Dr. Nolan J. LeBlanc, 87, of Orange and a former resident of Port Arthur, passed away Monday, March 10, 2014 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Saint Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Steven Leger and Reverend Kevin Badeaux. Entombment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery Mausoleum in Orange, Texas.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with a Cursillo Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on November 4, 1926, Nolan was the son of Eras and Gabriel (Judice) LeBlanc. An Eagle Scout as a child, Nolan graduated from St. Mary High School in Port Arthur in 1945 before joining the US Marines. He went on to graduate from Lamar State College, Pharmacy School at the University of Houston, and Medical School at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He then specialized in Pediatric Medicine at Baylor University College of Medicine in Houston. He was awarded Most Outstanding Intern at Methodist Hospital in 1959 while serving under Dr. Michael DeBakey, and he completed his residency at Methodist and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston in 1963.
In January of 1964, Nolan opened his own private practice in Orange, where he served his community until his retirement in 2000. While in practice, he volunteered at the Orange County Health Clinic twice a month for many years. He also volunteered at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, teaching clinical pediatrics to interns weekly. He was a member of Phi Chi Medical Fraternity and St. Henry’s Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eras and Gabriel LeBlanc; and sisters, Olga Ransonette and Gertrude Montondon.
Nolan is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Fredna Mouton LeBlanc; daughter, Michele Mazzola-Smith and husband Wayne of Orange; sons, Nolan LeBlanc, Jr. and Greg LeBlanc, both of Orange; grandchildren, Ben Mazzola IV and wife Gigi of Beaumont, Brian Nolan Mazzola and wife Mandy of Beaumont, Brady Alan Mazzola of Houston, Lisa Michele Mathews and husband Bryan of Beaumont, Lexi Martin and husband Justin of Bridge City; and ten great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ben Mazzola, Brian Mazzola, Brady Mazzola, Bryan Mathews, Ralph Brent, and Robin Molley. Honorary pallbearers are Al Wingate, Corbin Overman, Henry Breaux, Ron Jackson, Jim Molley, and Sam Whatley.
In lieu of flowers or food, memorial contributions may be made to Birthright of Orange, 1537 Stickland Dr. Orange, Texas 77630.
Condolences
Donna (Whitworth) Fuller
March 17, 2014
It was our good fortune and honor to know Dr. LeBlanc, as he was our children's pediatrician back in the 70's. He was a perfect example to them - and us - of what a man should be. We've been out of the area for over 20 years, so I'm glad to know he led such a long and fulfilling life. Dr. LeBlanc touched many lives during his life, and we are all the better for it. Donna (Whitworth) Fuller Gulf Breeze, Florida
Dana Schwalie
March 16, 2014
Dr. LeBlanc has been mine and my parents neighbor for the past 10 years or so. He was the sweetest man. A few years ago my son, who was about 11, started having serious abdominal pains. I could not get in touch with my dad, who is also a doctor, so I ran over to the LeBlanc's and Dr. LeBlanc came right over and assured me that it was not a burst appendix, but that he did need to go to the ER. It is so hard to believe he is gone -he is the healthiest 87 year old I ever saw! My heart and my prayers go out to his family, especially his sweet wife, who let my son wander in and out of her home when he was a child. May God lay his healing hand over all of you at this difficult time. Dana Webb Schwalie
Rosemary, Charles And Shon Hodgkinson
March 15, 2014
We are thinking of you all during this most difficult time. The best Pediatrician and finest man. Sincerest sympathy. Rosemary, Charles and Shon Hodgkinson
Pat Hardesty Cheek
March 14, 2014
Pat Hardesty Cheek lit a candle in memory of Dr. Nolan J. LeBlanc
Brenda
March 14, 2014
BRENDA lit a candle in memory of Dr. Nolan J. LeBlanc
Jim Sanders
March 14, 2014
At 17, in for a quick school physical, Dr. LeBlanc said, "How long have you had that heart murmur?" I said, "You tell me. You've seen me all my life!" Open heart, in Houston, took care of that and was new & improved. Even today, almost 40 years later, if i'm asked who my physician is, i can only think of Dr. LeBlanc.
