Leon Earl Estes

BASILE-Funeral services for Leon Earl Estes will be held Saturday, July 19 at 3:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Basile, LA. Reverend Joe Aguillard will officiate the service.

Leon E. Estes, 87 years old, a resident of Basile, passed away July 16, 2025. He was raised in a Christian home by his parents and professed Jesus as his Savior at an early age. He grew up and served God in First Baptist Church of Basile for most of his life, serving as a deacon for over 50 years, as Financial Secretary for 60 years, taught Sunday School and served on many committees. He and his wife, Montez, served many years with a Lay Renewal team and on Experiencing God weekends. He joined Gideons International in January 1980 and had the distinction of being the longest serving member of Gideons International in the Louisiana Association.

He received his undergraduate and graduate degree at Louisiana Tech University after attending Georgia Military College for two years and was honored as a Little American Football player while at GMC. Leon owned his own business, Culligan Soft Water of Basile for 30 years. He taught school for many years and was awarded the Lafayette Diocese Educator of the Year award while teaching at St. Edmunds High School. He served as the only President of Solid Waste Commission of Evangeline Parish since its inception 38 years ago and was the president of the Evangeline Parish Tax Commission for several years.

He saw his mission field as any place God placed him whether with family and friends, the classroom, sports field, Gideons, fishing boat or employment. One of his greatest pleasures was leading a life pleasing to God.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Montez Head Estes of Basile; children, Michael L. Estes and wife, Lisa of Grayson, LA, Marjeanne Estes of San Diego, CA, and daughter-in-law, Janet Estes of Elton, LA. He leaves behind two brothers, Donald Estes (Barbara) of Newport, RI, Neal Estes (Peggy) of Spring, TX. and a sister, Judith Estes; grandchildren, Lee Michael Estes (Daina), Mitchell Estes, Amber Estes, Emily Estes Bandeaux (Alex), and Sarah Estes, also several great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

At the request of the family, visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Basile, on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 12:00 pm until time of services at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Gideons International or First Baptist Church of Basile. Envelopes for Gideons are available at the church.

We invite everyone to view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Basile is in charge of arrangements, located at 1210 South Ryan, (337) 432-6726.