The Eunice Manor has a vegetable garden and sunflowers growing thanks to their resident John LeJeune.
LeJeune, 86, a resident at Eunice Manor since two years ago, decided to plant, grow, cultivate and water a garden. The garden was planted as he said, “It was during Mardi Gras, I planned it.”
The vegetable garden include cucumbers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, banana, jalepeno and bell peppers, and egg plant. This year LeJeune says the garden produced a lot of cucumbers.
LeJeune has some help to water the garden. “I try to water it twice a day. My sister Jane helps me water and Emily Deshotel, here, helps me too.” Deshotel is an activity director at the nursing home.
LeJeune enjoys gardening, and has maintained a garden all of his adult life. “I’m guessing for 40 years. We farmed all our lives, with my father and my mother. We had a garden back then.” The family lived off of Hwy. 29 near Eunice city limits.
LeJeune claims gardening is relaxing for him and enjoys it. LeJeune’s produce is usually abundant and he gives his vegetables to the chef in the Manor’s kitchen to use at meals. “I also give away to employees here,” he said.
LeJeune is a Veteran of Korean War, served in U.S. Navy. He was 18 at the time of enlistment, served four years active duty and four years reserves.
LeJeune was employed at one time as an operator at the Eunice Rice Dryer, and said, “My boss was Carroll Ardoin. I worked there for nearly 15 years.”
LeJeune’s late wife was Yvonne C. Guillory LeJeune, and LeJeune has three step-sons and many grandchildren.