Leon A. Koury

Funeral Services will be held at a 2:00 pm Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 13, 2011 at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette for Leon A. Koury, 84, who passed away suddenly on May 11, 2011 at his residence. Reverend Curtis Mallet, Pastor of St. Genevieve Catholic Church, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery. ''It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.' ' Ethel Percy Andrus Leon Koury truly lived. From an early age, as the son of his immigrant father Jacob Koury, Sr. and the former Victoria Ashy of New Iberia, this Lafayette resident demonstrated his enormous capacity to give. As a young man, he drove his father around when the elder Koury's eyesight began to fail so that he could provide for their family. This did not allow for some of the more carefree joys of adolescence but Leon never complained. He and his four brothers and one sister grew up without many worldly riches but were wealthy beyond compare due to the love in the Koury household. In addition to intense love of family, his parents instilled in him love of God and country as well. Leon joined the Army and served his country honorably. Upon returning to Lafayette, he worked as a salesman for Baker Brick before becoming a contractor. In addition to this business, as a young man Leon used his incredible intelligence and people skills to work legislative issues and develop strong relationships that lasted a lifetime. His ability to persuade through his genuine love of people from all walks of life served him well in every aspect of his life. Everyone felt comfortable around Leon and he had the ability to make you feel like the most special and important person in the world. Perhaps Leon's greatest gift was his understanding of the human condition and accepting people for who they are. No favor was too great to ask of him and the requestor was never made to feel obligated. Leon's generosity never came with a price but, rather, as a result of a true desire to serve others. He especially gave of himself without limit to those in need and those who were 'down on their luck'. Leon readily acknowledged his own faults but was much more forgiving of others. He never penalized you for your failings and always praised you for your gifts. Leon was a devout Catholic who attended and enjoyed daily Mass. During his life he experienced tremendous ups and downs. Through it all, his unwavering faith in God and his 'never give up', positive attitude provided an amazing resilience. While he leaves a void in the lives of so many that he offered support to every day, there is comfort in knowing that he is enjoying the rewards of his great faith. Leon is survived by his wife Flois Marie Koury; his four children Jacqueline Koury Johnson and her husband John, Constance Koury, David Koury and Denise Koury Glaze and her husband Randy; his grandchildren Jennifer Johnson Sellers and her husband Jed, Diana Johnson Miceli and husband T. J. and Marcus Glaze; his great granddaughter, Caroline Sellers; his brothers Jacob Koury, Jr. and his wife Betty and Fred Koury; his sister-in-laws Marie Koury and Ella Koury; his stepchildren Nancy Nacol and her husband Mark, Carolyn Allison, and Janice O'Neal and her husband Mike; his stepgrandchildren Kelly Sims, Cathy Hernandez, Alex Allison, Becky McGinnis and Jason Adams; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Victoria Koury; his brothers and sister, Joseph Koury, John Koury and Elaine Koury Dominique and her husband Edward; and his former wife Rosemarie Koury. Pallbearers for the funeral are: John Johnson, son-in-law; John Koury, Jr., nephew; Jed Sellers, grandson-in-law; T.J. Miceli, grandson-in-law; Michael Voorhies, nephew-in-law; and Mike Grover, friend. Honorary Pallbearers for the funeral are: David Koury, son; Jacob Koury, Jr. and Fred Koury, brothers; Roland Ashy, nephew; Jacob Koury and Joseph Koury, nephews; Sal Diesi, Sr., John Jagneaux and Bruce Kilborn, friends. Granddaughters Jennifer Johnson Sellers and Diana Johnson Miceli will recite the readings. The family wishes to thank Leon's many friends especially Sal Diesi, Sr., Mike Grover and Jean Claire Thibodeaux. The family requests that visiting hours be observed on May 13th at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Personal condolences may be sent to the Koury family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Leon A. Koury

September 11, 1926 - May 11, 2011