Gerald “Jabber” Duane Thompson, 78, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 4, 2018, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Mr. Scott McIntosh, Lead Chaplain TPWD Law Enforcement Division. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born on October 21, 1939, he was the son of Raymond Thompson and Helen Johnson Thompson. Gerald graduated from Stark High School where he loved playing football and went on to work as a lab technician at DuPont Sabine River Works for 44 years. He liked playing golf, softball and umpired and coached his girls’ softball teams. He enjoyed gardening, his grand-dogs, watching Longhorn and Aggie football, boats, and loved to read the newspaper and work every crossword puzzle. Gerald was a wonderful, quick witted man who loved to stir the pot and keep his family laughing. He enjoyed being around babies and children and always found something good in everything. He loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Elizabeth Thompson.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Ann Thompson; children, Patricia Mulholland and husband Bobby, of Bridge City, Cher Outhouse and husband Tommy, of Bridge City, and Shani Leach and husband Tracy, of Orange; step-son, Nathan Byerly and wife Angie, of Orange; grandchildren, Brena Hudson and husband Rocky, of Bridge City, Benji Mulholland and wife Rene, of Bridge City, Keith Hocker and fiancé Brandy O’Quinn, of Bridge City, Cameron Hocker and wife Alisha, of Kentucky, Sarah Outhouse, of Bridge City, Erica Lawson, of Orange, GinnyAnn Byerly and fiancé Baylor Henry, of Orange, and Garrison Byerly, of Orange; great-grandchildren, Keely Richard, Kerstin Richard, Luke Mulholland, Maya Hocker, Ezra Hocker, and one on the way, Greyson Hocker; one great-great-grandchild on the way; and his siblings, Kenneth Thompson and wife Linda, of Orange and Pat Marshall and husband George, of Kirbyville.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby Mulholland, Benji Mulholland, Luke Mulholland, Keith Hocker, Kenneth Thompson, and Nathan Byerly.

Ann would like to extend a special thank you to Altus Hospice and especially Amelia Clarke, Kerstin Richard, Patricia and Bobby Mulholland, Cher Outhouse, Shani Leach, Nathan and Angie Byerly, and GinnyAnn Byerly and Baylor Henry for helping to take such good care of him.

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Bill Edd Dixon, Sr. of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 6, 2018, at his home surrounded by friends and family.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday August 8, 2:00 p.m., at McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in West Orange.

Born in Rosston, Arkansas on September 7, 1932, he was the son of Willie Dixon and Eunice Lowry Dixon. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed at Elmendorf Airforce Base in Anchorage, Alaska where he was a loadmaster of C-124 Globemaster cargo planes. Upon leaving the Air Force, Bill Edd married the love of his life, Glenda Loe, and moved to Orange, Texas.  Bill began working at Spencer Chemical Company in 1955 which became Gulf Oil Chemical and he retired from Chevron Chemical in 1991.  Bill was a deacon at McDonald Memorial Baptist Church. He served on the Orange County Drainage District from 1977-2014.  He was greatly honored when the Drainage District boardroom was named for him in 2014. He loved his family dearly and everyone knew he loved his Arkansas Razorbacks! He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Dixon and Eunice Dixon; Sisters Estalene Martin and Shirley Dixon; and daughter-in-law Susan Dixon.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 64 plus years, Glenda Dixon, sons Bill Dixon Jr and wife Mary of Bridge City, Obie Dixon and wife Melinda of Shawnee, Kansas.   Grandchildren Scott Dixon, Joel Dixon and wife Sarah, Will Dixon and wife Melissa, Jacob Reynolds and wife Orianna, and Lindsay Gasperino.  Great-grandchildren Madison and Mackenzie Dixon, Alston Reynolds, Noah and Korbin Gasperino.  Brother, John Thomas Dixon of  Little Rock, Arkansas, Sisters, Eula Beth Ward of Hope, Arkansas, and Nelwyn Jetton of Metairie, Louisiana.

