John R. LeBlanc, 92, of Port Arthur, died April 3, 2013 at Mid-Jefferson Hospital. He was born in Port Arthur on October 10, 1920 to Saul and Justine LeBlanc. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Cecilia Perry LeBlanc, his parents, and his brothers and sister: Olden P. “Pete” LeBlanc, Maurice LeBlanc, Rufus LeBlanc, Brother Aaron LeBlanc, S.T., Rudy LeBlanc, and Blanche Cappel.
Bobby graduated from Port Arthur High School and soon after enlisted in the U. S. Army, where he served from 1941 until 1945. He spent a year in England and later took part in two milestone events of World War II. He landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day and was stationed with the 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. He earned three bronze stars during his service.
After the war, Bobby returned home to Port Arthur where he worked as a boilermaker at Texaco for approximately 35 years. He retired at 60 years of age and spent over twenty years doing volunteer work at his church and in the community. He spent many hours as a volunteer at Bishop Byrne High School, delivered for Meals on Wheels, worked at the Hospitality Center, and served as an usher and collection counter at St. James Catholic Church.
As a young man, Bobby enjoyed the outdoors as an avid fisherman, hunter, and archer. He traveled on numerous bus tours with his wife and treasured the memories of his trip to Ireland in 1979 with the Bishop Byrne Colleens.
Even at 92 years of age, Bobby still had a spring in his step, a twinkle in his eye, a firm handshake, and an ever-ready smile for anyone he met. He enjoyed his music, sports on television, and his pets. Most importantly, he valued his family and his faith.
Bobby is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Monica and Robert McDonald of Port Arthur, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
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