Newton A. Leader

Newton Adam Leader, born January 3, 1935, was called home to be with his loving and merciful Lord on Friday, December 14, 2018. Newton was the most kind and gentle husband, father and grandfather. He was a native of Whitehall and a resident of Gonzales. Newton was the founder/owner of Leader’s Fried Chicken for 19 years. His love for his business, his community and its people was evident in his interactions with his customers. After his retirement in 1995, he and his wife Jeri, liked to travel and loved to spend time together at the casino. He liked to golf in his earlier days and he loved to fish, but the one thing he looked forward to every week was his Monday night card game with his best buddies.

Newton is survived by his wife of 61 years Jeri Braud Leader; four daughters Kim Leader, Toni Leader Bourque and husband Wayne, Penny Leader, and Kelli Leader Cook; 5 grandchildren Brandt Bourque and wife Sydney, Bryce Bourque, Shelton Taylor Leader, Alexis Cook and Ashlyn Cook. He is also survived by his sister Nola Leader Mayeaux. He was preceded in death by his parents Wallace Leader and Orine Fontenot Leader Parent, his stepfather Hyson Parent, his sister Estelle Carpenter, his brothers Maple Leader and David Leader, and his nephew Wallace Greg Leader.

Visitation will be held at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Gonzales, La. on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 9:30am to 11:30am, with mass at 11:30am and a Christian burial at Hope Haven, Hwy 30. We were blessed with the best and he will be missed dearly. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of our dad, the children ask that you kindly consider donating canned goods to the St. Theresa of Avila food pantry.

Arrangements made by Church Funeral Services and Crematory, St. Amant, LA