Edward "Buddy" LeBato's Obituary
Edward "Buddy" LeBato of Cravens, Louisiana was born June 24, 1940 in Pineville, Louisiana and passed from this life on April 13, 2026 in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 85.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Tess LeBato, sister Delores LeBato, and brother Sonny LeBato. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Geraldine Calhoun LeBato of Cravens; sons, Mitch LeBato (Ashley Watts) of Camden, Arkansas and Marc LeBato (Kelli) of Leesville; grandchildren Haleigh LeBato (Rusty), Hannah LeBato (Sterlin), Bailey LeBato Dowden (Landon), and Braden LeBato (Elaina); great-grandchildren, Hayden, Marleigh, Kensleigh, Madi, Lawson, Ava, Lance and Lyla; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mike and Jeanie Gregory; nieces Paula Bonneau, Sonya Voda, Lori Croy and Jamie Lewing.
Buddy retired from Insurance Sales, serving as a District Manager. He often talked fondly about the many people he encountered during his long career; upon retiring he enjoyed watching his grandchildren play ball and soon began sharing his love of cooking and gardening with them- creating memories in the kitchen and garden alike; his kitchen was always open- no matter the time of day; no one ever left his table without feeling full- not only of food, but life lessons as well. He shared the many fruits of his labor, especially his prized tomatoes with family and neighbors. His memory will live on in every shared meal or grown garden, but mostly in the hearts of those who loved him so.
The family will have a private Memorial Service at a later date.
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