Melvin "Mel" Arthur Lebeauf

Melvin Arthur LeBeauf was born in Ama, Louisiana on July 12, 1934, the third child of Eugene Joseph LeBeauf and Dora Triche LeBeauf. Mel had an older brother and sister, Eugene and Miriam, now deceased, and seven younger brothers and sisters: Gloria, Carolyn, Arlene, Anthony, Elaine, Ronnie, and Valerie. Mel grew up in Ama along the West Bank of the Mississippi River where his Uncle Malcolm taught him how to hunt and fish. There, he developed his lifelong interest in the outdoors. Mel attended Ama Elementary School and then graduated from George Washington Carver High School where he excelled in sports and was a star baseball player. Immediately after graduating high school, Mel decided to enlist in the Army and became a member of the Army Medical Corps during the years following the Korean War. The service opened his world to different parts of the United States and abroad. While in France, he and an Army buddy explored the countryside on a motorcycle. When he returned from the Army, Mel married and had a daughter, Sabrina. Shortly after, he moved his family to Southern California in search of new job opportunities. He worked for Thermador Corporation and later relied on his Army Medical Corp skills to find work in the Los Angeles County hospital system as an EMT. During this time, Mel married a second time and had a son, Andre. Mel spent almost 30 years working for Olive View Hospital in the San Fernando Valley and then Long Beach General. He enjoyed his work and made lasting friendships. It was at Long Beach General that he met his person for life, Reiko, who worked there as a registered physical therapist. They were together for over fifty years. Once he retired in 1989, he was able to spend more time enjoying his many hobbies and interests. He went on fishing trips to various Southern California lakes. He joined bowling leagues and rolled perfect 300 games - twice! He cultivated a bountiful garden of vegetables and fruits which he shared with family, neighbors, and friends. He was a Little League Baseball umpire and a middle school basketball referee. While still healthy, he attended daily mass and rosary services. It was his faith, and Reiko’s unwavering support, which gave him the strength to deal with his many health issues. For over seven years Mel and Reiko persisted and remained absolute partners in his battle against cancer. On Christmas Eve 2023, Mel was admitted to the hospital. As his condition worsened, he never lost his incredible will to live. On March 11th, Mel received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and entered comfort care at Long Beach Memorial Hospital on March 12th. He passed away, peacefully, with Reiko by his side, on March 15th. He is survived by his soulmate, Reiko, his daughter Sabrina, his son Andre, five grandchildren, seven younger brothers and sisters, numerous nieces, nephews and other family members who loved him very much. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION IN MEL'S MEMORY TO ST. CORNELIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH. http://www.stcorneliuslb.org/