Serving as pallbearers are Scott, Joel, and Will Dixon, David Riddling, Pat Cockrill, and Kenny Baker.  Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Burton, Gene Hogg, Basil Burns, Mike Comeaux, Louis Davis, Martin Dies, Don Corona, Mark Stevenson, Jake Glass, Roy McDonald, Jimmy Hinyard, and Jacob Reynolds.

Bill Edd’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his personal caretakers, Rose Phillips, Tanya Rhodes, Barbara Johnson, and Cris Anderson for all of their love and compassion. A special thank you to the entire staff of Kindred Hospice and the Veteran’s Administration office in Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to a memorial fund at McDonald Memorial Baptist Church, 104 Broad St., Orange, Texas 77630.

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Mildred Nell Young, age 69 of Orange, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 5, 2018 in Beaumont, Texas. A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. Services are being provided through Dorman Funeral Home.

Nell was born in Port Arthur, Texas on August 23, 1948 to Isabella Landry Carruth and James Ansel Carruth. She worked for many years as a sales clerk with Perry Brothers as well as  being a homemaker for her loving family. Nell was a talented bowler and enjoyed playing on several different leagues in her younger years. Her and her husband attended Bethel Baptist Church in Orangefield for many years. Nell loved going on camping and beach trips with her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Isabella Carruth and her two sisters, Barbara Carruth and Diana Lee Moore.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Walton Young of Orange, TX, son Michael Young and Mendy Toole of Chandler, TX and daughter Stacy Lewis and her husband Kyle of Ft. Worth, TX. Five grandchildren; Brandon Robinson and his wife Tamara, Ashlyn Young, Alyssa Lewis, Keria Lewis and Hunter Young, three nieces; Debra Trahan, Alisha Rubio and Rebecca Terrell and three nephews; Dwight Bobo, Wayne Moore and James Terrell. As well as many other family and friends.

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Rena Mendoza Veillon, 89, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 7, 2018, at her home in Orange.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 10, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Daleo. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn cemetery.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m., Thursday, August 9, 2018, with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born and raised in the Cove in Orange, Texas, on September 4, 1928, she was the daughter of Leon Mendoza and Clara (Boudreaux) Mendoza. Rena had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling. She enjoyed shopping, collecting bells, hummingbirds and butterflies. Rena was a true business woman through and through. She loved spending time and visiting her family. Rena will be dearly missed by all those who came to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Clara Mendoza; husband, Harry B. Veillon; grandchildren, Rory Veillon and Dustin Conley; and brother, Leonard Mendoza.

She is survived by her children, Yvonne Veillon of Bridge City, Brenda Mouton and husband Jim of Orange, Barbara Hester and husband Joe of Lake Livingston, Dale Conley and husband Paul of Leander, Rick Veillon and wife Debbie of Orange, and Randy Veillon and wife Susan of Orange; grandchildren, Tiffany Moore, Kayla Veillon, Heather Horn, Heath Mouton, Nick Conley, Justin Veillon, Josh Veillon, Jordan Veillon, Chris Taylor, Ryan Taylor, and William Veillon; great-grandchildren, Hayden Moore, Clayton Moore, Braden Moore, John McCoy Moore, Addison Mouton, Carleigh Mouton, Callen Horn, Hutson Horn, Payden Horn, Liam Taylor, Stetson Veillon, and Levi Veillon.

Serving as pallbearers will be Heath Mouton, Nick Conley, Justin Veillon, Josh Veillon, Jordan Veillon, Chris Taylor, Ryan Taylor, and William Veillon.

