Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

January 10, 2026

Douglas Edward Self, age 56, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and one count of Violation of a Protective Order. Bond was set at $ 25000.00. Self remains in the VPSO jail.

January 13, 2026

Olivia Lenee Jasmine Gohr, age 26 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Identity Theft. Bond has not been set and Gohr remains in the VPSO jail.

Jaylen Deshawn Downs, age 22, of Fort Polk, was arrested and charged with two counts of Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery – Strangulation. Bond has not been set and Downs remains in the VPSO jail.

Aaron Parker, age 20, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, one count of Criminal Trespass, and one count of Criminal Conspiracy. Bond has not been set and Parker remains in the VPSO jail.

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

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Byrd Regional Hospital celebrated a joyful start to the new year with the arrival of its first baby of 2026. Baby boy Cason was born on January 7, 2026, marking a special milestone for the hospital and his family.

Hospital staff congratulated the proud family and expressed gratitude for being part of such a meaningful moment in their lives.

Mayor Rick Allen administered the oath of office to the newly elected 2026 officers of the Mayor’s Women’s Commission during the group’s annual Christmas party on December 8 at Joe’s Italian Restaurant.

The newly installed officers are Jessica Herring, president; Keyawona Dixon, vice president; Glenda Jarrell, secretary; and Joy Cryer, treasurer.

The holiday gathering also served as the commission’s December meeting, allowing members to celebrate the season while officially welcoming the incoming leadership for the new year. Mayor Allen congratulated the new officers and thanked the commission for its continued dedication to community service, advocacy, and beautification efforts in the City of Leesville.

Members of the Anacoco Elementary 4-H Club experienced an exciting and educational visit with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit this week.

Deputy Dale Strauser, K9 Deputy Chief “Creep,” and Deputy Cory Stephens gave students an inside look at the daily life of a K9 officer. The deputies explained how K9s are trained, how handlers communicate using single Dutch commands, and the strong bond required between dog and handler.

Students were able to witness live demonstrations of Creep conducting drug searches on objects and vehicles, highlighting the skill and focus of these specially trained dogs. One of the most memorable moments came when Creep leapt through a vehicle window to help secure a non-compliant subject, showcasing the teamwork and discipline required in real-life law enforcement scenarios.

The 4-H members left the visit inspired, gaining firsthand knowledge about law enforcement, teamwork, and the important role K9 units play in keeping communities safe. The club extended its thanks to the VPSO for taking the time to educate and engage the students.

The Vernon Parish King Day Coalition, in partnership with the City of Leesville, has announced plans for its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, featuring a full week of community events honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

The 2026 theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence,” will guide the series of events, which begin January 15 and conclude January 19 with the annual King Day Parade and Rally.

The schedule of events includes:

• January 15: Youth Spelling Bee and Oratorical Contest at 5:30 p.m. at the MLK Center.

• January 17: Scholarship Banquet at 6 p.m. at the MLK Community Center. The event will include a meal, music, and guest speakers. Tickets are $20.

• January 18: Community Worship Service at 7 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The guest speaker will be Dr. Rene Brown, pastor of Mt. Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.

• January 19: King Day Parade and Rally, with parade lineup beginning at 9 a.m. and the parade and rally starting at 10 a.m.

Organizers said the annual celebration is designed to bring the community together to reflect on Dr. King’s message of nonviolence, civic engagement, and unity.

Those interested in participating or registering for events may contact the Vernon Parish King Day Coalition at (337) 238-1779 or (337) 424-1864.

January 27, 1938 – January 13, 2026

Funeral services for Manfried “Bit” Johnson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville with Reverend Louis Magee, Reverend Rod Buller, James McKee his grand-son-in-law, and Pastor Mark Christian officiating. The burial will follow at the Oak Forest Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

A visitation will be held at First United Pentecostal Church on Friday, January 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 17th from 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Manfried was born January 27, 1938, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away January 13, 2026, in Alexandria, Louisiana at the age of 87. His first occupation was cutting pulpwood with his wife, Christine, but he soon started his long career as a mechanic. For about 50 years, he worked in various locations in Vernon Parish. Manfried also served in the National Guard. His faith was the center if his life, and he was a member of First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville. Right up to his death, he was a powerful prayer warrior. You could describe his personality as determined, and you never doubted where he stood on any subject. Reading western novels by Louis L’Amour and being outdoors hunting, fishing or gardening were his favorite hobbies. His family lovingly called him “Paw Bit”, and they will fondly recall the memories and legacy he has left them.

