Benjamin "Ben" Joseph LeBoeuf Sr.

Benjamin LeBoeuf, Sr., a devoted and loving father and husband, was called home by his Heavenly Father on Friday, March 8, 2013. He was 47 and a resident of Gonzales. Ben was known for his love of family and friends. Ben never met a stranger. His laugh and smile were contagious. Ben lived for the thrills in life. His four children brought him much pride and joy. His wife, Val, was his soul mate and best friend. She was the love of his life and his anchor. A beautiful couple with a beautiful family. Ben's passing will leave a void in his family and many friends' lives that will never be filled. Ben was one of a kind; all of our lives are much richer for having known him. Ben served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, having served in Desert Storm. While serving, he received the Saudi Arabia SCA Service Deployment Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Liberation of Kuwait Ribbon. Ben's Shell Chemical career spanned some 19 years all supporting the Ethylene Oxide/Ethylene Glycol module. Through the years, he was promoted up the ranks starting out as a process technician to EOEG3 Start-Up Team to Production Team Leader to Production Specialist and most recently to the Expansion Specialist. He was also a member of Shell's volunteer emergency fire crew. Ben was also a local businessman, co-owner of Dutchtown Market Chevron. Ben was a member of the Knights of Columbus 1st degree, and usher at both, St. Theresa, Gonzales, and St. Joseph, French Settlement Catholic Churches. He enjoyed riding his Harley and driving his Corvette. He loved NASCAR. Visiting will be at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, Gonzales on Monday, March 11 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Visiting will resume at church on Tuesday from 9am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, Fr. Gary Belsome and Fr. Jason Palermo, officiating. Entombment of the ashes to follow in Hope Haven Mausoleum, Gonzales. He is survived by his adoring wife, Valerie Kraft LeBoeuf; two daughters, Megan and Brooke LeBoeuf; two sons, Trent LeBoeuf and wife, Lena, and Benjamin LeBoeuf, Jr.; two grandchildren, Lacey Holland, and Cannon LeBoeuf; two sisters, Julia L. Barrilleaux, and husband, Jullian, and Cynthia L. Decoteau, and husband, Martin; and two brothers, William P. LeBoeuf, Jr., and wife, Dorothy, and Robert J. LeBoeuf and wife, Jane. He was preceded in death by his parents, William P. LeBoeuf, Sr. and Vivian P. LeBoeuf. Honorary pallbearers will be Trent, Megan, Ben Jr., and Brooke LeBoeuf.