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Georgia “GK” Sampson, 96, died on July 27, 2018 in her home in Houston, TX.  Georgia Kathryn Smith was born to Pauline Butts Smith and Paul M. Smith on June 10, 1922 in El Reno, OK.  Raised by her mother, Pauline, and maternal grandparents, Leroy “Dad” and Leona Butts, she graduated from El Reno High School in 1938 and Ward-Belmont (Junior) College, Nashville, TN in 1940.  GK attended University of Oklahoma in Norman where she majored in Zoology.  In 1942 she accepted a lab technician position with Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville, OK, where she met and later married James E. Sampson of Hood River, OR on November 26, 1942.  GK and Jim eventually settled in the Golden Triangle in 1951, where they raised five daughters in Orange, TX.

While residing in Orange, GK was an active member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church.  She taught Sunday School, served on the Vestry, participated in Episcopal Church Women, and was a member of and served as director of the Altar Guild.  GK was well known for the thousands of loaves of bread and sweet rolls that she baked over the years for the annual church bazaar.

GK was an expert seamstress who made dresses, clothing, gowns, and costumes for her entire family.  She was an exceptional cook and baker.  GK had a love for flowers and an extraordinarily green thumb, grounded by her upbringing in a family of florists and greenhouse growers.  GK was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Orange Chapter.  She also enjoyed participating in the Red Hats Society.

GK volunteered many years with the American Red Cross as a certified Water Safety Instructor, teaching hundreds of children how to swim.  GK taught geometry for a school year at Stark High School in 1959.  With five daughters, GK was very active in Camp Fire Girls as a volunteer group leader.  In 1964 GK was hired by Camp Fire Girls as Executive Director in Orange, a position she held for 10 years.  She touched thousands of young girls’ lives with her enthusiasm, leadership and mentoring as the Director of Camp Otanya.  GK served on the West Orange Cove Independent School District School Board.  GK enjoyed the many vacations and cruises taken with her husband, Jim, after his retirement in 1982.  In 2004, GK and Jim moved into University Place in Houston.

Over the years, GK and Jim hosted many memorable family gatherings with delicious food, endless games of canasta, marbles, dominoes, and lots of laughter.  We love and miss our Mama, Grandmama and Great-grandmama very much.  GK was the best!

GK is preceded in death by her mother, her grandparents, her husband Jim Sampson, an infant son, daughter Barbara Sampson, and granddaughter Selena Steele.

GK is survived by daughters Pam Steele of Waco, Paula Pennington of Orange, Jan and Scott Leigh of Victoria, Lynn and Creighton Smith of Redding, CA, seven grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be scheduled at a later date at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, where her ashes will be interred in the church’s memorial garden.

We wish to extend a very heartfelt thanks to GK’s excellent caregivers: Betty, Gail, Grace, Lillian, and Trina.  And special thanks to the PAS Staff of University Place and the Memorial Hermann Hospice staff.

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Jackie Mozelle Bowman, 76, of West Orange, passed away on August 8, 2018, at her home in West Orange.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Morse Cemetery in Buna, Texas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas, on January 1, 1942, she was the daughter of Kelly Powell and Edith (Bingham) Powell. Jackie worked as a security officer at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum and American Bridge. She was a proud lady who was caring, loving and always there for her family. Jackie was wonderful grandmother; she loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. She enjoyed relaxing at home with her family and watching sports. Jackie will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kelly and Edith Powell; and her baby brother.

She is survived by her loving husband, William Bowman of West Orange; her son, Red Whitmire and wife Terri of Orangefield; and her grandchildren, Laura Backer and husband Steve, and Tyler Whitmire and girlfriend Krista Adam.

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Jerry Franklin Turner, 84, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 8, 2018, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Dalphine Meeks of St. Maurice Catholic Church in Mauriceville, Texas.

Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Born in Vernon, Alabama, on July 7, 1934, he was the son of Onnie Dean Turner and Ruby Pearl May Turner. Jerry was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving 4 years as an Aircraft Mechanic. He loved visiting and telling stories about growing up in his hometown of Vernon where he still has a cabin. Jerry loved being from Alabama and was an avid fan of Crimson Tide football. He was always doing something and enjoyed gardening and his fruit and pine trees. Jerry was a hardworking man and made sure to instill this in his children. He was a proud 15 year pancreatic cancer survivor. Jerry loved his family dearly and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Onnie and Ruby; and siblings, Johnnie Turner, Mary Dean Hoots, and Wayne Turner.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Vergie Turner; children, Vicki Mowery and husband Paul, Toni Thompson and husband Don, Marla Myers and husband Jeff, and Mike Turner and wife Brandee, all of Orange; grandchildren, Cassi Dillard, Justin Dillard, Jared Thompson and wife Dana, Lindsey Garrett and husband Bryan, Kyle Thompson and wife Whitney, Brandon Penick, and Christian Ferguson and husband Josh; 9 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Kyle Turner and wife Judy, of West Orange. He will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486.

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Georgia Elenor Bland, 86, of the Echo Community went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.  Graveside services, under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home, will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at George Daniels Cemetery next to her home. Officiating will be her nephew Felix Hudnall.

On September 29, 1931, Georgia was born to Rena Fay and George E. Daniels, in Troy, Illinois.  She enjoyed spending time with her loving family, TV, her many cookbooks and recipes,  and  working her crossword search puzzles.  Georgia also enjoyed being outside tending to her flowers.

Those preceding Georgia in death are her husband of nearly 65 years, Gene T. Bland; parents, George and Rena Fay Daniels; and sister, Rava Davis of Oregon.

She is survived by her 3 sons, Gene Alan, Larry and Ronnie. Her only daughter Rena. Eleven grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and her 2 great great grandsons. Her only brother Leo P. Daniels and wife Audrey of NC. Her sister in law Gwen Bland of Orange, and T.J. and Bobbie Wilkerson of Deweyville. And numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Honoring Georgia as pallbearers are Lonnie Isaacs, Craig Isaacs, Kevin Isaacs, Russell Bartholamew, Jr., Eric Lozano, and Darren Bland. Honorary pallbearers are her grandsons Dustin Bland, Joshua Hunt and Josh Driskill.

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Billy Wayne Jones, 72, a lifelong resident of Orange, TX passed from this life on Tuesday August 7, 2018 after an extended battle with heart disease at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston, TX

Born on April 23, 1946 Billy was the youngest son of Sybil Louis Sanford Jones and Floyd McCreight Jones. He was an exceptional high school athlete, graduating from Little Cypress in 1964 before attending Blinn Jr College on a baseball scholarship. He proudly volunteered and served in the United States Army as a medic, with honorable discharge in 1968. He was a Gold Star 4-H volunteer leader for 14 years and a dedicated Sunday school teacher at Pinehurst United Pentecostal church for 15 years. He was a union millwright by trade, a member of Local 2484 and retired from Firestone Polymers, Orange in 2008.

Billy celebrated life and passed on his passion for the outdoors with countless hunting and fishing adventures with his children and grandchildren in his beloved Sabine River bottom and abroad. In retirement he polished his golf game but never missed the opportunity to attend a grandchild’s game or activity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, youngest son, Randall Darren Jones, brothers, Jimmy Harold Jones and Floyd David Jones, sister, Jackie Marie Barrientos, and nephews Jimmy Harold “Jimbo” Jones Jr., and Richard Lane “Ricky” Jones.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Linda Joyce Frazier Jones of Orange, son Billy Wayne Jones, Jr and wife Marnie, daughter Kimberly Kay Gillis and husband Waylon all of Starks, LA.  Grandchildren Trey ”Bones” Jones, Cole Jones and wife Casey, Orrin Gillis, Kilon Gillis, Lane Gillis, Jacilyn Jones Brady; sisters-in-law, Peggy Jones and Randi Jones; brother-in-law, Tom Barrientos; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Serving as pallbearers will be Collin Jones, Jeff Jones, David “Bear” Barrientos, Trey Jones, Cole Jones, Orrin Gillis and Lane Gillis. Honorary pallbearers are Kilon Gillis and Jacilyn Jones Brady.