Manfried was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Sutley Johnson and Sadie Gertrude Brister Johnson; wife, Christine Vincent Johnson; son, Ricky Lynn Johnson; grandchild, Vanessa Northcutt; great-grandchild, Malachi Austin; and siblings, Gene Johnson, Howard Johnson, and Ruby Comione.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Robert Johnson (Denice) of Leesville, LA, Elizabeth Romero (Cyril) of New Iberia, LA, Peggy Northcutt (James) of Leesville, LA, Janice Doyle (Jimmy) of Anacoco, LA, Steve Johnson (Wenda) of Anacoco, LA, Mark Johnson (Chelon) of Anacoco, LA, Kim E. Johnson of Leesville, LA, Christopher Johnson (Jessica) of Leesville, LA, Michael D. Johnson (Nickie) of Anacoco, LA, Salina Johnson of Leesville, LA, and Michael “Mudd” Johnson of Leesville, LA; Twenty grandchildren; and Fourteen great-grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Johnson, Jase Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Jon Johnson, Seth Johnson, Michael D. Johnson, Bobby Pruitt, and Clifford Stracener. The honorary pallbearers will be Lamar Dowden, Victor Dowden, Jason Vincent, and Wesley Meaux.

February 18, 1950 – January 11, 2026

Richard “Rick” Allen Childers, formerly of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 11, 2026, in Pitkin. He was born on Feb. 18, 1950, in Olney, Illinois, to Roberta and Lee Childers. Both preceded him in death. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School and attended Oakland City University. He worked a variety of jobs, but retired after a long stint performing maintenance at Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Indiana in Gibson County, Indiana. Those who knew Rick will remember his unmistakable, infectious laugh and his gift for lifting others’ spirits with a good joke. He is survived by two children, Mark Childers, of Pitkin, and Melissa (David) Noland, of Hesperia, California; as well as grandchildren, Ashlie (Roger) Feldt, of Chester, Illinois; Mark (Karen) Childers Jr., of Sumner, Illinois; Zaine Abel, of Pitkin; Kaiden, Weston and Kimber Childers, all of Pitkin; and Andrew and Grace Noland, of Hesperia, California. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren; brothers, Gary (Karen) Childers and Steve (Thelma) Childers, and several beloved, extended family members.

A memorial service for Rick will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Lone Star Baptist Church, 781 Lone Star Church Road, Pitkin, LA. Arrangements were handled by Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville.

Richard Allen Childers
Service: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2 pm at Lone Star Baptist Church, located at 781 Lone Star Church Road in Pitkin

Clifton Liddell Bryant
Service held on Jan. 15

Manfried “Bit” Johnson
Service: Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10 am at First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville

Jessie Ann Taylor
No Service Information Listed

Bobbie Jo Swanson
Service held on Jan. 14

Jennie Sue “Odom” Carter
Service: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1 pm at Clarksdale Baptist Church, located in Clarksdale, Missouri

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the successful completion of a joint law enforcement operation on Jan. 13–14, aimed at reducing violent crime and apprehending high-risk offenders throughout the parish.

Led by Sheriff Sam Craft, the operation involved coordination with several agencies, including the FBI, Fort Polk’s Criminal Investigation Division and Department of Emergency Services, the United States Forest Service, Leesville City Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police.

Officials said the initiative focused on identifying, locating, and arresting individuals involved in violent and criminal activity. Charges resulting from the operation include outstanding warrants, illegal possession of narcotics, and felons in possession of firearms.

“This operation highlights what can be accomplished when agencies work together toward a common goal,” Sheriff Craft said. “By targeting violent offenders and illegal activity, we are making meaningful strides toward a safer parish.”

Arrests made during the operation include:

January 13, 2026

• Deven Lee Ware, 38, of DeRidder – Charged with possession of a Schedule II narcotic, illegal possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, improper display of license plate, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Bond set at $82,196.

January 14, 2026

• John Michael Humphrey, 40, of Evans – Possession of a Schedule II narcotic. Bond: $5,000.

• Candace Jarrell, 38, of Evans – No license plate light, driver must be licensed, possession of a Schedule II narcotic. Bond: $8,000.

