Elton-A celebration of life and love for Leo Thomas, 84, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at St. Paul Catholic Church. Rev. Jose Vattakunnel will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.

The family will receive visitors at St. Paul Catholic Church on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. until time of service.

Mr. Leo Thomas was born on January 8, 1937 to Hubert "Ebear" Thomas and Orelia Bushnell Thomas in Basile. He was one of eight children born to this union. Leo was a life-time resident of Elton where he worked for local farmers, as well as the town of Elton for many years. He was united in holy matrimony to Hazel Frank and to this union they were blessed with six children-four girls and two boys. At a young age Leo grew a passion for music, one genre in particular that we all know today as "zydeco". Over the years his love for music never stopped and his career as a drummer soared. He went on to receive many awards and gained the title of being the "Best Dressed" man in zydeco. He enjoyed gatherings, a good slice of chocolate cake, a piece of boudin and found joy in telling others his stories. If you truly knew him, you can attest to this! He continued to sing and perform up until the very end. On Tuesday, April 13, 2021 surrounded by loved ones God seen that he was tired and called him home. Leo will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Cherishing his memories are his wife of sixty-three years, Hazel Frank Thomas; four daughters, Priscilla Simien of Jennings, Jeanella Johnson of Dallas, TX, Diana (James) Miles of Houston, TX and Deidre Lavan of Elton; two sons, Leroy (Jodi) Thomas of Elton and Lee Andrus Thomas of Port Arthur, TX; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Leo was proceeded in death by his parents, Hubert and Orelia Thomas; three brothers, Bertman Ballou, Bervick Thomas and J.B Thomas; four sisters, Theresa Jacobs, Edna Sonnier, Bertha Collins and Mary Bernice Ceaser.