Kaplan Councilman passes away

KAPLAN — The City of Kaplan is mourning the loss of one of their City Councilmen, Richard LeBlanc, 71.
He passed away Thursday, Aug. 2, after a brief illness.
LeBlanc served as the District C Kaplan City Councilman. He had been sworn in last month, July 1, to begin serving his second term.
He served his first term under former Mayor Kirk Champagne, then served under the current mayor, Mike Kloesel, for a month.
LeBlanc was the owner of Walk on Me Carpet for 21 years and has been in the flooring business for 45 years.
“I wish to offer the family my deepest sympathy and condolences on their loss,” said Mayor Mike Kloesel. “Richard fought a brave battle against lung disease and I was pleased I was able to visit with him a couple of times within the past week. He was always courageous and remained positive until the end. He is resting with the angels now and will be missed. May God bless and look over all of Linda and Richard’s friends and family. ”
Former mayor Kirk Champagne also expressed his condolences.
“My heart is heavy,” Champagne said. “This is a great loss to the city.
“He really cared about the citizens.”
“Richard was a councilman’s councilman,” said Champagne. “Always looking for the fine balance between the people’s needs and the business of the city.
“This city is a better place because of his good work and caring heart. He was my dear friend and I am honored to have served with him. He will be dearly missed”.
He is survived by his companion, Linda Faulk of Kaplan; one son, Martin “Peewee” LeBlanc and his wife, Glenda of Abbeville; one brother, Donald A. LeBlanc and his wife, Clara of Abbeville; two sisters, Sheila LeBlanc and her wife, Latrell of Abbeville and Connie Leblanc of Abbeville; four granddaughters, Casey Choate, Jeannie Choate, Brooke Choate, and April Lognion; thirteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.