• Barry Williamson, 37, of Rosepine – Possession of cocaine. Bond: $15,000.

• Raymond Vaughn Foshee, 46, of Leesville – Theft, criminal damage to property, jurisdiction warrant from Allen Parish. Bond not set.

• Clarence Edward West, 37, of Leesville – Switched plates, no vehicle insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule II narcotic, outstanding bench warrant for probation and parole. Bond: $28,077. Must pay $1,515.50 or serve 6 months for probation violations.

• Cody Lynn Breaux, 31, of Pitkin – Outstanding bench warrant for Beauregard Parish. Awaiting transfer.

• Robert Van Marsh Jr., 46, of Leesville – Possession of Schedule I and II narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, outstanding bench warrant for probation violation. Bond: $12,400. Must pay $1,805.50 or serve 45 days for probation violations.

• Jeffery Wade Griffin, 54, of Hornbeck – Obstruction of justice/evidence tampering, possession of Schedule I and II narcotics, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. Bond: $21,800.

• Shelby Lynn Howell, 34, of Leesville – Tail lamps required, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule II narcotic, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility.

• Jason England, 40, of Leesville – Simple assault. Bond: $2,000.

Sheriff Craft emphasized that the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts and the parish’s ongoing commitment to public safety. Additional details regarding arrests and charges will be released as investigations continue.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to proactive enforcement and working with local, state, and federal partners to disrupt criminal activity and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Amanda Westmoreland officially took the Oath of Office on Jan. 12 as Chief of Police for the Leesville Police Department during the City Council meeting at Leesville City Hall.

Westmoreland was selected by the Leesville City Council in late December to succeed outgoing Chief Beth Westlake, who retired after 30 years of dedicated service.

Prior to joining the Leesville Police Department, Westmoreland served with the DeRidder Police Department, earning recognition for her professionalism, community engagement, and impactful work as a School Resource Officer. The DeRidder Police Department highlighted her strong relationships with students and staff and her steadfast dedication to public safety.

During the swearing-in ceremony, the mayor and City Council members welcomed Chief Westmoreland, expressing confidence that she will continue the department’s tradition of excellence established under Chief Westlake.

The ceremony marks a new chapter for the Leesville Police Department as Chief Westmoreland begins her tenure with a proven record of integrity, service, and community-focused policing.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for public assistance in the decades-old disappearance of Bambi Brantley, who went missing from Leesville in October 1986. Brantley, believed to have disappeared from her residence at Tower Trailer Park on LA Highway 8 West on October 22, has never been found.

Cold case detectives have reviewed the case file, re-interviewing witnesses and persons of interest, and the family is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible or the recovery of her remains.

Bambi’s sister, Randi Sarsfield, urged the community to share information, saying, “My sister, Bambi Brantley, went missing on October 22, 1986, in Leesville, LA. One of five women who went missing in the 1980s, Bambi is the only one whose remains were never found. We are asking for any information you might have regarding her disappearance and/or the location of her remains.”

Those with information are encouraged to contact the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-238-1311, email justiceforbambi86@gmail.com, or visit the Facebook page Justice for Bambi. Tips may qualify for the $5,000 reward.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a new scam circulating in the parish.

According to reports, individuals are receiving text messages accusing them of involvement in explicit sexual activities. The texts often include personal information and graphic images of deceased individuals, along with threats. The messages instruct recipients to call a phone number, where scammers attempt to extort money.

Sheriff’s officials advise anyone who receives such a message to immediately block the number and avoid any communication with the sender.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The City of Leesville has named new officers for its Planning & Zoning Board. Annie Marbury was appointed Chairwoman, and Sidney Russell will serve as Vice-Chair.

The board plays a key role in guiding development, land use, and planning decisions within the city, helping to shape the community’s growth and future.

City officials congratulated Marbury and Russell on their appointments and expressed confidence in their leadership.

GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville opens the 2026 exhibition season with SYCAMORE AND SATELLITE DISHES, a pairing of two incredible artists from West Louisiana.

