Melvin "Joe" Anthony Leaber

Melvin “Joe” Anthony Leaber passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born on May 22, 1931, son of the late Frank and Loretta Tully Leaber. He is also predeceased by his loving wife of 70 years, Joyce Marle Vegas Leaber and siblings, Loretta, Beatrice, Frank, Lloyd, Ralph, Elroy and Mervyn Leaber and is survived by his sister, Velma Noonan and a host of nieces and nephews.
He began working for Lykes Bros. Steamship Company in 1947 at the age of 16. He married his beloved Joyce in 1949 and was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951. He faithfully served his country as a drill instructor and was discharged in 1953 as a Lance Corporal. He resumed working for Lykes Bros. in 1954 until he retired in 1993 as a longshoreman gang foreman.
Special thanks to his caregivers for the love and excellent care given: Edarine, Sheila, Roselyn, Ella, Melvina and Paula. Gratitude is also shared with the staff of Hospice Compassus and the palliative care staff, Sarah, Emily, Robbie, Craig, Tyra, Sheerena, Monica, Gail and Nellie and especially Jennifer for their tender care and support.
Visitation will be held at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 10am to 11am. A Service of the Word will be held in the funeral home chapel. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park, Gretna, LA.
Respectful of current guidelines, all attendees must wear their own mask/face covering and practice distancing.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, stories and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com .