Obituary of Edward LeBlanc

Edward George LeBlanc Jr. was born at home in Southgate, Michigan on December 22, 1938. He was one of eleven children born from the union of the late Edward George LeBlanc Sr. and the late Emma (Natzel) LeBlanc. He attended Wyandotte Roosevelt High School. As a young man, Edward worked in the ship yards, and one of his greatest memories was helping to complete the Edmund Fitzgerald which he rode into the water. He married the love of his life the former Betty Jo Mason on July 11, 1959 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Southgate. From this union would come the birth of four children. For thirty-nine years Edward was employed by Painters Supply and Equipment. His employment began at the original location in Lincoln Park but he spent many years working at the Garden City store where he served as Manager. Edward was knowledgeable, well-liked, and respected. He made friendships wherever he went and with folks from all walks of life. With Edward's gift of gab, he could have been a con-artist, but instead he used his sweet talking, story-telling ways to share memories about growing up as a young boy and to entertain those around him. The LeBlanc family began traveling in 1972. Many family camping trips were enjoyed over the years. After Edward's retirement in 1999 the couple began wintering in Florida, and for a period Edward served as Betty Jo's caretaker until her passing in 2008. For the past ten years Edward had made Florida his permanent home. He adored his grandchildren, and attempted to spend as much time as possible with them. Edward George LeBlanc Jr., age 76 of Romulus passed away at 3:30pm, Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his beloved wife: Betty Jo and his ten siblings. To cherish his memory he leaves four children: Edward G. LeBlanc III of Romulus, Laurie (Scott Weiss) Rasnick of Estral Beach, Timothy LeBlanc of Venice, Florida, and Amy Jo James of Inkster; four grandchildren: Kayla Jo (Matt) Kieler, Krysta Jo James, Austin Anthony James, and Kyra Jo James; one great granddaughter: Khloe Irene; and his best friend since age 10: Carolyn (Carl) Egnatowski. No public services have been planned. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with his arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort y visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.