Leo Trahan, 89, of Port Neches, died peacefully Thursday, February 5, 2015, at Senior Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Port Arthur. He was born the second youngest child of thirteen, on October 8, 1925, in Vermillion Parish, Louisiana, to Azelia Gaspard Trahan and Orelie Trahan.

Leo lived in the Port Arthur, Port Neches area most of his life. Upon returning from World War II, he went to work at Texaco Island where he retired in 1980.

A World War II veteran, Leo served in the U.S. Army under General Patton in the Battle of The Bulge, as one of the 106 Infantry Division, 423 Regiment Known as the “Golden Lions”. Leo was a POW captured near St. Vith, Belgium on December 18, 1944. He was liberated by the Russians near the Czech border at Stalag 4a Hohnstein Airfield at Dresden in June of 1945.

Leo was a decorated war hero. Among his military honors, the Bronze Star, a medal given to soldiers who showed true heroism in a time of war. He also earned the Purple Heart. Leo never spoke of his time served in the military. He did suffer from what would, in wars later, be labeled at Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Survivors left to cherish his memories include his daughter, Patsy Peterson and her husband, Stanley, of Gautier, Mississippi; son, Jerry Trahan and his wife, Alice, of Belton; grandchildren, Stephanie Savage, Corey Trahan, Ashley Cloud, Erin Shank, and Jerri Imhoff; and great-grandchildren, Jason Savage, Hunter Imhoff, William Cloud, Reese Cloud, Paige Shank, and Eden Shank.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents; and son, Leo Trahan, Jr.

The family would like to thank the employees of Senior Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent, loving care provided to our dad for the past ten years. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to CNA Pat Thomas, LVN Courtney Williams, and Freddie.

A gathering of Mr. Trahan’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2015, officiated by Reverend David Placette, at  Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Interment of his cremated body, with military honors, will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.