Russell LeBlanc Smith

Russell was born in Jennings on Aug. 15, 1940, to Woodrow Smith and Evelyn Smith. He was called to his Heavenly Father on April 5, 2016, at the age of 75. Russell served our country honorably in the Army during the Vietnam War. He continued his career with the Army for 22 years until his retirement. He also worked as a heating and AC tech until he retired. Russell loved being outdoors, and gardening. He also loved sports, especially, football, the Saints and LSU. Russell loved spending time with his family, his five Chihuahuas, but Brianna Simon, his granddaughter that he raised as his own, was the light of his life. Russell was loved by many and will be tremendously missed by all.
Russell is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah L. Smith of Estherwood; one son, Valerian Smith (Sharon) of Crowley; three step-daughters, Geralyn LaComb of Egan, Jennifer Godwin (Brian) of San Antonio, Texas, and Melissa Simon of Estherwood; two grandchildren, James Smith and Cain Smith; eight step-grandchildren, Nicholas Simon, Brianna Simon, Karlie Godwin, Miranda Godwin, Nika Gamez (Anthony), David Sass (Taylor), Chris Gass (Taran), Blaceson Gass; six step great-grandchildren, Abrial Gamez, Talon Gamez, Gracyn Gass, Aselyn Gass, Ivy Gass, Eli Gass. two brothers, Irvin “Choppy” Smith (Sylvia) of Mermentau and Hilliard “T-Man” Smith (Judy) of Mermentau Cove; and two sisters, Gail LeBlanc (Larsen) of Mermentau and Geraldine S. Marceaux (Deenie) of Mermentau.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Evelyn Smith; one brother, Hilton “Tanny” Smith; his first wife, Thelma Smith; and one son, Kevin Smith.
Funeral services for Russell LeBlanc Smith, 75, of Estherwood, will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home on Friday, April 8, at 1 p.m. with Father Randall Moreau officiating. Visitation began at Matthews & Son Funeral Home on Thursday, April 7, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday, April 8, at 8 a.m. until the time of his service at 1 p.m. Russell will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Iota with full military rites.
Carrying Russell to his final resting place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery will be James Smith, Kain Smith, David Gass, Nicholas Simon, Chris Gass and Blaceson Gass.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.