Gay Lytle Gayla Ann Lytle SOUR LAKE — Gayla Ann Lytle, 74, of Sour Lake, formerly of Port Arthur, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2012, peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family. Gayla was one of six children born to the late Floyd and Maxine Lytle on February 4, 1937 in Port Arthur. Gayla was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Dean Friday, Jack Lytle and Truman Lytle. Gayla is survived by daughters, Candace Hill of Spring Texas; Suzette Kelley of Beaumont; son, Lance Todd of Lake View; brothers, Delane Lytle and his wife Mildred of Port Arthur; Norman Lytle of Sour Lake; grandchildren, Jacqueline Kelley, Jennifer Bylsma and her husband Grant, Melissa Hill and Martha Hill, great grandchildren, Ethan Bylsma, Daphne Buechner and Brody Buechner, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. A private gathering of her family and friends will take place on February 4, 2012 at her home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice in honor of Gayla Ann Lytle.   Donald T. Schnell Born in Houston, TX on Oct. 17, 1937 Departed on Nov. 21, 2011 and resided in Groves, TX.   Donald T. Schnell, 74, of Groves, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2011 at his residence. Donald was born October 17, 1937 in Houston, TX and was a longtime resident of the area. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Lamar University. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in Germany. He and his wife, Linda Gayle, were married for 51 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Nederland, TX. He retired from Huntsman Chemical Company in 1998 after 40 years of service. Don was currently teaching at Lamar Institute of Technology as an instructor. Don was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Marcella and James Schnell and his father, Thomas Zakem. He is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter, Carole Schnell, daughter, Janice Gremillion and husband, Gene, and grandchildren Kristin and Ryan Kelley all of Groves; Mindy Gremillion and Brandon Gremillion and wife, Erica all of Austin, TX. He is also survived by three brothers, Jeff Schnell and wife, Brenda of Houston; Greg Schnell and wife, Jane, of Sugar Land; and Buddy Schnell and wife, Mary Kaye of The Woodlands; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 104 N. 13th Street, Nederland, TX followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Malcolm Monroe and Reverend Toney Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 905, Nederland, TX 77627. Emma Jane Cox August 26, 1937 - July 24, 2011 Life Legacy Emma Jane Cox passed peacefully in Port Arthur, Texas on July 24, 2011 at 10:45PM. She was surrounded by her family as she went on to be with Christ and her dear departed loved ones. Emma Jane was born to CO. and Berta Mae Simmons on August 26, 1937. She grew up in the home her parents built in Port Arthur, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson in 1955. She married Robert J. (Jerry) Cox in 1957, and they had three children, Marty, Jerry Kenneth, and Judy. Emma Jane suffered the terrible sadness of losing her precious son, Jerry Kenneth, to cancer in 1981. She was a brave and supportive nurse to him through his battle with the vicious disease. Emma Jane was a very intelligent woman, and in many ways, far ahead of her time. Though opportunities were limited, she continued her education after high school in Port Arthur's Business College, and went on to make a career in industrial transportation at Port Iron. Emma Jane was one of the women who pounded against that glass ceiling and paved the way for the next generation of women to achieve equality in the workplace - for which her daughters and grand-daughters are most grateful. With the guidance of her mother and grandmother, Emma Jane was also an incredible seamstress. She was magic with any kind of fabric. She made clothing for her children and herself. She made the most beautiful quilts, truly worthy of an art museum. Perhaps most of all, Emma Jane was a very spiritual soul. For all of her life, she was always fully engaged in her local Baptist Church, First Park Place and then First Baptist, both in Port Arthur. Emma Jane was generous with her time and talent, and always volunteered to support the church and its members. She loved working with the children in Vacation Bible School. She was instrumental in designing and crafting the costumes for the "Living Christmas Tree" church performance. Emma Jane, affectionately known as EJ, is survived by her husband, Jerry Cox; her brother and sister, David Louis Simmons and Melinda Simmons Phillips; her daughters, Marty Campbell and Judy Keys; her grand-daughters, Angie Fernandez, Sherri Farrell, and Kristen Keys; and her great-grandson, Gavin Fernandez. She is now with her beloved son, Jerry Kenneth Cox; her sister Betty Grace Verrett; and her parents, CD and Berta Mae Simmons.                                   Born: August 26, 1937 Place of Birth: Port Arthur, TX USA Death: July 24, 2011 Place of Death: Port Arthur, TX USA

In a message dated December 8, 2010, Ronald Kirkpatrick sent this to us.

