It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the Toups family announces the passing of Leroy Joseph Toups, our patriarch and the rock of our family. Leroy passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, gently closing his eyes to this earthly life and entering eternal peace and rest. He was 89 years old.
Leroy was born on March 8, 1937, to the late Edwin Toups and the late Effie Fitch Toups. He was one of five children and was raised in the rural community of Patoutville, where he learned the values of hard work, devotion to family, and faith — values he carried throughout his life. As a young boy, Leroy worked the fields alongside his father to help provide for the family. Too small to climb onto the mule by himself, he used a step stool to begin his work each morning before heading off to school. While many hunted for sport, Leroy hunted deer and hogs to help keep the family freezer filled with food for their meals.
Leroy’s dedication to family and others led him to serve his country in the Louisiana Army National Guard, where he faithfully served for six years and stood ready to answer the call to protect his fellow Americans.
His strong work ethic continued throughout his life as he worked in various industries to ensure his family was always cared for. Leroy began his career in the oilfield with Tuboscope and later worked for Martin Chemicals at Weeks Island and Autolec. However, it was at Pelican Creamery where he built his career, dedicating more than 30 years of faithful service. His children fondly remember their father rising each morning at 3:30 a.m. to prepare for work. Before leaving for his 12-hour shifts, he would always remind them to mind their mother and respect their teachers.
During his years at Pelican Creamery, Leroy worked in many roles before retiring as an ice cream supervisor. To the delight of his children — and nearly every child in the neighborhood — the Toups freezer was always stocked with ice cream treats of every kind. Cones, fudge bars, fruit bars, and chocolate milk were enjoyed by all who stopped by. Though Leroy was a hardworking man, he also deeply loved the outdoors. Raised in south Louisiana, he spent many cherished hours hunting and fishing at his lease on Avery Island, crawfishing in Catahoula, and tending to his garden.
Leroy also generously shared his time and talents as a member of Knights of Columbus Council 3425. He volunteered with the candy wagon, selling candied apples and cotton candy during festivals and parades. Alongside his beloved wife, Mary Helen, he also volunteered each year at the KC Fishing Rodeo held at Cypremort Point.
Traveling was another joy Leroy and Mary Helen shared together. They enjoyed bus tours and traveled extensively throughout the United States, visiting favorite destinations along the East Coast, including New York and Tennessee, as well as Las Vegas and many other memorable places. Yet no matter where life took him, home was always where Leroy’s heart remained. It was beneath that roof that family gathered for meals, friends stopped by for conversation, and memories were made that will last for generations. Most importantly, it was there that Leroy faithfully prayed for his family and friends. A man of deep and unwavering faith, Leroy prayed the Rosary multiple times each day, remaining close to Christ and steadfast in the values and beliefs that guided his life.
Although we will miss him dearly, we will continue to carry forward his legacy and hold his memory close to our hearts. We look forward to the day when we will once again be reunited with him and all of our loved ones in the heavens above.
Until that time, rest well, Daddy. We love you always.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Barry Toups; Kerry J. Toups and wife Crystal; Randy J. Toups and wife Ashley; Angela Toups Rentrop and husband Kirk; and Troy J. Toups and wife Jenny; ten grandchildren, Devan Toups, Sherri Cuvillier, Mary Beth Toups, Nicholas Toups, Lacey Ritchey, Kody Toups, Chase Rentrop, Jacob Rentrop, Dorjan Toups, and Marli Toups; 16 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Geraldine Sonnier and Judy Toups.
Leroy is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Mary Helen Bourque Toups; his parents, Edwin and Effie Toups; and his siblings, Jeanette Hall and Harold Toups.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Leroy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, with Fr. Garrett Savoie serving as celebrant. Following the Mass, Leroy will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at Holy Family Mausoleum, with military honors rendered by the Iberia Veterans Honor Guard.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday at Evangeline Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the 1:30 p.m. dismissal. Deacon Durk Viator will lead the recitation of the Rosary at 11:00 a.m.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Kerry Toups, Randy Toups, Troy Toups, Chase Rentrop, Jacob Rentrop, and Kody Toups. Honorary pallbearers are Barry Toups, Dorjan Toups, Kirk Rentrop, and Lane Toups.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting Leroy’s memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
