He is also survived by his sisters Jeanne LaCombe Perelli and Judith LaCombe Benelli (Danny), his sisters in law, Ethelyn Suhre Guillory and Delores Suhre, his brother-in-law Ernest Suhre (Kathy) and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

John grew up in the New Orleans area, attending St. Theresa of Avila elementary school, graduating from De La Salle High School and studying computer science at Tulane University. He served our country in the Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1964. His critical thinking, detail orientation and leadership skills aided in the start of his career with New Orleans Public Service (NOPSI). He later transferred to Detroit, Michigan to work at General Motors. His "home" of New Orleans called him back as the VP of Systems Development at First NBC New Orleans. He retired from Electronic Data Systems in 1999.

John was always personable and enjoyed getting to know and serve others. He was an active member of the Jefferson Rod and Gun club, serving in officer positions. As President, he received recognition from Governor Dave Treen and State Senator J Bennet Johnson. He loved the Mardi Gras season and his time as an officer with the Atlas parade crew. He coordinated the acquisition of bands and other entertainment and organized the lineup for the parade. As a member of the Elks organization, he participated in many community service projects and was able to lead as Second Chair and Co-Chair of the Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians. He was an enthusiastic fan of the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints!

John always found joy in his devotion to his wife Ellie, his children, his grandchildren and his extended family. He was generous with his time and resources, always ready to extend help when needed. The many examples he set and lessons he taught included honesty, humility, contentedness, hard work, humor and faith. He will be greatly missed by so many whose lives he touched.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA. Visitation will take place from 9:00am until 11:00am with a Mass at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

John will be deeply missed but never forgotten, and his love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.