My twin brother Donald "Doc" Kirkpatrick died this past Friday in
Friendswood after several months of successively more serious health problems.

He had a very adventurous life, one that would make a great book, but
he never considered anything he did to be exceptional.  He was a
natural athlete, a good swimmer and runner, and B-team Coach Ty
Terrell once told my Dad that he put him in on the kickoff just to
see him run down the field.  Terrell was also the track coach and
wasn't about to let Donald get hurt.  One of his teachers referred to
him as her golden haired Apollo.  He ran the quarter, the half mile
and cross country, and led off both the sprint and mile relays.  they
won lots of track and cross country meets, and their cross country
team won the State Championship during his senior year.

One summer he got a job as a cabin boy on a tanker leaving Port
Arthur.  He was disappointed that it got only as far as New
Jersey.  Later he went to work as a dispatcher for Picton towing,
arranging to have tugs meet ships coming into port, etc.
http://www.purgit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Ports_1950.pdf

Through a series of maritime and drilling jobs he eventually went to
sea again.  I remember him being very concerned when he was about to
return to Brazil.  He said that when they brought all the anchor
chain on board the ship the center of gravity became very close to
the center of buoyancy.  On that voyage they used sea-going tugs to
take the big double-hulled drilling ship around the tip of South
America to Santa Barbara for off-shore drilling.  They were at sea
for 40 days.  He said that if it had could have propelled itself, he
would have been the captain of the ship.  A few months later he was
sent to Taiwan to follow the final stages of construction of a
similar double-hulled drilling ship, which he took out for sea
trials.  They then took it across the Indian Ocean to the coast of
South Africa, another 40 day voyage.  It propelled itself, so he had
become a captain.  Another captain took over to complete the voyage
to the US Gulf Coast.

They operated in the Gulf for a while before hurricane Andrew crossed
South Florida and came into the Gulf.  I was visiting my Mom when he
unexpectedly came home because of the threatening storm.  My Mom
asked if he was concerned about the storm.  He said no.  Each link in
the anchor weighed 600 pounds and the cables they used to secure the
ship were about eight inches in diameter, so he wasn't worried at
all.  However, when they went back out in a helicopter after the
storm, the rig wasn't there.  It had been driven ashore and lost its
propellers.  It was in dry dock in Port Arthur for almost year before
they finally towed it across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean
to have propellers installed in Malta.  After that it mainly operated
in the Adriatic.

He worked in most of the seven seas.  He was in the South Atlantic
and the North Atlantic, the South Pacific abd the North Pacific.  In
the North Sea they often put into Norway for repairs and maintenance,
and knew well some of the islands north of Scotland where our
daughter Abbie ventured a dozen years ago.  He was in the Philippines
and operated off the coasts of countries east and west of
Singapore.  He also supervised the delivery of rigs to Nigeria and
worked a while off the coast of Angola.   He never quite got into the
Arctic or Antarctic, but there weren't many seas that he didn't
see.  Despite all the worldwide traveling he did, he and his wife
Phyllis still enjoyed traveling in Europe after the fall of the Iron
Curtain.  She had joined him for a while in Taiwan and Singapore, but
was too much of a home body to go everywhere he did.  She liked to be
near her kids.

Phyllis once got a call saying "Please disregard our previous message
saying your husband has been lost at sea."  She said she was glad she
never got the first call.

Phyllis encouraged Donald to take a desk job, because he had lost use
of one lung, probably due to a pinched nerve caused by scar tissue
from an accident when he was working one of the few non-maritime jobs
he had.  She said that although his crew helped him to get through
their survival training, he would just be a handicap for them if they
ever had a real emergency.  Eventually he did take the "desk job",
but he was then often gone from home longer than the typical month
overseas, because he would be sent out for a series of contract
negotiations and to oversee moves of the rigs.  He would get calls to
simply go from one place to another as needed.

