Blaise Philip Leonards

By Harlan Kirgan on Friday, July 6, 2018

    Blaise Philip Leonards
    March 21, 1927 — July 6, 2018
    It is with heavy hearts that the family of Blaise Philip Leonards announces his passing on the morning of Friday, July 6, 2018, at the Southwest LA War Veteran’s Home in Jennings at the age of 91. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2018, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Basile. Entombment will follow in the St. Augustine Mausoleum with Father Mitchell Guidry Celebrant.
    Blaise proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII and received the Victory and the American Theater Ribbon. He and his wife Bernadine hosted foreign exchange students and were one of the many founders of the Louisiana Swine Festival and Roberts Cove German Festival. He was also a farmer and bus driver. He was involved and a member of many organizations including the Holy Name Society, a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus in Duralde, a volunteer firefighter, American Legion, and Woodman of the World. He also attended many retreats including the Cursillo retreat in Prairie Rhonde and the private and couples retreats in Grand Coteau.
    A proud, caring father, grandfather, and friend Blaise will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him especially his children; four sons, Ludwig Leonards and wife, Theresa, of Pitkin, Ignatius Leonards and wife, Janet, of Friendswood, Texas, Daniel Leonards and wife, Rita, of Duralde and Paul Leonards and wife, Connie, of Simmesport; five daughters, Blandina Leonards Zaunbrecher and husband, Michael, of Simmesport, Gwen Leonards Zaunbrecher and husband, Dale, of Eunice, Caroline Leonards Trahan of Lafayette, Joan Leonards Fontenot and husband, Rowdy, of Duralde and Marie Elaine Leonards Brazzel and husband, Frank, of Ville Platte; daughter-in-law, Cassie Leonards of Humble, Texas; two brothers, Louis Leonards and wife, Patti, of Shreveport and Leonard “Buck” Leonards of Rayne; five sisters, Philomena Leonards Ohlenforst of Rayne, Eleanor Leonards Braun of Madison, Wisconsin, Marcella Leonards Ohlenforst of Rayne, Dorothy Leonards and Jeanie Sylvia Leonards Fruge, both of Crowley; he was blessed with 50 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
    He is preceded in death by his lovely wife, Bernadine Marie Habetz Leonards; his son, Sylvester Leonards; his parents, Louis and Gertrude Dischler Leonards; his grandson, Blake Zaunbrecher; great grandson, Job Zaunbrecher; his son-in-law, Eddie Fontenot and his brother, Edwin Leonards.
    At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice on Monday, July 9, 2018, from 8 am until time of services. Deacon Jim Cormier will recite a Rosary at 10 a.m. on Monday.
    Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com
    Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, 337-457.3371 is in charge of arrangements.