Jude "Wayne" Leger

Jude “Wayne” Leger, age 74, was born on November 24, 1951, in Leonville, Louisiana and passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Funeral services for Jude “Wayne” Leger will be held 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, La. The Very Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen will conduct the service. Burial will follow in the St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Blaine Peck, Matthew Peck, Jeremy Peck, Nicholas Peck, Holden Peck, Logan Peck, Alex Thomas Peck and Evan Peck.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Rosary will be recited at 11:00 a.m.

Wayne's youthful years were marked by involvement and participation in his community. As a young man, he was a proud member of a special Boy Scout Troop in Opelousas. This early sense of belonging and achievement continued into adulthood with Wayne's passionate participation in the Special Olympics. He excelled as an athlete, earning numerous ribbons and medals. He was a member of the Self-Advocacy Group, attended Opelousas Developmental Center and The Arc of Acadiana, organizations meaningful to him throughout his life. He was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Opelousas, cherishing his connection to his spiritual community and the comfort it brought him. Wayne found joy in entertainment in watching television, especially "The Three Stooges", cartoons and timeless westerns. The magic of the movies also held a special place in his heart; trips to the cinema were among his favorite pastimes.

He is survived by his brother, Glenn Leger of Scott, La.; his sisters, Patsy L. Johnston and husband, Harold, of Kansas City, Missouri, Susie L. Peck and husband, Alex (“Doo”), of Opelousas, La. and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Joseph Leger and Annie Mae Richard; three brothers, two infants and Jesse Leger, Jr.; two nephews, Joshua Peck and Brian Johnston; and his Godparents, Verlin Latiolais and Wilda Leger Cosgrove.

Wayne will be remembered for his kindness, his laughter, his manners, and his ability to find happiness in everyday moments. Wayne's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his accomplishments and joyful memories will continue to inspire long into the future.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care and St. Landry Home Care and its caring nurses and Leading Health Care and special caregivers.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337-942- 2638) has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.