Funeral Services will be held at Pinehurst United Pentecostal Church, at 2111 N. 40^th St., Orange, TX, 77630 under the direction of Rev. W.W. Smith and Claybar Funeral home on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Rigmaiden Cemetery in Dequincy, LA at 3:00 p.m.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, August 13, 2018 at the church.

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A service celebrating the life and legacy of George “G.G.” Stanley Shinn, age 78, will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, August 13, 2018 at Christ Church in West Monroe, LA. Officiating will be Pastor Tom Lowe. Bishop Mark Foster will deliver the Eulogy. Interment will follow in Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe. Services are under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of West Monroe. G.G. is survived by his beautifully blended family; his loving wife of 20 years, Sandra Cox Shinn; mother-in-law, Lida Cox; his sons, Christopher Shinn and his wife, Julie, Craig Shinn, Coy Shinn, Curt Shinn; his daughters, GiGi Shinn, Cindy Stone and her husband, Scott, Debbie Herrington, and her husband, Blake; his grandchildren, Tira Shinn, Curt Shinn, JR., Yevette Shinn, Coy Shinn, JR., Nicholas Shinn, Steven Shinn, Aidan Shinn; grandsons, Cody Stone, Cade Stone; granddaughters, Hanna Lavergne and husband, Jarrad, Haley Herrington; great grandchildren, Maddox, Skyler, Lillith and Luke; brother, David Shinn and his wife, Arline; special nieces and nephews, Betsy Padgett Villanueva and Norma Padgett and Richard “Knucklehead” Padgett, extended family; Stephanie and Tony Osborne and son, Connor Osborne. Six of the little joys in his life were his dogs, Zza Zza Gabor, Daisy, Maizy and cats Miss Kitty, B-Lou, and Mr. Trump. Preceding G.G. in death were his parents; Wildon and Betty Shinn; his father-in-law, T.W. Cox; and sister, Patsy Padgett and a brother, Jack Shinn.

G.G. Shinn was a gentleman’s gentleman. It is a true phenomenon when a truly great musician is also a great entertainer. This singer, horn player and dynamic stage persona never failed to have an audience begging for more. G.G. was known as the “King of Blue-eyed Soul”. In his hometown of Franklin, Louisiana, G.G. started his first band, “The Flat Tops”. In 1963, he joined “The Boogie Kings” and his professional career began. Their album, recorded in 1965, is still a highly sought-after collector’s item. In 1966, G.G. formed “The Rollercoasters” and recorded two R&B albums. A move to Los Angeles provided a new opportunity. It was there that the group “Chase” hired G.G. to record an album. Completed in only two weeks, the album was nominated for a Grammy award in 1972, and G.G.’s reputation as a great musician grew. After performing countless shows around the world, G.G. decided to open his 1st of four nightclubs in Lafayette, Louisiana in the 1970s, After Dark. Over the next four decades G.G. would open three more clubs, appropriately named, G.G.’s Club in Lake Charles, Louisiana in the 1990s, Monroe, Louisiana in 1998, and his final club in Alexandria, Louisiana in 2000. He personally managed the bands and performed at each on a regular basis. He would operate his last club with his devoted wife Sandra until its closure in 2011.

