Leroy Joseph Gautreaux

Our beloved father, LeRoy Gautreaux, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at the age of 96, reuniting with his cherished wife nearly three years to the day after her passing. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, a man of deep faith who loved his family, his church, the New Orleans Saints, and his LSU Tigers. 

Born in Lake Charles on July 22, 1928, LeRoy was a child of the Great Depression, learning the value of hard work at a young age by selling newspapers on street corners to help support his family. He graduated from Landry Memorial High School in 1947 and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, where he was part of the maiden voyage of the USS Kearsarge. While stationed at NAS Miramar in California, he managed the basketball and baseball teams. He later attended McNeese State University, before embarking on a successful career with Shell Oil Company. He retired as a Senior Financial Analyst after 33 years of service, often boasting that he had been retired longer than he had worked. 

A passionate golfer, LeRoy walked the course almost daily and achieved an incredible seven witnessed hole-in-ones between the ages of 50 and 70. He was deeply involved in the golfing community, serving as President of NOGA (where he was also Treasurer for 15 years), President of Brechtel Golf Club, and President of Rebel Golf Club. He volunteered as a PGA Marshal in New Orleans for 25 years and contributed his time to Junior Golf, the Fore!Kids Foundation, and the Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour. 

LeRoy’s faith was the foundation of his life. A devoted member of Christ the King Church, he dedicated countless hours to service, from setting up the annual Nativity scene to helping create the parish prayer garden. His deep voice was a familiar presence, leading the rosary on the radio and at many funerals with the Holy Name Society. He was a member of Christ the King Knights of Columbus Council No. 6870 and Very Rev. T.J. Larkin Assembly Fourth Degree K of C and was honored with the Order of St. Louis IX Medallion by Archbishop Aymond in 2013 for his exceptional service to the Church. 

LeRoy was the last surviving child of Lee and Lucia Gauthreaux’s eleven children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joyce Vallery Gautreaux, and his son, Brian Gautreaux (Lori). He is survived by his children, Brenda Gaudin, Sandra Corrigan (Kevin), Greg Gautreaux (Patricia), and Christina Vetra (Chris); his grandchildren, Shanna Kenney, Nicholas Poole (Jessica), Alexandra Battalora (Eric), Shannon Corrigan Wilson (Matthew), Michael Corrigan (Genevieve), and Jordan Vetra (Brendon); several great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Above all, LeRoy was a man of faith who loved his family, his church, and his community. He faithfully watched Mass and prayed daily for those he loved. Special thanks to Father Michael Nam Nguyen who has been a wonderful friend and spiritual advisor to LeRoy and his family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Christ the King Church, 535 Deerfield Rd., Terrytown, LA, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:30, a Rosary will be recited followed by the Funeral Mass. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ the King Church in his memory. 

Mothe Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time. Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com.