Lee R. Soileau

Mr. Lee R. Soileau, of Port Arthur, Teas, ended his 92-year journey here on earth on January 24, 2013, when he entered the Kingdom of God. Mr. Soileau was born on December 1, 1920, near Ville Platte, Louisiana, to Ariel Soileau and Melicia Fontenot. He was the oldest of eight children.

Mr. Soileau loved God, Family and country above all. He gladly served his country in World War II in the European Theater, serving in the Rangers Division. He participated in the Normandy Invasion/Omaha Beach. He was a Prisoner of War and was awarded two Purple Hearts, as well as the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, two PWO Medals, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

On May 8, 1946, he married his young love, Lucille Gladden. They were married over 40 years when Lucille predeceased him on April 15, 1991. He then married Frances Gray. He and Frances were married approximately 15 years, when she predeceased him March, 2005. Both of Mr. Soileau’s parents predeceased him, as well as brothers, Vernal, Horace, Irving and Roy Soileau. Mr. Soileau is survived by his only child daughter Gale Hebert (husband Wayne); grandchildren, Tina Balsamo (husband Ronnie) and Marc Hebert. Additionally, he is survived by three greatgrandchildren, Derek Balsamo, Karli Balsamo and Chase Balsamo. Mr. Soileau is also survived by two sisters, Jeanette Polson (husband E.B. Polson), Geneva Limoges (husband Jim), and one brother, Joel Soileau (wife Freddie), and numerous nieces and nephews.