He had all the accidents and other misfortunes that as twins we
should have shared.  Some of his more recent ailments were related to
the accidents he survived, and others were related to his daring life
style, but still others were just what one expects as we get
older.  In any case he had multiple medical problems.  Except for his
exceptional will to live, he would have died many years ago.

While in the hospice care center his friend Don Rhodes called
Donald's friend Avery Munson, with whom he worked on various
jobs.  Avery came had gave a short presentation about his salvage
operations, including the discovery of the New York, a paddle wheel
steamer that went down during a storm between Galveston and New
Orleans before the Civil
War.
http://www.theind.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2496&Itemid=73
Up to that time one of Donald's nurses had though his sea stories
were just tall tales, but after Munson came she realized his stories
were all true.

Please forgive this long recounting, but since many in the Class of
'55 knew him, I though they might like to hear about his later life
and interesting success story.

Ron K.
rckpak@gmail.com

 

W. Paul Moak   W. Paul Moak November 25, 1936 - November 17, 2010 W. Paul Moak passed away on the 17th of November 2010 at the age of 73.  Paul was born in Port Arthur, Texas on November 25, 1936, to parents Asa Webb and Louise Wheeler Moak.   Much of his teenage years were spent riding horses at the local club and at Camp Stewart in Hunt, Texas.  His other love was boating and exploring with his friends at the family camp on Cow Bayou near Bridge City.   Paul graduated second in the Class of 1955 at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur. He then went to the University of Texas at Austin where he became a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and earned a BS in Physics.  After graduating he attended Lamar University in Beaumont where he was awarded their first Master’s Degree in Accounting.  He passed his Certified Public Accountant exams and was hired by Deloitte, Haskins and Sells accounting firm, joined several accounting organizations, and began his career in Houston.  He worked in Houston and New York several years before joining Pritchett Engineering in Houston as their chief financial officer.  Ultimately he started a business with a close friend and later became a consultant for small and medium sized businesses, developing accounting software and setting up computer systems.   Paul enjoyed his life as a bachelor, but was always willing to share his home with family and friends.  He enjoyed professional sports, hiking and exploring, but he loved learning most of all.  Life was especially good when a great book or program was combined with his cat sitting in his lap.  Paul was interested in everything and started many enjoyable discussions among his family members and friends.  Paul was also a sports fan, purchasing season tickets to the Astros and Oilers games for many years.   His greatest love was his family:  his sister, Carol Moak Weatherall, who lives in Beaumont; his nephew, Richard Weatherall of Conroe who lived with Paul several years, his nephew, Paul Weatherall and his wife Cindy Weatherall who live in Dallas, and their children Elaine and Daniel, also of Dallas.   He was loved and will be missed!   A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

JAMES MERIDITH (JIM) COLEMAN   |   Visit Guest Book JAMES (JIM) MERIDITH COLEMAN passed on Oct. 1, 2010. He was born in Port Arthur on Dec. 7, 1936.He is survived by his wife, Liselotte (Lilo), and sons, Kent and Jason. Also surviving are sisters, Ylora Gerald and Melanie Wood, brother Brandon (Don) and their spouses.Memorial Published in Houston Chronicle on October 3, 2010

Dear Classmate, 

I got a call from Ray Blackwood Roberts Mother that got my number from the reunion notice and wanted me to know that Ray passed away August 10th.  She said that he had been sick for a long time. I don't know if the address I had would still reach her or not but I will give it to you.  6707 Settlers Village Drive, Katy TX, 77449.  The phone number she called from, Lucille Roberts, 281-859-5755.
 
I hope all of you are doing o.k.
 
