John Milton Valentine

John Milton Valentine passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born September 29, 1952, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to John Alvin Valentine and Mary Catherine Lagarde Valentine. He was a 1970 graduate of Woodlawn High School and attended LSU for two years, when he realized on-the-job training provided him with more experience and knowledge than college could. Little did he know that after returning from a fishing excursion that a call from his grandmother would change his life more than he could have ever expected! She asked him to come to her home and meet a young woman, Jessie Ruth Steele, who was visiting Milton’s grandmother that afternoon. Even though their conversation began and ended with only a smile and the word “hi”, Jessie ran home and told her mother that she just met the man she was going to marry. Truer words have never been spoken! Two months later they were engaged, and in less than a year they were married – this love lasted for 51 years.

He is preceded in death by his father; his sister, Joan Marie Valentine; and his brother-in-law Claude Steele. Milton is survived by his devoted wife, Jessie Ruth Steele Valentine; his mother Mary Catherine Valentine; his loving children John Travis Valentine and wife Ashley, and John Colt-Steele Valentine; and his beloved grandchildren John Taylor Valentine and Jersi Jo Valentine. He is also survived by his sister Phillie Valentine; his brothers Wayne Valentine and wife Judith, and Paul Valentine and husband Alex; his nephews, Jonathan Valentine, Andrew Valentine and Michale Solar; his nieces, Crystal welch and Jaime Solar; his brother-in-law Leonard Steele and wife Stephanie; his sister-in-law Debbie Solar and husband Joe; as well as numerous other loving family and friends.

In 1971, he started working for his aunt and uncle, who owned Valentine & LeBlanc, it was their conception. In 2000, Milton purchased Valentine & LeBlanc LLC, a utility contracting company, that provides Entergy Gas to the Gulf States. His commitment to hard work and family was evident in all he did. At the office, it was a family affair, where his sons and grandsons worked by his side since they entered the workforce. At home, it was annual holidays at the camp in Ozona, Texas, where more than 30 family members spent their Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations fishing, hunting, laughing and making memories that would last a lifetime. Wherever Milton was you would always find great music and food. He was the lead singer and played acoustic guitar in the family band, Valentine & Company. Everyone knew when Milton was in the kitchen something good was going to be on the table, they all hoped it was either his jambalaya or famous deer spaghetti. He was the patriarch of his family, the rock that everyone relied on for solid decisions and good advice, at times given whether you wanted it or not. Many calls were made asking for his opinions on marriage, money, life and everything in between - his character was unwavering, he would always tell his truth, often preparing you that you may or may not like what you are about to hear, and usually he was always right! When he wasn’t working, spending time with family or planning parties and reunions, you would find Milton outdoors. He was an avid hunter, a fisherman, and a gardener. He was the former president of the American Treeing Feist Association (ATFA), promoting and developing the Feist breed as tree dogs, focusing on squirrel hunting. When inside, the television changed between westerns, crime shows, or the Game Show Network, and he always enjoyed a casino run to play the slots. Milton was a longtime parishioner at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church.

Above all that he accomplished personally and professionally, Milton was most proud of two things, his marriage and his family. His devotion to Jessie was evident to all that knew them, never leaving her side. Their children saw him as a positive, determined, good man, instilling in them the foundation to create their own families. This big, strong giant of a man never ended a call with his sons without saying “love ya”. Although he is missed, it is because of these traits and many more, that the essence of who he is will forever live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends.

The Valentines would like to acknowledge their employees, colleagues and friends at Valentine & LeBlanc LLC and Allen & LeBlanc LLC, who have supported them through the years and are an extension of the family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Knox Cemetery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

For those so desiring, memorials in honor of John Milton Valentine may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Center.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com