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Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille for Carlton Joseph Leger also known as Joe. The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN Location on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. led by Mary Brown, Debbie Hash, and Sadie Hash. Visitation will continue on Wednesday morning from 8:00 am until 9:30 am ahead of services.
Reverend Donavan Labbé will officiate at the services. Interment will be held in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Scott.
Carlton J. Leger, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left this world on June 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on July 29, 1937, in Cow Island, Louisiana, Carlton was a man whose presence was felt in every room he entered and whose legacy will continue to warm the hearts of those who knew him. He passed away peacefully in Lafayette, Louisiana, surrounded by the love of his family.
Carlton's life journey began as the son of Miguel and Sevelia Gaspard Lege. He went to school in Kaplan and furthered his education at Abbeville Vo-Tech School, where he specialized in HVAC. His professional path was marked by entrepreneurship and community involvement; together with his first wife, Jeanelle, he owned and operated A/C Sales from 1965 until his retirement in 2010. Carlton's dedication to his work was matched by his commitment to the equine community. A lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association and one of the founding members of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Association, he was also a Hall of Fame member of LQHA. Carlton was instrumental in starting the Lafayette 4-H horse program and celebrated a crowning achievement as the 2012 AQHA World Champion Performance Stallion owner.
Beyond his professional accolades, Carlton was a family man at his core. He is survived his loving wife of 18 years, Joyce Rucker Leger; three sons, Ted Lege and his wife, Janet, Rowdy Lege and his husband, Mohamed Assakkali, and Carl Lege and his wife, Gerri. Carlton was a proud stepfather to Brian Causey and his wife, Dawn, Ben Causey, Jennifer Roader and her husband, Milton, and Christine Hutchins and her husband, Ray. His legacy continues through his grandchildren - Jarrod, Blake, Jessica, Blair, Jennifer, Paige, and Lexi - and step-grandchildren - Courtney, Alex, Andy, Caroline, Claire, Taylor, Phillip, Kayli, Lethan, Olan, Elias, and Joy - as well as his 16 great-grandchildren. His life was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanelle Broussard Leger, one granddaughter Jacqulyn Lege, and his parents.
Carlton's interests were a reflection of his love for life and family. He found joy in the simple pleasures, such as spending time with his family, showing and fitting halter horses, watching his grandchildren show and compete in horse shows, and cheering on their sporting events. His personality was larger than life, and he had a giving soul that captured the hearts of his family and friends. Known for his quick wit and ability to crack a joke, Carlton's sense of humor was truly one of a kind.
A man who loved to celebrate his roots, Carlton enjoyed Cajun French music, often found dancing and reveling in the cultural melodies of his heritage. His presence was a reminder of the beauty found in tradition and the importance of holding onto one's identity.
As we remember Carlton, we are reminded of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to leave the world a better place... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Carlton embodied this success, leaving behind a world that is indeed brighter for his having been here.
His life was a testament to the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the joy of living each day to the fullest. Carlton's memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved him, and his stories will be told for generations to come. Though he may be gone from our sight, the essence of his spirit remains a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing this remarkable man.
Upholding the honor of Pallbearers will be Ted Lege, Blake Lege, Jarrod Lege, Andrew Menard, Brian Causey, and Andy Causey.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Gerid Menard.
The family of Carlton J. Leger would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to his medical care professionals, doctors, nurses, and teams, for their care and compassion.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Carlton J. Leger to Hospice of Acadiana - 337-232-1234 - 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, Louisiana 70503 - <https://hospiceacadiana.com/hoa/donate>
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille Funeral Home - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-234-2311.