Love, Kay
 

Joseph Piazza, Jr., 76, of Bridge City passed away Saturday, September 4, 2010 at his home at 12:26 am.
He was born on April 26, 1934 in Port Arthur, Texas to Joseph Piazza, Sr. and Frances Graffagnino Piazza.
He was a lifelong resident of this area, a graduate of T.J. High School and retired as a journeyman boilermaker from Levingston Gulfport Shipbuilding in Port Arthur Tool Room 2 after 30 years of service. He also served as an MP in the U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches with Monsignor Bennie Patillo of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home with a rosary service to begin at 5:30 p.m.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife; Mary Louise Piazza, four sisters; Lena Nix, Frances Ann Rutherford, Lille Mae Barton Vickery, and Josie Marie Collier, four brothers; Martin Piazza, Anthony "Red" Piazza, Carlo Piazza, and Steve Piazza.
He is survived by his children; MaryJo Ann Piazza Herrin and husband, R.C. Herrin, III of Kyle, Tx., Connie Frances Piazza of Bridge City, Tx., and Spurger, Tx., and Daryl Martin Piazza of Bridge City, Tx., two brothers; Camille Piazza of Buna, Tx., and Jack Piazza and wife, Rose Piazza of Beaumont, Tx., eight grandchildren; Joseph Wayne Piazza, Amanda Rae Herrin, "Jr." Ronald David Piazza and wife, Julie Miller Piazza, Amber Renee' Herrin, Laresa Piazza Rasberry and husband, Bryan Anthony Rasberry, Jr., Airman Adam R.C. Herrin, Magen Russell and husband, Joel Russell, and Laci Dawn Piazza Rasberry, and husband, "Mick" Keith Michael Rasberry, and six great grandchildren; Kaydance Cierra Hebert Piazza, Sebastian Von Rasberry, Bryan "Trey" Anthony Rasberry, III, Miley Jean Piazza, Mallory Russell and Cole Russell and special friend Chrissy Savant. "Muffy" my little girl.
 
 

Born: March 17, 1937 Died: July 21, 2010

Patricia Depope Landry Patricia Depope Landry, 73, of Groves, Texas passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at Cypress Glen East in Port Arthur. Mrs. Landry was a resident of Groves since 1963, and attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. She was a loyal employee of 24 years at Port Neches – Groves High School. She is survived by her sons, Todd Landry and wife Kari of Ft. Worth and Tony Landry and wife Tammy of Nederland; daughter, Terri Threadgill and husband Jimmy of Nederland; grandchildren, Cpl. Wesley Threadgill, Madison Landry and Macy Landry and one great grandson, Corey Threadgill. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Alvin Landry and her parents, Tony & Lena Depope. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, July 23, 2010, from 5 p.m., until 8 p.m., at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Port Arthur with burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

              

                                 Barbara Daigle Floyd

Barbara D. Floyd, age 72, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2010, at her residence in Lake Charles. Born January 15, 1938, in Port Arthur, Texas, she was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and Port Arthur Business School College. Mrs. Floyd had worked at Texaco Refinery in Port Arthur for a number of years.  She also worked as a secretary at Barbe Elementary and for the Calcasieu Parish School System for over 26 years. An active member of Trinity Baptist Church for many years, she served as a greeter there, as well as participating in the church prayer group and church choir. Preceding her death was her husband of 52 years, William R. “Dick” Floyd. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include her son, Steven Craig Floyd and wife, Pam of Lake Charles; three grandchildren, Joshua James Floyd and wife, Stacy, Destiny Elizabeth Floyd, and David William Floyd; one great-granddaughter, Marley Claire Floyd; and one sister, Betty Merritt and husband, Al of Payson, AZ. Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2010, at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. Rev. Steve James will officiate. Burial will follow that afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, TX. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 12, from 9 a.m. until time of service.
 

