A reflection from Kenneth St. Charles, CEO, American Red Cross Louisiana Region

Recently, our Red Cross family gathered with family and friends to celebrate the life of Dr. Levon LeBan Sr. — a devoted husband, father, friend, educator, and humanitarian. As I stood to share a few words at his service, I was struck by how difficult it is to capture a life so full of service. I want to take a moment here to share a bit of who Levon was with the wider community he served so faithfully.

While words can never fully capture a life as rich in service as Levon's, we come together in gratitude for the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.

For many years, Levon answered the call to serve others through the American Red Cross. When disasters struck and families faced some of the darkest moments of their lives, he stepped forward. He gave his time, his talents, his compassion, and his heart to people he often had never met. He understood that humanity knows no boundaries and that service is one of the highest callings we can answer.

What makes Levon's passing particularly poignant is that he died while deployed on a Red Cross disaster response mission in Indianapolis. Even in his final days, he was doing what he had done for so many years: helping others. He was exactly where he believed he was meant to be, serving people in need with dignity, kindness, and compassion.

The American Red Cross was founded on a simple but profound mission: to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Dr. LeBan lived that mission. Whether comforting a disaster survivor, supporting fellow volunteers, or bringing his professional expertise to those facing hardship, he embodied the absolute best of what it means to be a Red Cross volunteer.

We often speak about heroes as people who perform extraordinary acts in a single moment. But Levon showed us another kind of heroism, one built over a lifetime. His heroism was found in showing up. It was found in answering the phone when help was needed. It was found in choosing service over comfort, compassion over indifference, and action over words.

His death leaves a profound void in our Red Cross family, but his example remains. Every volunteer who deploys to a disaster, every person who extends a helping hand to a neighbor in need, and every act of compassion performed in service to others carries forward a piece of Levon's legacy.

To Dr. LeBan’s family, please know that your loved one made a difference. His work mattered. His life mattered. The people he helped, the volunteers he inspired, and the communities he served are better because he was here. The American Red Cross is stronger because of his dedication, and we are forever grateful for the gift he gave us through his service.

As we say goodbye, may we find comfort in knowing that Levon's life was a testament to the truth that our greatest purpose is found in serving others.

May we honor him not only with our words today, but by carrying forward his spirit of compassion, generosity, and service.

Rest in Peace, Dr. LeBan. Thank you for your service. Thank you for being a steady source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration to all who knew you. And thank you for always answering the call to help others, no matter where it led.

Your final deployment may have ended, but your legacy of compassion, service, and humanity will live on in the countless lives you touched. You will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever honored by your Red Cross family.

— Kenneth St. Charles
Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Louisiana Region

To learn more about Dr. LeBan, please enjoy reflections from Kenneth St. Charles, CEO, American Red Cross Louisiana Region: In Memory of Dr. Levon LeBan Sr. - A Life of Answering the Call