Leroy Junius Raphael

Leroy Junius Raphael was born on April 4, 1950, and departed this life at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center on July 25, 2023. Leroy, a native of Vacherie, Louisiana and the fifth of eight children, born to the union of the late Leonard and Archange “Dawn” Chopin Raphael of Vacherie, Louisiana.

Leroy attended and graduated from Magnolia High School, Class of 1968. He graduated from Southern University A&M College in Secondary Education in 1972. After college, he served in the United States Army as a Specialist from 1972-1974. Once completing his time of service, he worked at Occidental Chemical Company for 25 years.

Leroy and his wife went on to open L R Construction, Quality Building Materials, and building homes in surrounding parishes. Thereafter, utilizing his education degree, he taught history and woodworking classes in St. James Parish School System for eleven years.

On January 10, 1976, Leroy married his high school sweetheart Marvel Dumas. Two children were born from this union: Makeia (Quentin) Bergeron and Leman (Adrienne) Raphael.

Leroy was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was an excellent cook and loved preparing food for any and everyone.

His legacy lives on in the heart of his wife of 47 years, children, their spouses; five grandchildren: Caihren Wood, Caiden and Chase Bergeron, Aria, and Legend Raphael; brothers: Herdle, Illinois (Claudette), Leonard (Clairita), Ronald (Robin) Raphael, and sisters Patricia Landreaux and Joyce (Andrew) Celestin, brother-in-law: Herman Dumas, Jr and sister-in-law: Gilda (Evone) Jefferson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Archange “Dawn” Chopin Raphael, brother Lynn Raphael, father and mother-in-law, Herman and Gladys Ambrose Dumas, brother-in-law Harvel Landreaux, sisters-in-law: Carolyn O. Raphael, Dianne S. Raphael, Elizabeth, and Pearl Dumas.

Leroy’s biggest passions were his family, cooking, building things, gardening, history, and philosophical debates. These joys allowed him to touch countless lives, leave immeasurable memories and build numerous foundations.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 13281 LA-644, Vacherie, LA 70090. Visitation will be held from 9AM-11AM. Mass will begin at 11AM. Entombment to follow at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church cemetery. Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that everyone please make donations to the charity of their choice in remembrance of Leroy Junius Raphael.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!"