Life Legacy Glen Dale Smith, 73, of Spring, Texas and former resident of Port Arthur passed away at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont on Saturday, June 19, 2010. He was born January 3, 1937 to Bonnie Stallings Smith and Elmer Smith in Rattan, Oklahoma. Glen lived most of his life in Port Arthur. He retired from Texaco Research as a lab Technician after 39 years of service. He also served in the United States Air Force Reserves. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joretta Hubbard and his wife Loretta Smith. He is survived by his daughter, Deanna Thibodeaux of Bridge City, his sons, Kenneth Smith and wife, Barbara of Port Arthur, Brett Smith and wife, Terri of Spring, Damon Smith and wife, Glenda of Nederland along with his grandchildren, Michael Smith, Melissa Sexton, Blake Thibodeaux, Jacob Thibodeaux, Brittanie Smith, Jarett Smith, Derek Smith and Jeremy Smith as well as three great grandchildren, Samuel, Daniel and Matthew Sexton with one on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Smith of Alvin, several nieces and nephews.   ROBERT LANIS SCOTT Jr. (known in our neighborhood as Buddy - NMcC) Robert Lanis Scott Jr., (Bud), 73, of Grand Prairie, Texas passed away January 31, 2010 due to multifactory complications from Kidney Cancer, Alzheimer's disease and conjestive heart disease. A native TEXAN, he was born in Durango, TX on September 9, 1936 to Robert Lanis and Edna Ruth Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters. Robert(Bud) was a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. He married his wife Dorothy Elaine in 1959. He was employed at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle Washington as a design engineer for the first Boeing 707. He also worked for LTV in Grand Prairie, Texas as a design engineer and installation manager for the first DFW Rapid Transit System. He later became a Vice President at Bink's Construction in Arlington, TX. Memberships included Lamar Civil Engineering Society, Texas State Board of Registered Professional Engineers, Texas Board of Land Surveying-(Registered Public Surveyor), and member of First Methodist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy Elaine Scott, daughter Robin, grandchildren Chase Alec Gober and Grace Elizabeth Cox, and several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many many friends. The graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery in Falls County near Durango, Texas on Wednesday Februay 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. (Go south from Waco, Exit 333A, to second exit onto US HWY 77 South. Turn Right on FM 935, Union Cemetery is 6 miles on the right) In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to one of the following organizations: Alzheimer's, National Kidney Foundation , MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston or American Heart Association . HE LOVED TEXAS AND TEXAS LOVED HIM BACK. Cook-Gerngross-Green- Patterson Funeral Home Rosebud, Texas (254)583 7812 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

John Clayton Garner
Garner, John Clayton Clayton Garner went to meet his Lord on January 27, 2010. He was born on December 22, 1936 in Port Arthur, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewel and Chester Garner. Before beginning his career, Clayton served in the military both active and inactive. He entered the banking field in 1960 after receiving a BBA from Lamar University where he attended on a track scholarship. He retired from Bank One as a senior vice president after 29 years of service. Clayton's retirement years were spent working in his wood shop, playing golf, travelling with his wife, and doing maintenance jobs at Lake Ridge Bible Church, his place of worship. He will be remembered for his immense dedicated devotion to his God, family, and friends. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, to whom he has been married for 46 years; two daughters and sons-in-law - Staci and Henry Gideon of Bastrop, TX and Alicia and Dan Cummings of Allen, TX. He has two grandchildren, Andrea and Tristan Gideon as well as a great grandson, Malakai. Clayton is also survived by one brother, Kenneth Garner, of Odessa, TX. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm, Friday, January 29th at Lake Ridge Bible Church located at 1020 Northwest Drive in Mesquite, TX. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Lake Ridge Bible Church.

 

Fred Allen Smith 1937 - 2009 Funeral services for Fred Allen Smith, 72, of Silsbee will be 10:00 am Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Mormon Church in Silsbee with interment following in R S Farmer Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Smith died October 7. 2009 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. A native of Port Arthur, Fred was a long time resident of Silsbee. Mr. Smith proudly served  his country and retired from the US Army. He also worked as an electrical engineer for Bayer Co. Survivors include his loving wife of almost 53 years, Elsie Foster Smith of Silsbee; sons Don Smith  of Lumberton, Dan Smith of North Carolina and David Smith of Silsbee; sister Lorene Griffin of Lake Jackson; brother Bob Smith of Nederland and twelve grandchildren.

