Euris Paul Leonard

Lafayette -

Euris Paul Leonard

7/21/1935 – 3/6/2023

With great sadness, the family of Euris Paul Leonard announces his sudden passing on Monday, March 6, 2023 at the age of 87. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at noon at St. Anne Catholic Church in Youngsville, LA. Visitation will be held from 8:30-11:30 am at David Funeral home at 316 Youngsville Highway, Lafayette, LA. The rosary will be held at 10 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow the Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Mausoleum in Broussard, LA. The Revered Michael Russo will celebrate the funeral Mass along with Deacon Steve Rogers, friend of the family.

Mr. Leonard was born in Lockport, LA to the late Delves Mitchell Leonard and the late Essie Enola Badeaux Leonard. He was the third of four sons and was raised in Lockport and Marrero, LA.

He was preceded in death by his two older brothers Gerald and Evert Leonard. Euris was also preceded in death by his beautiful first wife Georgie Ellen Firmin Leonard and their two sons Matthew and Luke. Sadly, only one month prior to his death, Euris said goodbye to the second love of his life, Mary Clare Baggett Leonard.

He is survived by his son Mark (Teresa) Leonard, Mary Ellen (John Mark) Baggett, and Marcie (Tony) Marty. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. His family grew after marrying Mary Clare and he added 4 step-children, 6 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great grandchildren to his family.

While in school, Euris enjoyed competing in sports, particularly track and field events. He proudly spoke of mastering the hurdles. Not only was Euris an athlete, but he also exceeded academically, graduating as Valedictorian from West Jefferson High School. Not long after school, Euris met and married Georgie Ellen Firmin, the first love of his life. Euris then served in the US Army and achieved the rank of Specialist 4 before transferring to the Army National Guard. Shortly after marriage, Euris began a career in procurement in the oil industry and worked in Morgan City. The family moved to Lafayette where Euris and Georgie raised and educated their three children Mark, Mary Ellen and Marcie. After 32 years of marriage, Euris said goodbye to his first love, Georgie, who had battled cancer for nearly 8 years. Over the next several years, Euris focused on his career and his hobbies of fishing, gardening, playing cards and chess, auto mechanics, and woodworking. He then married his second love, Mary Clare whom he enjoyed spending time dancing, travelling, and attending family functions. Euris and Mary Clare would have celebrated 23 years of marriage on the date of her funeral, the same day as his accident. Euris’ children are honored to have loved and cared for their father during his Alzheimer’s illness. They feel blessed to have had a father that was so smart, faith-filled, devoted, and funny. But most of all, his children feel fortunate to have had two parents that shared their faith, and opened their hearts and home to everyone they met. There are no better examples of God’s love than Euris and Georgie. Euris’ shocking loss, will forever be felt by those who knew and loved him.

David Funeral Home 316 Youngsville Hwy Lafayette, La 70508 (337) 837-9887 is in charge of the arrangements.