Belinda Sharp
March 13, 2014
Belinda Sharp lit a candle in memory of Dr. Nolan J. LeBlanc
Carol And Robert Sims
March 12, 2014
Dr. Leblanc was doctor when Stephen and Stacy were little. He was so nice to visit with him. He will be missed!
Mark Hamilton
March 12, 2014
Mark Hamilton purchased the Sweet Liberty for the family of Dr. Nolan J. LeBlanc.
Anonymous
March 12, 2014
Lily and Rose Tribute Spray was purchased for the family of Dr. Nolan J. LeBlanc.
David Haynes
March 12, 2014
Dr. LeBlanc was without a doubt the greatest. We will miss him. He always knew just what to do. He took care of three generations in my family. He also told me seventeen was too old to be his patient. Lol I thank God for for those special people that pass through our lives. Lisa Parkhurst Haynes
Wayne And Debbie
March 12, 2014
Our sincerest condolences to all the family. Many good memories of our relative and pediatrician. May the Lord comfort and bless, as only He can.
Don & Julie Wells
March 12, 2014
Dr.LeBlanc was my children's pediatrician. The kids just loved him. He was a very good Doctor. Our prayers are with the family. Don & Julie Wells & Children
Mollie Bland
March 12, 2014
So sad to hear that the Dr. LeBlanc passed. I am even more sad that I didn't realize all that he had accomplished in his life until I read his obituary. I knew he was the best pediatrician, we loved going to him when we were kids. I had no idea that he was an Eagle Scout or a Marine! I just knew that he would thump you on the back, hard enough to make you stumble, every time we went to see him! He will surely be missed.
Stephanie Edgerly
March 12, 2014
Orange, Texas had lost a GREAT MAN! I was born in 1964 and had the honor of being his patient for many years until I became too old. I will always remember as a child how when I became sick I never minded going to the doctor. He always had the most gentle, warm hands. His voice was one of a kind and he always knew how to comfort a crying child and a worried parent. He truly cared for each child as if we were his own. His legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren as he was a great Father/Grandfather also. May the piece of The Lord be with you all as he is laid to rest. God bless.....
Lisa Brady
March 12, 2014
Our deepest sympathy go out to your Family you were one of the best and greatest Doctors in Orange Texas, and Nolan Jr. I am the one that you use to call Janet, yes this is me...our heart goes out to you all...God-Bless you all and you all will be in our Prayers....
Vallie Lesmeister
March 12, 2014
Dr. LeBlanc was My Dr. till I was 14 and I sure did Love him, he always took very good care of me. He was a very good Dr. and friend to the Lemoine family. I could not have had a better Dr. He will surely be missed. My Prayers go out to his Family and I pray God give's them peace in thier time of grief. God Bless him RIP Dr. LeBlanc I loved you so much. Vallie Lemoine Lesmeister
Holli Harrison
March 11, 2014
Doc was a loving, caring, wise, and inspirational man. His compassion and love for people showed through his kind eyes and gentle smile. I know the family will truly miss this hero. I am praying for all of your grieving hearts. God bless you all. Holli Hogan Harrison
Paul Deal
March 11, 2014
Rest in peace Doc! I remember when I was in grade school my mom took me to see him. She was worried that I was not eating enough. She told him I didn't like steak or roast much and thought I was too thin. Doc told her to send the steaks and roasts to Africa and give me a peanut butter & jelly because it has lots of protein in it too. I don't think she liked the answer much, but after that I carried my lunch to school with a PB&J almost every day.
Anonymous
March 11, 2014
Joyful Memory was purchased for the family of Dr. Nolan J. LeBlanc.
Tammy Reed Taylor
March 11, 2014
WOW hard to believe he is gone. I'm 53 and he was my doctor until I was 17. My Prayers are with his entire family. A Great Man! RIP Dr. Nolan
Adele
March 11, 2014
Michele, Wayne, and family, Please know we are thinking of you and holding you up in prayer during this difficult time. May Jesus' loving arms surround you all. Bob and Adele Novak
Sandra Blakelock
March 11, 2014
Dr. LeBlanc was my 6 children's doctor from 1966 until the kids left for college. He was there for us for all the kids sniffles but also for a couple of very serious illnesses His knowledge and caring way was awesome. We are very thankful he was our doctor. Prayers for the family
Dawn Faulk
March 11, 2014
Well sadly he wasn't my doctor because from just the few comments I've read, he sounds like he was great at what he did, but gladly, he was my friend. I know he loved what he did & it showed. He made everyone feel loved & like family, & that is a gift! My sincerest sympathy to his wonderful family. May the love of God & your family & friends help you through this most difficult time.