Mike Laporte is a wood carver/wood turner living in the rolling hills surrounding the south end of Anacoco lake. Stepping into his shop is like taking a step into the turn of century, as many of his tools and devices are handmade, including a wood lath controlled by a chevy transmission and a tool table morphed from a barber’s chair. Mike’s work is spread across turned bowls, hand carved cypress knees, carved wood figures and religious imagery. Originally a tattoo artist by trade, when Mike hung up the ink he began focusing on wood carving full time. Mike is a true hidden gem of an artist living in Vernon Parish and the galley is pleased to exhibit a range of his work.

Joining Mike in this exhibit is Gallery Artist Joey Governale from DeRidder. Joey made his mark on festivals and events for years across Louisiana as “Goober,” spreading funky and funny signs and artwork on the festival circuit. A few years ago Joey turned his focus on more traditional presentation works using Louisiana birds and animals as a focal point. Joey’s formal training was at Louisiana Tech, but his years as a sign painter made him fluid with sign paint enamel, which he uses in his paintings and constructions. Joey has exhibited at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN, the Alexandria Museum of Art, the Historic City Hall Culture Center in Lake Charles and in Le Grau du Roi, France. His work in this exhibit will be current paintings on Satellite Dishes and Environmental Constructions. The City of DeRidder has recently purchased several of Joey’s Dish paintings to hang around the Main Street District of DeRidder.

This exhibit will run from Jan. 29 – Feb. 28 with an artist reception on Jan. 31 at 6 pm. GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN is located at 111 Third Street in the Leesville Main Street District.

The Vernon Parish Library’s Main Branch will welcome author Curt Iles on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for a special program titled Behind the Scenes with Author Curt Iles. The event will take place in the library’s meeting room from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

During the program, Iles will share the stories and inspirations behind three of his books: The Three Trees: Notes from My Journals, Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale, and his newest release, One Night in Winterset: A Story of Redemption. Each book is rooted in Louisiana’s Pineywoods and showcases the region’s rich storytelling tradition.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, gain insight into Iles’ writing process, and purchase books, which he will autograph while supplies last. Patrons may also bring their own copies to be signed.

Light refreshments, including coffee and hot chocolate, will be served.

For more information, contact the Vernon Parish Library at 337-239-2027 or 800-737-2231, visit the Main Branch at 1401 Nolan Trace in Leesville, or see additional details online at www.vernonparishlibrary.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/vernonparishlib.

Northwestern State University has announced students from Vernon Parish who earned inclusion on the Fall 2025 President’s List after completing the semester with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Students from Vernon Parish recognized on the President’s List include:

Anacoco: Mallory Cooley, Aaron Green, McKenzie Guy, Landen Jett, Karlea Welch

DeRidder: Aurora Bauer, Hannah Bell, Isabella DiMaggio, Joseph DiMaggio, Karla Howell, Amelia Lewis, Kershaun Napper, Katherine O’Brien, Eva Perry, Johnathan Reed, Lillian Robertson, Hayley Weaver, Valentine Williams, Tyler Wilson

Evans: Libby Craft

Fort Polk: Morgan Bain, Arianna Hagan, Spencer Meyer, Candace Sizemore, Kathryn Whitesides

Leesville: Tarina Berry-Hunter, Alexis Branch, Desirae Buck, Charles Cassels, Sarah DeVito, Abbilee Dowden, Miranda Glaze, Kaleb Godwin, Kaycie Helton, Jayden Huson, Jacob Mount, Ethan Nash, Alivia Perkins, Allyce Richards, Maria-Theresa Ross, Grace Rougeau, Amanda Salmons, Jonathan Stewart, Dana Tatum, Jasmine Tatum, Hailey Wolff, Amber Worley, Adalynn Wright

New Llano: Ely Cox, Carlos Sierra-Fuentes

Pitkin: Brenlea Carroll, Donald Nolen, Sarah Phillips, Abby Robinson, Caitlin Thetford

Rosepine: Joseph Rodriguez

Northwestern State University has announced the names of students from Vernon Parish who earned placement on the Honor List for the Fall 2025 semester.

Students named to the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern State University and earn a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.49 for the semester.

Students from Vernon Parish recognized for the Fall 2025 semester include:

Anacoco: Brittany Poindexter

Evans: Daisy Jeane

Fort Polk: Mykia Freeney, Jillian Huff

Hornbeck: Brayden Corley, Erin Wilson

Leesville: Ana Bender, Avery Coffman, Alessia Gomez, Monique Lord, Kyle Lynn, Jada Mackey, Marvin Mackey, Megan Martinez, William Moore, Amara Rodriguez, Lyndsie Snider, Alexa Suydam, Lena Tran

New Llano: Jaedyn Eleazer, Tracey Ravn

Rosepine: Samantha Bailey

Northwestern State University has announced the names of students from Vernon Parish who were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester.

