William Eugene LeBlanc

William Eugene 'Gene' LeBlanc, Sr., 81, of Friendswood, TX, passed away Thursday, 18 February 2010, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born 9 January 1929 to Maude Marie Broussard LeBlanc and Jean Ozer LeBlanc, Sr. in Abbeville, Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce Segrest LeBlanc; brothers, Jean Ozer, Charles and Albert; sister, Marjorie; son-in-law, Vernon Nixon; and grandson, Mike Nixon. He is survived by wife, Glenna LeBlanc; son, Bill LeBlanc and wife Paula of Friendswood; daughters, Stacy LeBlanc of Houston, Jeri Nixon, Jeanni Pruitt and husband Chip, and son Bill Eldridge and wife Brenda; grandchildren, Courtney, Elyse and Travis LeBlanc, Colt Pruitt, Capt. Clint Burleson and wife Tiffany, Glenna Steward and husband Jon, Steven 'Bro' Nixon and wife Rachel, Molly Nixon, and Mandy Eldridge Ott and husband Randy, and numerous great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Gene's first wife, Joyce, lost her battle with cancer in 1976, leaving Gene to raise two young children which he did with courage, integrity, and love. In 1984, he married Glenna who has been a pillar of strength for all of us. Gene served in the United States Marine Corps from 1946 ' 1948. He then attended Spartan School of Aeronautics where he earned his pilot's license and a degree in aircraft maintenance. Gene worked as an aircraft mechanic and machinist for Baroid and for Gilley Aviation. He then became a pilot for Union Oil Company of California, earning the rank of Captain on Grumman Widgeon and Mallard flying boats, Swearingen Merlin III turbo prop, and finally a Lockheed Jet Star 731. Of all the airplanes he flew, he had the most fun and was the proudest of being a flying boat pilot. After battling a heart attack and triple bypass, he managed the geophysical tape library. Gene retired in 1987. His first retirement project was inventing, creating, and patenting a baboon self-operated feeder for Stacy's Master's Thesis research at Texas A&M. Another major retirement project was a custom replica 18-wheeler mailbox to match the one driven by Bill for Houston Lighting & Power; this mailbox was just recently overhauled and refurbished by Gene. Since his first heart attack in May 1984, Gene had said he was living on borrowed time. Each time he would get sick, his family never counted him out. His will to live was legendary. In his final weeks, he told us that he'd lived a better life than most people, seen and done more than most people, was blessed with not one but two wonderful wives, great children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the Clear Lake Hospital 2nd floor ICU who took great care of Gene on multiple occasions over the last 20 years and everyone at Deke Slayton Cancer Center who made his last battle with cancer a little more bearable. Thanks to cardiologist Dr. Harold Rosenthal and his staff, for being a great doctor, caregivers, and friends for the last 26 years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to your favorite medical support or charity. Dad you are our role model, mentor, hero and best friend. Watch over us and we will see you one day in Heaven. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Jeter Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Friendswood, Texas. In Lafayette, LA a visitation will be held Monday, February 22, 2010 from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. with the Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 P.M. at Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506, (337) 235-9494. Burial will follow at Lafayette Memorial Gardens. Condolences can be sent to the LeBlanc Family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com

William Eugene LeBlanc

January 9, 1929 - February 18, 2010