Celebrating Leroy Fleming’s 102nd Birthday

 Friends, family, and well-wishers from all walks of life gathered at the home of Mr. Leroy Edward Fleming to celebrate his birthday on the day before he turned 102 years old, January 27, 2024.  Even Channel 9 WAFB TV showed up to interview and video him for a segment on their 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.  The segment can be viewed on the 9 News App.

Still as sharp as a tack and in good spirits and good health, Mr. Leroy says he considers himself a blessed man who has lived a good and full life.  Continuing to learn and embrace life’s changes with a thankful heart at 102 years old, he has even mastered the use of the electronic tablet to watch his favorite shows; and, in particular, to watch LSU Sports. Over the years, Mr. Leroy has become a “Super Fan” of LSU Sports.  Decorations for the birthday party were LSU-themed. Those attending were encouraged to wear purple and gold.  

The celebration began with prayer by Mr. Fleming’s pastor, Clint Newsom, who was introduced by Mr. Fleming’s granddaughter, Lynn Fleming.  Next was an amazing musical performance by three former members of the LSU Tiger Marching Band.  “Hey, Fightin’ Tigers”, “Tiger Rag”, the LSU alma mater, and “Fight for LSU” were all part of the performance.  Joining the band members to perform were Jan Saccaro Waguespack,s a former LSU Golden Girl, and Shirley Svoren Browning, a former LSU Tigerette, who did dance, baton, and marching routines to the music from back in their days as part of the LSU Tiger Band.

Several special presenters came to honor Mr. Leroy’s long and well-lived life.  Rex Thornhill and Guy Jenkins from the Central Masonic Lodge presented the honoree with lapel pins from the Grand Master of the Lodge.  Carolyn Winstead presented Mr. Leroy with a softball that had been signed by all the members of the LSU Girls’ Softball team and sent to him by LSU Assistant Softball Coach Howard Dobson.  Central Mayor Wade Evans proclaimed Jan. 27, 2024 as “Leroy Edward Fleming Day” in honor of his 102nd birthday. He presented Mr. Leroy with a copy of the Proclamation.  Steve Ensminger and Gordy Rush brought a game football from the 2019 LSU win over Alabama.

Before birthday cake and refreshments, Mr. Fleming’s daughter, Pat McKenzie, gave a very heart-felt word of thanks to all of Mr. Leroy’s care givers. Family attending the party were Mr. Fleming’s older daughter Cheri Sevier and her husband Rick; his younger daughter Patricia McKenzie and her husband Fred, and his granddaughter Lynn Fleming.  Living close by is his great-grandson, Layne Fleming.  Mr. Fleming’s wife Mrs. Margie, his son Michael, and his grandson Randy passed away in 2012, 2010, and 2007, respectively.

Mr. Fleming is the oldest member of his church, Zoar Baptist.  He is also the oldest member of the Central Masonic Lodge.  He is a World War II veteran, having served in the United States Army Air Force, a precursor to the United States Air Force, in the European Theater of the war.  Only about 1,000 WWII veterans are still alive in Louisiana. After having served more than 35 years at Standard Oil/Exxon Mobil, Mr. Fleming is a retiree from the refinery.

On display around the home for the birthday party were photos of Mr. Fleming at various times throughout his life.  These photos included him as a young boy, as a star athlete at Baker High School Class of 1941, as a newly-wedded husband, as a father of three children, and, as a WWII soldier.  Before his wife, Margie Bernard Fleming, passed away, she and Mr. Leroy had been married for 70 years. They were high school sweethearts.

The Central community is blessed to know Mr. Fleming and have him as part of the City of Central. May God Bless You in your 102nd year, Mr. Leroy!