Captain Walter J. Leger

Captain Walter J. Leger passed away on June 7, 2015 at the age of 87. He was born in New Orleans and was a longtime resident of St. Bernard and Jefferson Parish. Beloved husband of the late Mildred “Millie” Brown Leger; also preceded in death by his parents Captain Mitchel L. and Rodell Picou Leger; and in-laws Edward W. Brown, Jr. and Mildred V. Brown. Walter is survived by his children Walter J. Leger, Jr. and wife Kathie, Cheryl Leger Holzenthal and husband Barry, Captain Kevin R. Leger and wife Maryellen; grandchildren Walter J. Leger III and wife Danielle, Captain Rhett M. Leger and wife Dana, Elizabeth Leger Fick and husband Jeff, Captain Kevin R. Leger, Jr., Michelle M. Leger, and Madeleine V. Leger; great grandchildren Everett and James Fick; sister Etteen Leger Berteau (husband was the late B. J. “Pistol” Berteau); brother Mitchel L. Leger, Jr. and wife Theresa and their children; and sister-in-law Sharon Brown (wife of the late Edward W. Brown III) and their children; and numerous relatives and friends.

Walter attended Warren Easton High School, New York Maritime College, and Tulane University. Captain Leger then went on to serve in the United States Navy Reserve and as an officer of the United States Merchant Marine. He later served as a Mississippi River Bar Pilot and a member of the Associated Branch Pilots for many years. Walter was respected as a mentor to generations of pilots and mariners. He enjoyed travel and spending time with family and friends, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers the family requests your contributions to the International Shrine of St. Jude, 411 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA, 70112. New Orleans, LA 70126.