Church Point, LA: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm Monday, October 5 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Church Point, LA for Lee Ward Bellard, who passed away at 1:11 pm on September 29 at Acadia St. Landry Guest Home, surrounded by loved ones. Burial will take place at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cemetery, to be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Monsignor Fred Swinson Community Center.

Lee Ward was born on August 8, 1956 in Church Point, Louisiana as the first child of Dr. Ward and Betty Bellard. A 1974 graduate of Church Point High School and a 1978 graduate of USL, Lee devoted his life to education, athletics, family, faith, friendships, and service to his community. His remarkable connection to CPHS spanned 56 years, first as a student and student trainer and later as a teacher, coach, administrator, mentor, and dedicated supporter of the school. Throughout his entire tenure, Lee was a familiar and steadfast presence at CPHS sporting events, faithfully supporting the Bears and generations of student-athletes.

Lee began his professional career at CPHS in 1979, teaching biology, physics, and chemistry while serving as head basketball coach and assistant football coach. During these years in education, he helped establish both baseball and golf at CPHS, helped create Church Point’s first American Legion baseball program, and freely tutored countless students. His dedication to education led to his promotions to assistant principal and eventually principal of CPHS, later advancing to the state level of the Principal of the Year program. Lee Ward’s commitment to faith and service extended throughout the Church Point community. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and served many years as Grand Knight of his local chapter, Faithful Navigator, and District Deputy. He was also a lifetime member of the Church Point Volunteer Fire Department, where he served 30 years as a certified First Responder. Lee was instrumental in forming the Acadia Parish Fire Protection District #10, serving as its chairman for a number of years. Lee also served as Chairman of the Acadia-St. Landry Hospital Board, continuing a meaningful family connection to the hospital where his father, Dr. Ward Bellard served as Chief of Staff for many years. Additionally, Lee managed the Aquatic Club Swimming Pool, certifying hundreds of lifeguards and many hundreds in CPR, and served multiple high schools and universities as a nationally certified Track and Field Official. He was also a very active member of Our Lady Sacred Heart Church, serving as an usher for many years.

As devoted as Lee was to his students and community, his family and friendships always held a special place in his heart. He was deeply devoted to his parents, grandparents, siblings, and nieces, and family remained at the center of his life. He was a constant and loving presence in the lives of his five nieces, teaching them all how to swim when they were small and taking great pride in encouraging and supporting them throughout their lives. He faithfully celebrated their academic accomplishments and religious milestones, always reminding them through his presence and example of the importance of education, faith, family and meaningful friendships. Lee dedicated his life to helping others through teaching, coaching, mentoring, and services. He is quoted stating that he lived by the principles that guided him throughout his life: Faith, Family, and Work- in that order. His influence will continue through his family, friends, and the generations of students, athletes, colleagues, and community members whose lives he touched. Lee Ward is survived by a brother, Paul and wife Melanie of Church Point; a sister, Anne and husband Robert (Bob) of Kingwood, TX; five nieces (Erin, Taylor, Allison, Elizabeth, and Stacie); and eleven great nieces and nephews that he loved and enjoyed dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Ward M. Bellard and Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Bellard.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Guidry Funeral home on Sunday, October 4 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Monday October 5 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm on October 4, with a eulogy by John Craig Arceneaux immediately after. Pallbearers will be John Craig Arceneaux, Bart Baudoin, Jared Carrier, Brad Andrus, Adam Duplechin, Reggie Doucet, Dale Wimberley, and Dwayne Richard. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Trahant, Samantha Moore, Jeffrey Miller and Michael MaGee. Readers will be Erin Baker, Stacie Seals, and Bette Beachamp. Gift bearers will be Taylor Bellard and Brandy Fontenot. 

Personal condolences may be sent to the Bellard family at www.guidryfuneralhome.com. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Louisiana Hospice & Palliative Care as well as the staff at Acadia-St Landry Hospital, Road Home, and Acadia St-Landry Guest Home, particularly Earline Doucet, for the wonderful care he received. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations that were close to Lee’s heart: the Church Point High School Booster Club, the Church Point Volunteer Fire Department, and the Sacred Grounds Forever endowment at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church.