Those who flocked to see G.G. were not his fans but his family. From the moment he was introduced and stepped onto the stage, an echo of uproarious applause would ensue. G.G. needed no introduction. The crowd knew him. They had been listening to him for six decades. The impish grin of that young musician resonated with fans as he matured into the legendary sensation and Louisiana Music Hall of Famer everyone came to love on and off stage. His persona commanded the stage no matter what band was backing him. Beneath all the flash of his wardrobe, he was a man who had a passion for his state of Louisiana and the music he created symbolized that. His voice was infectious as he performed in a fairly obscure music genre indigenous to the Acadiana region of Southern Louisiana and Southwest Texas that was created by Cajun teens in the 1950s and early 1960s. He carried his stories through song to the masses in Africa, Japan, the United States, New Orleans Jazz Fest as well as the smaller crowds of the Dynasty in Monroe and other small venues throughout South Louisiana and Southeast Texas. His music made you want to dance. His music made you want to dig deep in your soul. If there was a microphone and a band, G.G. lived for the spotlight and ability to share his talents from God. G.G.’s undeniable talent crossed genres over the years. He had a gift of delivering breathtaking ballads that would bring a tear to your eye. His rendition of “Hallelujah” did just that. He also released many solo albums in his career including a Christmas album. He released his last album, “One Last Kiss” at the age of 75 on May 20, 2015. G.G. expanded his genre crossing as he began performing selections from “The Complete Jewish Songbooks” at the Temple B’Nai Israel in Monroe, Louisiana over the last decade of his life. G.G. was inducted in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and the Northeast Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

In his spare time, G.G. was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a sports enthusiast who loved to attend his grandchildren’s games. G.G. was an active member of his Wednesday’s Men’s Bible Study at St. Alban’s Church. He transformed the lower level of his home on Moon Lake into a place to enjoy music and fellowship as he stood over the stove creating a feast celebrating his Cajun reared heritage. It was there with his wife, Sandra that he created a refuge to call home for 17 years.

Honoring G.G. as pallbearers will be Richard Padgett, Oran Guidry, Ray Mouton, Tommy Cox, Ricky Grimmet, Terry Cox and Gerry Mouton. Honorary pallbearers will be the Wednesday Men’s Bible Study Group at St. Alban’s Church.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Sunday, August 12, 2018, at Christ Church in West Monroe, LA.
A very special and heartfelt thanks for the love and concern for G.G. and his family to Compassus Hospice Care and nurses, Becky and Mary and his personal caregiver, Jennifer Aldridge.

G.G. had the gift of creating imaginative folklore at spinning a story especially when it came to the origin of his nickname, “G.G.’’. Its true origin lies amongst the many humorous tales he spun over the course of his life. G.G. was an extraordinary son, father, stepfather, husband, friend, Cajun chef, musician, and entertainer. Above all he was an extraordinary human being. He leaves behind a rich legacy that made this world a better place.
Memorials may be made in G.G.’s memory to Christ Church, 208 Lincoln Street, West Monroe, LA 71291.
Online condolence messages may be sent to his family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
Kilpatrick Funeral Home
West Monroe, LA

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Ross Martin Vrooman III, 57, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 8, 2018, at his home.

Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange with cremation to follow.

Born in China Lake, California, on August 25, 1960, he was the son of Ross Martin Vrooman, Jr. and Joyce (McMillon) Vrooman. Ross enjoyed racing, fishing, and golfing. His family was his most cherished gift and he will be dearly missed by all those who came to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross Martin Vrooman, Jr. and Joyce Vrooman; and daughter, Crystal Vrooman.

He is survived by his children, Allan Vrooman and wife Julie of Greenville, and Justin Vrooman of Orange; grandchildren, Peyton and Zachary Vrooman; and siblings, Gail Hartwig and husband Neil, Larry Vrooman, Jeff Vrooman and wife Sabrina, Vicky Dolley and husband Jerry, and Elaine Brown.

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Wilbur Ernest (Mac) McDonald, age 80, passed away at his home in Beaumont, surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 11, 2018.  His courageous battle with cancer is over.  He was born on a farm August 25, 1937 in Omega, Georgia to Neal and Annie (Nagles) MacDonald and was one of 13 children. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served during peacetime.

Mac had a successful career in Real Estate and was co-owner of Patsy’s Bridal ’N Formals in Groves, TX.  He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, his ability to work any crowd and the invaluable, constant advice he shared with his grand’s!

