Lionel "Johnny" Comb

New Iberia – Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Pellerin Funeral Home, for Lionel “Johnny” Comb, 91, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Entombment will be at a later date.

Pastor Don Norman, pastor of Our Savior’s Church in New Iberia, will officiate.

Visitation will be Sunday, from 12 noon until 2:00 pm, at Pellerin Funeral Home.

Lionel John Comb, a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was born on May 13, 1935. He was a resident of St. Martinville, Louisiana, until he married and resided in New Iberia for the rest of his life. Lionel was the beloved son of Oscar and Lelia Comb. He was a man whose life was defined by love, service, and an unwavering strength of character.

Lionel's journey was intertwined with that of his beloved wife, Patricia Delcambre Comb, whom he married on February 1, 1958. Together, they built a life full of love and shared dreams, raising four children and later one grandchild. Their 67 years of marriage were a testament to their deep commitment to each other, and they found joy in simple pleasures like gardening, a passion they both cherished.

Lionel served his country with honor as a member of the United States Navy, completing a tour in the Philippines during the Korean Conflict. His dedication to service extended beyond his military career as he found his calling in sales, working with TIFCO Industries for 45 years. Even at the age of 84, Lionel approached his retirement with the same enthusiasm and dedication that characterized his decades-long career.

Faith was a cornerstone of Lionel's life. As a long-time member of the First Assembly of God Church in New Iberia, now known as Our Savior's Church, he served faithfully on the church board and as head usher. His commitment to spreading God's Word was evident through his involvement with The Gideons, where he found joy in distributing the Scriptures to children and anyone in need.

Lionel was a man who never met a stranger, his warmth and friendliness leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He delighted in gatherings with family and friends, always eager to lend a helping hand. His legacy of kindness and generosity lives on in his surviving family: his children, Todd Comb (Dusty), Janice Kohnke (Larry), Jodie Fortenberry (Jeff), and Amanda “Mandy” Comb; his beloved son-in-law, James Fortenberry; his grandchildren, Cody Comb (Autumn), Tyler Comb (Alexandria), Ninia Bouillion, Lexi Duran, Nick and Matt Cantarell, Olivia Kohnke Chassion (Tony), Gabriel Kohnke, Joshua Fortenberry (Brittney), Jenni Fortenberry Hicks, and Megan Pope (Kenneth); and his great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Evelyn, Wesley, Nathan, Kenzli, Tony Drake, Hannah Grace Lucille, Savannah, Jordan, Jacob, Remmi, and Mia.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Oscar and Lelia Comb; his beloved wife, Patricia Delcambre Comb; his infant daughter, Patricia Lanell Comb; and his infant granddaughter, Hannah Lynel Kohnke. Each loss was deeply felt, yet Lionel's enduring spirit provided comfort and strength to those around him.

The family will be forever grateful to Ms. Michelle George, Lionel's caregiver. Her dedicated care and kindness provided their father– and the entire family– with support, comfort, and peace during his final days. The family would also wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to Southern Grace Hospice Services. Their gentle guidance and compassionate care for their dad allowed them to focus on cherishing their final moments together.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Lionel's memory may consider making a donation to The Gideons, reflecting his lifelong commitment to sharing faith and love with the world. As we celebrate Lionel's life, we remember a man whose legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, New Iberia, LA (337.365.3331).