Jules Francis LeBlanc, aged 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Born on April 15, 1931, in Delcambre, Louisiana. Jules was the cherished son of the late Edvar and Hermina Landry LeBlanc. He was one of three beloved siblings.
As a teenager and young man, Jules and his brother Roland worked at his father’s ice house delivering ice to the Delcambre community. He excelled at boxing in high school and college and often bragged about how good he was at the sport. This fueled his desire to become a bodybuilder which continued into his mid-eighties and winning a few competitions along the way.
He pursued higher education and graduated from SLI (now UL Lafayette) and met his beautiful, future wife Wanda. He often expressed wonder as to why she chose him. Upon graduation from SLI, Jules enlisted with the United States Air Force. He served his country honorably during the Korean Conflict, stationed statewide. His career path led him to Amoco, where he excelled as a geologist.
In 1953, Jules married the love of his life, Wanda Ryan, embarking on a journey that took them to various cities, including Houston, San Antonio, and New Orleans, before settling back in Acadiana upon his retirement. Nestled along the river in Abbeville, they shared countless cherished memories.
Jules had an unwavering passion for fitness, co-owning Lafayette Health Club with his beloved wife and brother Roland. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was cutting grass, tending to his wife's flower beds, or spending leisurely time camping and sunbathing at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City. Dancing and caring for his horses and dogs brought him immense happiness, and his love for old cars was evident through his cherished possession, a 1931 Chevrolet the same year as his birth.
Jules is survived by two daughters, Renee LeBlanc (Don Dressler) and Susan Dupre’ (David); two sons, Gary LeBlanc and David LeBlanc; seven grandchildren, Anna Deans (Scott); Christian Dupre’ (fiance’ Alecia Dumestre), Sarah Tyson (Bobby); Hailey Dupre’; Ryan LeBlanc; Raegan LeBlanc and Riley LeBlanc and five great-grandchildren, Elsie Deans, Jillian Deans, Milo Tyson, Naomi Tyson, and Bella Tyson; sister in laws Lorraine LeBlanc and Martha Ryan along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Ryan LeBlanc; son, Daniel LeBlanc; sister, Lorraine Singletary and brother, Roland LeBlanc.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Delcambre, LA. Fr. Buddy Breaux will officiate. Following the service he will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church from 11:00 am until the time of service.
The family extends gratitude to the staff of Avanti Senior Living, especially; Victoria, Callie, Pat, Connie, Deshannon, Amy and Demessa. Also, the staff of Hope Hospice; especially, Bobbi, Julie, and Elaine is truly a blessing. Their tireless love and care for the often stubborn, grumpy old man cannot be expressed enough.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made in his name to Hope Hospice, 301 E Kaliste Saloom Road, #201; Lafayette, LA 70508.
To view on-line obituary, video tribute, and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