 

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Clarence Wayne Williams October 24, 1935 - September 1, 2009       Memorial Donations Memorial donations can be made to Wayne Williams Scholarship Fund% Community Bank of Texas Acct # 21035384     Biography “We didn’t lose the game: we just ran out of time”. - Vince Lombardi On September 1, 2009 we lost our husband, friend, coach, father, and Paw Paw. He truly affected eternity, we can never tell where his influence stops. Paw Paw knew how to make a winner out of any ordinary person and do it with humor, grit, guts, and warmth. He will be missed. Clarence Wayne “Coach” Williams 73, died Tuesday, September 1, 2009 in Port Arthur, Texas. “Coach” was born in Waco, Texas on October24th, 1935 to Clarence and Lillian Williams. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955 then attended Baylor University, and graduated from McNeese in Lake Charles. He coached football along with many other sports at Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln, West Orange, Flour Bluff, Crystal City, Lumberton and retired from Silsbee High School. Coach will be remembered by his passion for football and coaching as well as his radiant personality and sense of humor. He loved life, the beach, telling funny stories, and especially his family. He had many friends; he couldn’t go anywhere without stopping to talk for a while with a buddy he ran into. He touched and inspired many, and will be truly missed by all that knew him. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Loretta Williams of Port Neches; Sons, James Shipley and wife Denise of Port Neches, Richey Shipley of New Zealand; daughters, Jody Miller and husband Tim of Argentina and Marcie Wheeler and husband Walter of Bridge City. He is also survived by his brothers, Chester Williams and wife Carolyn of Little Cypress, Ronnie Williams and wife Janice of Flower Mound, Grandchildren, Catherine Shipley, Ryan Shipley, Beau Myrick, Anna Myrick, Nick Wheeler, and Olivia Shipley and three Great grandchildren along with many special nieces and nephews. The family would like to send a special thanks to Beverly Leday for her loving care and kindness to Coach. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the WAYNE Williams Scholarship fund at Community Bank in Port Arthur.   Jerry McInnis May 20, 1937 - April 22, 2009 Biography Jerry Dan McInnis, 71, of Port Arthur passed away on Wednesday April 22, 2009 at Renaissance Hospital in Groves. He was born May 20, 1937 to Virginia Goode McInnis and Leslie McInnis as one of twins in Port Arthur. Jerry graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955. He went to The University of Texas and graduated with a degree as a Pharmacist. He worked as a pharmacist for many years until his fathers death and took over the family business, McInnis Blinds. The business started out on 9th Avenue and was relocated to its current location on Hwy 365. Jerry owned and operated the business which is now called McInnis Industries until his death. Jerry achieved the highest honor in the Eagle Scout program, the Order of the Arrow. He served on the Board of Directors at Sabine National Bank for several years. He served as a past president of Retail Merchants Association, served as past president for two terms of Jefferson County Master Gardener Association, member of Port Arthur Lions Club. Jerry was known for his big heart, love of people and his giving nature. He is survived by his twin sister Judy Ann McInnis of Austin, Texas, three cousins Dr. Ricky Hodnett of Hollywood, California, Dennis Hodnett and Diane Mullins both of Shreveport, Louisiana and longtime friend Arthurline Clingman of Austin, Texas as well as many friends in the Golden Triangle area.

 

Mr. Daniel Ray Breaux     Funeral services for Mr. Daniel Breaux will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 1 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Church. Father Sedita will officiate. Burial will follow in Mimosa Pines Cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Breaux began on Monday, March 2, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 8 p.m. until time of service. Mr. Daniel Breaux was a native of Port Arthur and longtime resident of Sulphur. He attended the University of Houston. He owned and operated two service stations before going to work for Firestone Tire and Rubber, where he worked in the store and became Area Manager. He retired from Firestone in 1987 and went to work for C & L Supply until 2002. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He was an avid gardener of tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan as well. He is survived by his wife Myrna Breaux of Sulphur; sons, Dan Breaux and wife Jackie of Sulphur and Gary Breaux and wife Phyllis of Orangefield, Texas; daughter Elizabeth Thompson and husband Jim of Katy, Texas; his brother Michael Breaux and wife Becky of Port Neches, Texas; his sister Dorothy Nunez of Houston, Texas; and grandchildren Jordan Breaux, Cory Breaux, Anthony Thompson, Leigh Ann Thompson and Chloe Breaux.

