John "Freeman" Lebleu

John Freeman LeBleu, 79, a native and resident of Lake Charles, passed away on Sunday September 4, 2016 at a local hospital.

He was the first born of Fremont “Easter” and Evaline “Lena” Derouen LeBleu. Freeman graduated from LaGrange High School in 1955. In 1956, he met the love of his life, Dorothy “Dot” Naquin and they were married on January 2, 1957.

He was a “workaholic” having many jobs, including manager and co-owner of several grocery stores, then deciding to go back to school to become a barber. Later he worked in sales followed by a long career in the trucking business. After retirement, he had to have something to keep him busy, and went to work escorting heavy equipment loads. Freeman enjoyed the work, especially all of his co-workers, and he had many tales about experiences he encountered while traveling to most parts of the United States.

Freeman is survived by his wife, Dot, and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary on January 2. He is also survived by his two sons, Floyd Michael Ketchum (Dale) of Simpson, LA and John Ricky Ketchum of Sulphur, LA; one daughter, Rebecca Anne James (Bob), of Houston, TX; one sister, Lois Anne Cormier, and one brother, Harold LeBleu. He has eight grandchildren, Daniel James, Jake Stine, Kristen Stanislaus, Kimberly Boudreaux, Troy Ketchum, Amy Stine, Lauren James, and Joshua James; and eight great grandchildren, Drew, Kyle and Max Stanislaus; Kellen, Jack and Hank Ketchum,; and Tristan and Brooklyn Stine; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.  

Preceding Freeman in death are his parents, one grandson, Chad Ketchum and one granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Stine.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Wednesday September 7, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Thursday at the funeral home from 9:00 AM and continue until the time of funeral services, 10:00 AM. Father Aubrey Guilbeau will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.