Students named to the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99.

Students from Vernon Parish recognized for the Fall 2025 semester include:

Anacoco: Darian Chaney, Cash Day, Chelsea Kay, Cheyanne Lopez, Emily Montes, Anne Morgan, Abby Nicholas

Dodson: Caroline Boyett, Shawn Vines, Logan Womack

Fort Polk: Rosemary Carver, Jayden Diggs, Joao Vitor Dos Santos, Kaylee Huff, Samantha Kraemer, Sara Letzgus, Jesseca Williams

Hornbeck: Jaida Davis

Leesville: Niya Allen, James Bell, Chelsea Bornowski, Carter Causey, Claire Chaney, Jacqueline Cook, Braelynn Cowen, Ellen Daily, Jace Donaldson, Raegan Ducote, Marlee Hall, Kaylie Humphries, Kacey Jones, Mikayla Karlin, Jennifer Kudla, Rachel Lewis, Layla Mouton, Simone Perry, Kelli Rector, Barsha Shrestha, Faith Sims, Rebecca Smith, Donald Sneed, Jessica Underwood, Hailey Williamson, Samantha Willis, Lexi Wolff, Marshall Yates

New Llano: Iris McNeely, Dyamond Smith

Rosepine: Eden Franklin

Simpson: Maggie Kempf

I’ve always wondered what makes one athlete better than another. Why do some excel more than others? Is there a secret pill or an exercise regimen that makes them better? Well today we’ll ask the same questions about bass tournament anglers.

I’ve heard for years that no angler has learned anything without another angler telling them. While this might be true in a few cases, I’m not sure that’s the case with everyone.

So many of today’s anglers have learned so much through the internet and on YouTube. You can literally learn any technique and know when to use it simply by watching a YouTube channel.

Want to learn how to use your electronics? Watch YouTube! Want to learn about a drop-shot, Carolina Rig, or how to flip a jig? Watch YouTube! Want to understand how to fix an issue with your boat? Watch YouTube! It’s an endless resource of information.

But the older generation of anglers, like me, has learned through trial and error. We’ve learned from other anglers who came before us how to get better or how to fix an issue we’re having with our boats. We didn’t always have the internet as a resource. But there was one resource that came by mail once a month: Bassmaster Magazine!

This was my generation’s internet. Every issue in the mailbox addressed everything from different ways to catch bass, to how to replace a water pump or change the oil in the lower unit of the motor. Today, I’m still a subscriber to not only Bassmaster Magazine, but another publication called B.A.S.S. Times.

But just like great athletes, there’s something different about anglers who win more than others. The first thing I have noticed is their confidence level is usually high. They believe in what they are doing to catch bass and they understand bass behavior.

Another trait I’ve noticed is how the top anglers tend to think outside of the box. They don’t follow common trends or thought patterns other anglers do. Most of these winning anglers tend to do things a little differently.

I believe that the great anglers like Kevin Van Dam, Dustin Connell, Jacob Wheeler and the late Aaron Martens, each possess a sixth sense. They tend to think a little differently than the average bear. They don’t always follow traditional thinking when it comes to how they should be catching bass.

A phrase commonly used by these exceptional anglers is that “they let the fish tell them what and how they want the bait.” Saying this to the average angler means nothing, but to the great anglers, it explains a lot.

They don’t try to force a technique onto the bass. Every angler always has a game plan going into the tournament based on what and how they caught bass in practice. But on tournament day, the great anglers are not afraid to abandon that game plan and change their approach in the middle of the day.

I’ve also found that great anglers are really good at reading the water. To those who don’t bass fish, this is something that’s a gift that not all anglers have. They can literally walk up to the edge of the lake and tell you how they will catch them on that day just by looking at the water.

The great anglers have abilities just like great athletes. They have intangibles that make them special that some call the ‘it” factor. You can’t coach “it,” you’re born with “it.”

While all anglers can get better by spending time on the water, reading magazines or watching You Tube videos, there will always be those anglers who possess something that cannot be measured…God-given talent!