Kay,  So sorry for the delay but details were just completed.  Richard P. Carruth's Memorial will be Saturday, March 21, 10:00AM, at the Foundry Methodist Church on Jones Road.  Rick has been cremated.       The memorial is exactly four weeks after his death on February 21.                                                                            Son, Richard P. Curruth, Jr. Daughter, Linda D. Carruth  (Mrs. Michael Bindhammer)   Richard's wife, Bonnie, also had two sons which he adopted.  Directions to church since I don't have address is to take Highway 90 to Houston, go right onto Beltway 8, when reaching Jones Road turn left         and the church will be about a half mile down the road on right. I can tell you this location is in the vicinity of the Horse Race Track.  Peace and Love,  Dottie  There are seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  Richard's brother, Jerry A. Carruth, and his sister, Beverly Sue Carruth (Mrs. Michael Gracey) both reside in Woodville, Texas.

     

L. A. "Andy" Gracedel
PORT ARTHUR - L. A. "Andy" Gracedel, 73, of Port Arthur, Texas died Sunday, November 23, 2008 at M.D.Anderson Hospital in Houston. He was born on August 5, 1935 in Port Arthur, Texas to Santos R. Gracedel and Lena Plaia Gracedel.  Andy was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur and retired as a mechanic from Dupont in Beaumont. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2008  at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Andy was preceded in death by his daughter;  Dayna Kaye Gracedel and his sister; Rosalie Gracedel. He is survived by his wife; Carol Gracedel of Port Arthur, TX,  two daughters; Donna Gracedel Chance of Lumberton, TX, and DeDe Powell and husband, Bryan of Bay City, TX, wo sons; Dan Gracedel and wife, Charlotte of Lumberton, TX, and David Andrew Gracedel and wife, Jeanie of Lumberton, TX, sister; Louise Bourgeois of Groves, TX, nine grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Barbara Land Byrom     Barbara Land Byrom , 72, of Crystal Beach Texas went peacefully to be with the Lord while in the loving arms of her husband on Saturday, November 8th, in Corpus Christi where she has been living since being displaced by Hurricane Ike. She was born to the late Robert and Gladys Land, August 5, 1936 in Port Arthur, Texas. Barbara graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955. She was married to Gardner Byrom of 28 years and lived in Crystal Beach since 1971. Barbara was the owner and operator of Land Mart till she retired and sold the business in 2004. Barbara and Gardner lived on Stingaree Road and enthusiastically enjoyed fishing in the bay, being active in the community and spending quality time with family and friends. She was survived by five children: Steve Chatterton of Crystal Beach, Thomas Chatterton of Sante Fe, David Chatterton and wife Debra of Austin; Jamie Peppo and husband Scott (Skip) of Beaumont; and Kelly (Teenie) Byrom of Corpus Christi. She was also survived by ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. In addition, Barbara was also survived by numerous others where she deeply loved and treated them as one of her own children. A memorial service will be held at The Beaumont Botanical Gardens located at 6088 Babe Zaharias Dr. Beaumont 77705 starting at 11:00 am. We are inviting all family and friends to attend the memorial service along with a social gathering to celebrate her beloved life. Barbara loved Crystal Beach and wanted it re-built; therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Bay Vue United Methodist Church of Crystal Beach. PO Box 1997 Crystal Beach, TX 77650 Walter J. Pampolina Jr.
Walter J. Pampolina, Jr., 72, died unexpectedly Saturday September 6, 2008 at his residence. He was a native of Port Arthur, TX. and lived in Lake Charles for the past 38 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Walter enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, telling stories and jokes. He had a great love of sports and sporting events as well as grilling and cooking for his friends, family and extended family at the Knights of Columbus Hall. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather that possessed a sweet, kind spirit that will be greatly missed. Walter was preceded in death by his father, Walter J. Pampolina, Sr. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 50 years, Irene Frederick Pampolina, Lake Charles; son, Dino Pampolina and his wife Kathy of Lawrenceville, GA.; daughter, Tania Woods of Lake Charles; three grandchildren, Lauren, Logan and Lindsey Woods; mother, Yvonne George Pampolina, Port Arthur, TX.; brother Pete Pampolina, Lumberton, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation was held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday September 9, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Home with a scripture service at 6:30 PM and a Cursillo Rosary to be held at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church with Monsignor James Gaddy officiating. Interment will be at Consulate Cemetery. Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome. net. Johnson Funeral Home P.O. Box 4888 Lake Charles, LA. 70606 (337) 478-8687

Janice Jenkins Quick -  MARSHALL - Graveside services for Janice Eleanor Quick, 70, of Magnolia, Ark., will be 3 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2008, at Algoma Cemetery-North. Local ...