Left to honor and remember him are his wife of 41 years, Patsy H. McDonald, the love of his life, and a beautifully blended family!  His children, David (Joanne) McDonald, Anita Lewis, Paula (Leonard) Walker, Glenn (Donna) McDonald and Pam (Tyler) Hurn, 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves, TX.  Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park immediately following the service.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home.

The McDonald Family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff of Heart of Texas Hospice for their exemplary care of Mac and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to American Cancer Society.

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Virginia Prejean Langley, 72, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 10, 2018, in Orange.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Barry Bradley.

A memorial visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 17, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home.

Born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on June 10, 1946, she was the daughter of Patrick Miller and Dorothy (Powell) Miller. Virginia was a 1964 graduate of Crestview High School, and always loved her Florida hometown of Dorcas, Florida.  She moved to Orange many years ago, where she raised her family.

Virginia enjoyed good food, good wine, and good music, but her greatest joy was always being surrounded by her family. Friends and family could always count on sharing a good cup of coffee with Ginny, enjoying her razor sharp wit and wonderful view of the world.  A loving mother, Ginny never missed a cheerleading competition or choir concert. She spent countless hours nurturing her grandson as a child. In more recent days, she always lit up when her granddaughters came to see her, and they never ceased to bring a smile to her face.  She will be dearly missed by all those who came to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, John and Pearl Powell; mother, Dorothy Parker; father, Patrick Miller; and step-father, George Parker.

She is survived by her children, Wyatt Prejean and wife Kacey of Orange, and Kimberly Comeaux of Orange; grandchildren, Taylor Frillou, Delaney and Hope Prejean, and Blakely Comeaux, all of Orange; and siblings, John P. Miller and wife Gayla of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Michael Miller and wife Janet of Birmingham, Alabama; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

The family would like to sincerely thank those who cared for Ginny at Pinehurst Nursing Home, who tended to her so lovingly, as well as the wonderful people at Southeast Texas Hospice, who showed her family such love and compassion during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.

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Blondine Becker, 78, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 13, 2018, in Port Arthur, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 17, 2018, at Grace Lutheran Church in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Pastor Haas and Pastor Merrit. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn in Orange.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Hassfurt, Germany, on May 4, 1940, she was the daughter of Josef Serini and Blondina Büttel. Blondine was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend. Blondine was a very strong woman who found great joy in taking care of her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josef and Blondina Serini; and her brothers, Franz Serini and Roland Serini.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Melvin Lee Becker; her children, Sabina King and husband Jimmy of Orange, Kenneth Becker of Orange, and Randy Becker and wife Joanie of Orange; her grandchildren, Amber Honsinger, Eric Becker, Brad Becker, Mathew King, Cody Becker, and Jason Becker; her great-grandchildren, Jacob Honsinger, Bree Becker, Brody Becker, Evie Becker, Max Becker and two more on the way, Mia Rose King and Chip Honsinger; and her sisters, Edwina Sprau and Elisabeth Blake.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Becker, Brad Becker, Mathew King, Cody Becker, Jason Becker, Jonathan Honsinger, and Jacob Honsinger.

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The Celebration of Life for Mrs. Lillie Maude Arnold, 93, of Orange, will be Friday, August 17^th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Rites of Christian Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Sparrow Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

She died Thursday, August 9^th at Pinehurst Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Orange.

A native of Kemper County, MS she has resided in Orange, TX since 1940.

During her years in Orange she worshipped at the Mount Sinai Baptist Church and later at the Mount Zion Baptist Church.