Charles And Justine Huselton
March 11, 2014
Michele and family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. We will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts. We are quite sure you are sharing lots of good memories of this wonderful man. Love to you, Charles and Justine Huselton
Susan Swan
March 11, 2014
Dr. Leblanc was around for my entire childhood and beyond. He was always there for my family, me, and then my son, James. I have very distinct, fond memories of him and consider myself blessed to have known him.
Shirley Bujard
March 11, 2014
Dr. Leblanc was my children doctor in the 70's, we adored him.He called my children the iss's be cause their names are Bliss, Triss and Kriss...He was an amazing man.
Kevin Willey
March 11, 2014
He was my Pedi. (1966), and was there when my oldest daughter was born (1994). The world has lost a great man.
Charles And Rachel Dubois
March 11, 2014
Dr. Le Blanc was not only a tremendous physician but a compassionate person. When our daughter was born with Hyaline Membrane Disease he told us that she was not expected to live through the night. He continued to care for her and spent the night with me as we awaited the end. He refused to bill us for his services.
Albert & Ima Jeane Harrison
March 11, 2014
He was the best children's doctor I ever knew. Prayers and condolences to his family. Albert & Ima Jeane Harrison Of Shreveport, Louisiana
Jill Cloud Smith
March 11, 2014
Like most of these tributes, I also remember going to him as a child and credit him for saving my own son's(Matthew) life at 3 months old. Er doc said give him fluids...Dr LeBlanc said get this child to Tx Children's now! Walked into Tx Children's ER when Matthew began to hemmorrhage and 10 min later in surgery. Nolan saved his life! Matthew is 17 now, healthy and happy. Thank you Dr LeBlanc, I can never say thank you enough! Jill Cloud Smith
Lynn Sharrah King
March 11, 2014
He was my children's doc for several years. Doc LeBlanc was a kind man and my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Vickie Foreman
March 11, 2014
Dr. Leblanc was one of the nicest, most wonderful men you could ever meet. I had the pleasure to work with him while working in the Nursery at the hospital. He was also of course my children's pediatrician and he was instrumental in getting my daughter at the age of 5 weeks to a specialist in Houston, where her life was saved. I have many happy memories of this beautiful person who was Nolan J. Leblanc. My husband and I and our children send our deepest sympathies to the family. God Bless, Tom, Vickie , Jason and Amy Foreman.
Beebeefisette
March 11, 2014
I worked with Dr, Leblanc at the hospital from 1974 to the day he left. He was the best Doctor to work for,, missed him then and know. God bless him and praying for his family. Arva (BeeBee) Fisette Thompson
Mary Claire Campos
March 11, 2014
I loved Dr. LeBlanc. He was so kind and I always thought so handsome with his dark hair and eyes. He always remembered I hated the wooden "stick" that Drs use to press down your tongue, so he always just let me say AHHHHH real big. He was the best pediatrician in the world and the kids of Orange were lucky to have him. I'm 54 and remember visits to his office fondly. Rest in peace with the Lord
Glenda Beach
March 11, 2014
My family and I credit Dr. LeBlanc for saving my nephews life. He was the only one in this area that recognized that Brandon was having kidney problems and sent him to a specialist in Galveston. Brandon was 2 at the time. He just turned 32 last week. Without Dr. LeBlanc, that birthday would not have happened. When my own children were born I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted him to be their doctor. I never regretted that decision. I cried when he retired. He was a great man and will be missed by many. Rest in Peace Dr. LeBlanc.
Beth Strickland
March 11, 2014
He was my three boys Dr.He was such a great man an raised a beautiful family. He will surley be missed.God Bless all his family
Donna Cox Bufford
March 11, 2014
My deepest regards.......................