Arline Ruth Mills Toups     Mrs. Arline R. Toups, 70, of Sour Lake, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, May 9, 2008. She was a native of Port Arthur; born on July 11, 1937 to parents Archie Rivers Mills and Aline Hebert Mills. She had resided in Sour Lake for the last four years. She was a Thomas Jefferson H.S. graduate and retired from Market Basket after 27 years of employment. She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; she was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marie Felps. She is survived by her daughters, Aline Toups of Sour Lake, Charlene Leger and her husband Ricky of Sour Lake, Molly Toups of Groves, Mitzi Toups of Sour Lake; son, Charles Toups and his wife Adrian of LaPorte; grandchildren, Charla Adams and her husband Blake, Jake Leger, Cayla and Ceaton Toups, Cassidy and Caleb Roland; great-grandchildren; Adam Rivers Gilliland, Zakk Merrit Adams, and Beaux McLayne Adams and loved ones, Charlie, Gayle, Tyler, Michael Toups and Sissy Holmes. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Her gentle spirit and loving heart will be carried on forever in the lives and hearts of so many people she touched. A special thanks to the staff of Harbor Hospice House for the love and great care that was given to our mother.

 

Verner P. Corkran, 70, of Navasota passed away Sunday, March 16, 2008, at his residence. Visitation was held Monday, March 17th at Nobles Funeral Chapel with the family present from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Chris Osborne of the Central Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Hempstead Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel. Verner was born in Port Arthur on March 20, 1937, the son of Calvin Patrick and Elizabeth (Smith) Corkran. He served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged on July 31, 1958. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the U of H, he married Rebecca Davenport in Houston on January 11, 1964. He then enjoyed a career as a manager for a lumberyard. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Mitchell P. Corkran. Verner is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rebecca D. Corkran of Navasota; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen & Laurie Corkran of Venice, FL; sister, Anne Corkran of Fort Worth; brothers and sister-in-law, Orrin & Pat Corkran of Flower Mound, TX and Lawrence Corkran of Destin, FL; grandchildren, Taylor West and Maryn Corkran and their mother, Dr. Tina Corkran. Serving as pallbearers are Lynn and Tery Corkran, both of Flower Mound, Ray Moore of Houston, Don Oates and Leslie Davenport, both of Deer Park, and Henry White of Fort Worth. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.

 

 William Kuehn

I hate to tell you but we lost another Classmate.
William Kuehn was found dead in his home in Port Neches. They think he had died several days before he was found. He is at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. Visitation will be Wednesday between 4:30 and 7:00 PM at the funeral home. His funeral will be Thursday at 2:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Groves and then will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
His wife died several years ago. He has a Daughter Polly Holtham and a Son Adam. Anyone wishing to send a Sympathy Card, it can be sent to the following:
Polly Holtham, 9685 Meadowcreed Dr., Beaumont, TX 77706

                  Paul Jenkins

I received an email from Judy Jenkins on Feb. 8th that Paul passed away that morning in his sleep, quite and peacefully. He suffered from cancer. I also received an email from Paul Fitzner that was sent to him from Paul's brother that stated Paul was to be cremated and his ashes are to be spread over the Gulf of Mexico. I haven't talked to Judy, but I wanted to let you classmates know. 
 
Judy Jenkins
P O Box 236 Lot 574
Fulton, TX 78358
361-729-2983
OCTexas@aol.com
 
We really enjoyed Paul and Judy at our 51st Class Reunion. Our Sympathy goes out to Judy for her loss.
                          Kay

Mrs. Janice Faye Reynolds Tobias