Blaise Philip Leonards

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 Louisiana 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, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Basile.
Entombment will follow in the St. Augustine Mausoleum with Father Mitchell Guidry as celebrant.
Blaise proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II 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 Germanfest. He was also a farmer and bus driver.
He was involved and a member of many organizations including the Holy Name Society, a Fourth 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, and 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, from 8 a.m. 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 W. Laurel Ave., (337) 457-3371, is in charge of arrangements.