John ‘Poncho’ Owens Jr.

John Owens Jr., known by family and friends as “Poncho,” passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2013. He was 67.

Poncho was a retired wrecker driver with 35 years of loyal service at Darby Motors of New Iberia. When not on the job, Poncho loved visiting with friends. One of his favorite places years ago was the Omelet Shoppe, where he would have coffee and visit with everyone. Poncho also had a love of automobiles and was a fan of Elvis Presley. He was a man that never met a stranger and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his son Telleson Curtis and wife, Kayla, and their daughter Layla of Jeanerette; his brothers and sisters Joseph LeBlanc and wife, Sandra, Jerry Boudreaux and wife, Priscilla, Rayette McNett and husband, Harold, Wanda LeBlanc and companion Kerry Suire and Connie LeBlanc, all of New Iberia, Neal LeBlanc of California, James LeBlanc and wife, Jackie, of Ruston and Virginia LeBlanc and companion Randy of Lafayette; numerous nieces and nephews; and his good friends and longtime employers Hank and Gloria Fontenot.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mathilda M Girard and John Owens Sr.; brothers Herbert and Dalton LeBlanc and Ricky Derouen; a sister Theresa LeBlanc; and his best friends and lefties Alton Darby Sr., Jules Lennie and Sliman “Slim” John.

In keeping with Poncho’s wishes, his body was donated to Tulane School of Medicine to aid in the advancement of medical research.

A memorial Mass will be announced at a later date.

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia, 364-1881, is in charge of arrangements.