Leon Poché services set for Thursday

Leon K. Poché, 93, died peacefully on Dec. 31, 2021, in Baton Rouge.
Poché was a native of Convent and a long-time resident of Crowley. Poché, a retired Certified Public Accountant, dedicated his life to three passions — his family, his faith and his profession.
Leon is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law: Rev. Leon K. Poché Jr. of New Orleans and Timothy J. Poché (Sharon) of Baton Rouge. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Kevin M. Poché (Rachel), Sister Celeste Mary Poché, R.S.M., Marguerite D. Poché, Adele E. Poché and Lydia K. Poché; and one great-grandchild, Adair T. Poché.
Poché is also survived by three brothers and five sisters-in-law: Neal T. Poché (Lois) of Hester, Francis Jay Poché (Noel) of Madisonville, John Berchmans Poché (Iris) of Shreveport, Lalita E. Poché of Lutcher, and Bessie T. Poché of Metarie.
Poché was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Dolores B. Poché; his parents L. Aristee and Lydia K. Poché; his daughter-in-law Maureen M. Poché; and four brothers and one sister-in-law: Rev. Louis A. Poché, S.J., Joseph Raymond Poché, James Carol Poché (Jackie), and Dr. Anthony Gayle Poché.
Following his service in the U.S. Army in occupied Japan, Poché graduated from Louisiana State University (B.S. Accounting) in 1951. After attending the University of Michigan for postgraduate studies, he became a Certified Public Accountant.
Upon moving to Crowley in 1960, Poché joined the CPA firm now known as Broussard, Poché, Lewis, and Breaux and retired from the firm as its managing partner in 1985. Poché was very active in his profession having served on the Louisiana State Board of Public Accountancy for over 20 years.
He was dedicated to professional issues including estate taxation, continuing professional education, licensure, and certification standards.
Poché was instrumental in the formation of the Association of Regional Accounting Firms. He received distinguished service awards from the American Institute of CPAs, the Louisiana Society of CPAs, and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
Poché was a long-time parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Crowley. He was instrumental in the formation of and served on the initial school board of Notre Dame High School. He also served the Diocese of Lafayette in volunteer capacities including as a long-time member of its finance committee.
Poché was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Knights of St. Gregory, and the Royal Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
Poché was active in the Kiwanis Club for over 60 years and was a past president. He was also a past president of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce.
The Poché family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all of his “family” in Crowley who cared for Leon and who Leon cared for in the 20 years following the death of his beloved wife, Dolores. The family would also like to express their deepest appreciation for the care and compassion provided to him by the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living in Baton Rouge and Notre Dame Hospice.
Visitation will be held at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, his 94th birthday.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Leon K. Poché Jr. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Crowley at 2 p.m.
Donations in Leon’s honor can be made to St. Michael Catholic Church and School or Notre Dame High School.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F, Crowley, 337-783-3313.