The Latest Question & Answer

Jerry Hubbard was a singer/songwriter. In February 1967, Hubbard released his first album, but it failed to reach the top 100 charts. He had recorded singles as early as 1955, when he was 18 years old, but after twelve years in the industry a hit song still eluded him. Disc jockeys occasionally played songs from his debut album on the radio, one of which peaked at No. 53 on the Billboard country music charts, but still no hit song. Critics compared his voice to the sound of a bandsaw. Hubbard admitted, “I can sing, but I’m not a polished, theoretical singer,” but he kept trying.

A few weeks later, Elvis Presley, who regularly listened to the radio in search of songs to record, heard one of Hubbard’s songs and loved it. He decided he wanted to record a version of it. Elvis and his band gathered at Studio B in Nashville and began working on the song, but there was a problem. Elvis was disappointed with the result. Despite numerous attempts, they were unable to get a sound that suited Elvis. Producer Felton Jarvis told Elvis that the key to the song was the lead guitar which Scotty Moore was unable to duplicate. Jarvis said that if he wanted that sound, he needed to get Hubbard in the studio because he played the lead guitar part. Elvis agreed. Elvis and his band worked on other songs while Jarvis began searching for Hubbard. Jarvis located Hubbard’s wife, but she explained that Hubbard had taken his daughters fishing on the Cumberland River just outside of Nashville. Once Jarvis explained the situation, Hubbard’s wife rushed to the river. Hubbard was in disbelief. He had been performing Elvis songs live for years. Hubbard called the studio and explained that it would take him a while to get there. Hubbard did not take the time to shower, change clothes, or shave. He later explained that he had not shaved in several days and reeked of fish. He grabbed his guitar and headed to the studio. Hubbard quipped, “I was there in about twelve and a half minutes.”

Everyone was shocked at Hubbard’s appearance as he walked into the studio. That all changed when Hubbard began playing the intro to the song. Hubbard recalled, “[Elvis’s] face lit up and here we went.” In about as much time as it took Hubbard to drive to the studio, twelve and a half minutes, they had a recording that Elvis was thrilled about. That song, “Guitar Man”, went to No. 1 on the country charts.

Hubbard was thrilled that one of his songs reached the No. 1 position even though it was recorded by another artist. In 1971, Hubbard finally took one of his own songs to No. 1 on the country charts, “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot”. He recorded other hit songs such as “Amos Moses”, “The Bird”, “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)”, and “East Bound and Down”, which was the theme song for the iconic film in which he co-starred with Burt Reynolds, Smokey and the Bandit. Few people remember the name Jerry Hubbard, but it all becomes clear when you see his full name, Jerry Reed Hubbard.

Source: “Jerry Reed Impromptu Gearz Interview, Part 4,” G V, Youtube.com, July 9, 2010, https://youtu.be/bF9te3INOZ0?si=9e0PKUyycdsJrzEV.

September 24, 1949 – January 8, 2026

A funeral service for Mary Joann Bellard LeBlanc will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Jeane’s Funeral Service. The burial will follow in Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Allen James Jr., Sterling Scott Jr., Daniel Rogers, Jared LeBlanc, Jamal LeBlanc, and Thomas Stover. A visitation will be held at Jeane’s on January 16th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Joann was born September 24, 1949, in Lafayette, Louisiana and passed away January 8, 2026, in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 76. She worked for many years in the medical field as an LPN. As the wife of an Army soldier, Joann lived in various bases throughout the United States and was stationed overseas in Germany for a while. She practiced the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church. Her hobbies included watching tennis and loving on her dogs, who held a special place in her heart. You could describe her as having a “firecracker” personality, and spending time with her family was important to Joann. She was especially close to her sisters and looked forward to talking with them nearly every day.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Hypolite Morris Bellard and Rosa James Bellard; grandson, Mason LeBlanc; daughter-in-law, Peggy LeBlanc; and goddaughter, Ida Marie Rogers.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 56 years, Ferlis J. LeBlanc of Leesville, LA; sons, Jamal Peter LeBlanc of Gaithersburg, MD and Jared Morris LeBlanc (Patience) of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Kaitlyn LeBlanc and Cruze LeBlanc; sisters, Mary Rosezla Collins, Mary Ida Rogers, and Mary Gustavia James; goddaughters, Debra Ann Jacobs and Pamela Rosa Stover; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.