Dr. Nolan J. LeBlanc

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.