Leslie George Loeding

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 2, 2010 in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Leslie "Les" George Loeding, 78, who went to be with his beloved Savior on December 29, 2009 at 11:40 pm passing away peacefully at his residence in Lafayette. Born February 7, 1931 in Kenosha, WI, Les' life was a legacy of love. Following his education in Milwaukee, WI, he served his country in the United States Air Force through the Korean War. During his four years of service in the Air Defense Command, Les married the love of his life, Janice Price, his 'Janny.' He followed his distinguished military career with careers in the electrical and oilfield sectors and after retirement became an entrepreneur, affectionately known as 'The Mountain Man.' An avid historian, Les toured the Holy Land and was an authority on Biblical history. He enjoyed travels with his soul mate to Alaska, Hawaii, and British Colombia. The honored patriarch of his family, 'Papa Yes' had an infectious smile and a ready wit for his three children and 16 grandchildren. Les served numerous leadership roles in faith communities, his gentle love for people manifested through humble service, most recently as an active member of Crossroads Church. In his later years, Les' strength and sensitivity led him to a unique calling with InnerFaith Prison Ministry and he found great joy in 'going to prison' to hear the prisoners' stories and share God's love. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janice Price Loeding; three daughters, LaNell Granger and husband Larry of Lafayette, Georgann McNabb and husband Randy of Scott and Gretchen Conner and husband Michael of Franktown, CO; sixteen grandchildren, Valerie Keller, Rebekah Ellis, Hannah Britten, Abigail Granger, Ellen Hurst, Lanise Guidry, Renee Granger, Kimberly LaFleur, Ben McNabb, Ahnie Ingram, Molly Scott, Andrew McNabb, Joshua Conner, Christopher Conner, Suzanna Conner and Zachary Conner, honorary grandchild Billy Cotton; four great-grandchildren, Cassie Davis, Walker Ingram, Avarie McNabb and Georgia Kate Ingram as well as two more expected in February; two sisters, Virginia Mossiman and Grace Antczak and two brothers, Lyall Loeding and Burton Loeding. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Clarence Loeding of Winona, MN and his mother, Henrietta Dubbles Loeding of Eyota Township, MN; two sisters, Beatrice Ewald and Dolores Loeding. The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Friday, January 1, 2010 from 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm and will resume Saturday from 8:00 am until time of service at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette. Interment will take place in Fountain Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made in the name of Leslie Loeding to InnerFaith Prison Ministry of Lafayette, LA at PO Box 51574, Lafayette, LA 70505. Pallbearers will be Ben McNabb, Andrew McNabb, Joshua Conner, Christopher Conner, Stuart Britten and Chris Scott. Honorary pallbearer will be Zachary Conner. Reverend Jeff Able, Pastor of Crossroads Church, will conduct the funeral services. Personal condolences may be sent to the Loeding family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Leslie George Loeding

February 7, 1931 - December 29, 2009