Eugene F. Lebel

Eugene F. "Gene" Lebel, 74, of Sanford, died at his home on Friday, September 12, 2014 surrounded by his family.Gene was born on June 17, 1940 to Rene and Janet Lebel in Biddeford where he grew up and attended local schools, graduating from St. Louis High School. After graduation he operated G & L Sandwich Shop in Springvale for a short time before being called to join the armed forces. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1965, stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama. In 1962 Eugene married Gloria Guertin and together they raised four children and shared 52 years of marriage.After serving in the military Gene and his family moved to Sanford where he took much pride in working and taking care of his family. During his working life he was employed as a maintenance person at the Sanford Manor, shoe shops in Sanford and Dover and finally at the Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard until his retirement in 2006 after 33 years of service. Gene and his family were faithful parishioners of St. Ignatius and Holy Family, now known as St. Therse of Lisieux Parish for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years. When his children were young Gene served as a Boy Scout leader for several years, an activity that he enjoyed doing with his two sons. He loved camping and most of all, he loved to cook. He enjoyed cooking for everyone and anybody who visited his home never left feeling hungry. He took pride in preparing Sunday dinners and barbecuing in the back yard for his family. He always said "the more the merrier.""Texas Holdem" was another great pastime of Gene's. Every Wednesday night he would gather with family and friends to play cards. He enjoyed spending winters with his wife in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They also had the opportunity to travel across the country twice and take numerous other trips together. Those were some of the fondest memories that they shared and were often reminisced about. Eugene was the best husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle that anybody could ask for and his family was truly blessed to have him as part of their lives. He will be remembered as a true family man who was devoted to his wife and family and will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.Gene was predeceased by his parents Rene Lebel and Janet Lebel Dumont, his step-father, Alphonse Dumont and a granddaughter, Amber Lynn Sherman.Surviving are his wife, Gloria Lebel of Sanford; four children, Rene Lebel and his wife Wendy of Alfred, Donna Reynolds and her husband George of Sanford, Steven Lebel of Sanford and Susan Demers and her husband Carl of Acton; 12 grandchildren, Kevin Reynolds, Matthew Lebel, Heather Charette, Katie Sherman, Joshua Lebel, Kristopher Reynolds, Tasha Lebel, Kayla Sherman, Shawn Lebel, Travis Demers, Luke Lebel and Shannon Lebel; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a sister, Noreen Blanchard and her husband Bob of Arundel; a brother, Roger Lebel and his wife Brenda of Haines City, Florida; a sister and brother- in law, Patricia and Armand Desrochers of Sanford and a sister-in law, Connie Guertin of Sanford.Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on Tuesday, September 16th at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home located at 29 Winter Street in Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 17th at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located on North Avenue in Sanford. Committal prayers and military honors will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Maine Veterans Home Activities Fund, 290 US Route 1, Scarborough, Maine 04074.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.