Anthony "A.J." Lebato

Anthony Joseph “A. J.” LeBato, 87, of Lake Charles, LA, died at 4:40 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2020 in his residence.

Born March 18, 1933 in Lake Charles, LA, Mr. LeBato was a graduate of Marion High School and a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, LA.  He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  Mr. LeBato worked many years for Lanier Plumbing and later opened LeBato Plumbing and Heating, retiring in 1995.  During his career, he was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters local.  Following his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and fishing with his buddies.  Mr. LeBato also enjoyed hunting, cooking and tending to his yard.  He was a past member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, where he was a Knights of Columbus, and during more recent years was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.

Mr. LeBato is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Loretta LeBato of Lake Charles; sons, Dr. Alan LeBato and wife Jeanne of Lake Charles and Steve Brian LeBato and wife Genesis of Apollo Beach, FL; daughter, Pamela Courtney of Lake Charles; sisters, Patricia Thibodeaux and husband Donald of Lake Charles and Barbara Thurston and husband George of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Chris LeBato and wife Kelly, Megan Reinkemeyer and husband Greg, Melissa Szabo and husband Alex, Ryan LeBato, Rachel Courtney and Margaret Courtney; and great-granddaughter, Ella Marie Reinkemeyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Angeline and Sam LeBato; and sister, Nola Rita LaRocca.

His memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.  Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate.  Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  A gathering of family and friends will be at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the start of the service, with a rosary at 10:00 AM.

In compliance with the current COVID 19 order, we respectfully request people to remember social distancing and all attendees wear face masks.