Obituary of Preston Winters LeBlanc

Preston “Pepe” Winters LeBlanc, 72, of Warren, passed away peacefully at his home while surrounded by his family on March 8, 2018. He was born April 1, 1945 in Brisbane, Australia to Gloria Alston and Andrew Winters LeBlanc. He immigrated to the United States when he was two years old where he was processed through Ellis Island. He was raised in Fannett and graduated from Hamshire Fannett High School. He continued his education at Lamar earning his certification as a machinist. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and obtained the rank of Specialist 4 Technician. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Preston was employed by Exxon Mobil for 28 years as a machinist/millwright until he retired in 2003.

Pepe, as he was referred to by his family, friends and coworkers, loved the outdoors. He could often be found outside, usually barefoot, while tinkering in the yard or feeding and watching birds and other critters. He enjoyed making model cars and planes which are on the shelves in homes of family members. Preston was an avid scuba diver exploring sites located in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean. His favorite diving spots included Cozumel, Belize, Guam, Palau, and Truk Lagoon where he explored WWII Japanese sunken ships. He had a passion for underwater photography and some of his photos were published.

Preston is survived by his wife, Barbara LeBlanc, Preston Rheis & Christine LeBlanc, son & daughter-in-law (Lumberton), Dean Troup, son-in-law, Elizabeth Bius, daughter (Warren), Sue Ann & Randy Morales, daughter & son-in-law (Woodville), and Rachel & Eric Valentine, daughter & son-in-law (Woodville). He is, also, survived by his many grandchildren,

Dreston LeBlanc and Enzo Malatesta, Kerrigan Steuart Coleman and Cierra Steuart, Natalee Banse, Abby Bius, Lissy Morales, and Karolina Morales, Elysse Valentine and Eric Valentine Jr.

Preston was preceded by his parents, Gloria Alston and Andrew LeBlanc, sister, Sabra LeBlanc Johnson, and daughter, Kristen Troup.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 1pm at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel in Woodville, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Preston’s memory may be made to: DAV Disabled American Veterans PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or Operation Homefront 1355 Central Parkway S, Ste. 100, San Antonio, TX 78232.