She is survived by 6 sons, Robert Sr. (Shelia), Alvin, James and Chris Arnold (Erica), all of Orange, Wilbur Arnold (Joyce) of Welch, LA  and John Arnold (Wanda) of Beaumont, TX, 1 daughter, Wanda Keller (Tom) of Port Arthur, TX, 2 brothers, Tommy Warren of Anderson, IN and Henry Warren of Panama City, FL, 1 sister, Ina Windham of  Anderson, IN , 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

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Calvin Edsel (Cal) Ebner, was born to Adolph Ebner, Sr. and Mary Emma Hall Ebner on July 19, 1927 in Beaumont, Texas. He was the youngest of four with Alice Margretta Ebner Ramsey, Adolph Ebner, Jr. and Roderick Paul Ebner in that order completing the brood. All of the aforementioned preceded Cal in death just as they had in everything else but on Sunday, August 12, 2018, Call followed them again. The “Calvin” and “Edsel” reflected the 1927 birth date. Calvin Coolidge was president and Edsel Ford ran the company that sported his father’s name. After growing up on the farm which was South of Name, Cal did two years in the army at Los Alamos, New Mexico protecting the facility that produced the atomic bombs where he was exposed to Uranium radiation which may account for some of his later behavior which included three semesters at Texas A@M College (not yet a university) until hormones took over and he succumbed to the advances of Geneva Ann (Ginny) Borque and they were married at Nome, Texas on March 19, 1950. Ginny’s eighteenth birthday was on St. Patrick’s day may have had something to do with the wedding date. Ginny and Cal were blessed with and are survived by Gary Roland Ebner, Sr. and wife Sherrie, Roxanna Marie Ebner Sullivan and husband Mark, Tabor Ethan Ebner and wife Michelle, Keturah Ebner and Kyle Edward Ebner and wife Stacy over a period of twenty years which prompted some acquaintance to remark, “you must be Catholics” but the response was, “No, just passionate Baptist”. Those five blessed Ginny and Cal with twelve grandchildren and those in turn have come up with twenty five great grandchildren (the count continues to change) and one great, great grandchild. As the grandson of immigrants who came over from Hungary in 1885 (in the words of Grandpa Paul “to keep his sons from having to serve in the Prussian arny”) Cal became active in the community affairs after he and Ginny moved to Deweyville in Newton County in June, 1950 and somehow managed to escape being run out of the county despite being a lightening rod over various contentious subjects with the last straw being his election as Republican County Chairman in 1982, as post that he held until resigning in 2012. At the time only Democrats served as local officials. Cal lived to see Newton County become a Republican majority county in 2016 and was a proud “deplorable” who helped elect President Trump. During one of the periods of contention in the early “sixties” Cal was awarded a Ph.D by one of his detractors (a pothole diggers degree). The detractor was assured that Cal was at that time in the process of cornering the marker on used posthole diggers by conning Glenn McCarthy out of one of his dry holes and was all ready to cut it up into two foot lengths. Cal farmed rice, worked in a pipe mill, operated a garage and a heavy equipment business, worked in a shipyard and ended up doing time in a chemical plant for 31 years. To the cogent observer it becomes obvious that with this many endeavors going on, some of them must have been coexistent but when Cal retired at 65 there remained much to do and he remained busy in the community until being forced out of retirement to become interim manager of South Newton Water Supply Corporation which post he filled until his resignation on October 9, 2017. It goes without saying but it still needs to be said that with five kids there has to be a certain amount of basketball, little league, baseball, boating, fishing, banding (with horns, the kind you blow) and trips to district playoffs and state playoffs. Somewhere in all this there were stints on the Deweyville School Board, the Jasper Newton electric Co-op Board, the South Newton Water Supply Corporation Board, the Newton Central Appraisal District Board and the Sabine River Authority Board. Ginny and Cal were privileged to visit every state but Hawaii and vowed that it would be included just as soon as they completed the bridge. Ginny and Cal joined the First Baptist Church of Deweyville in June of 1950. Cal served as deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, song leader (he couldn’t read a note) teacher of the Ole Fogey’s class and general handyman while Ginny took care of kids (theirs and ours). Their kids served in varying capacities through the years and for the last twenty or so Cal has been the resident curmudgeon. As Cal makes the final departure some will say and not under their breath, “good riddance”. A few will say, “I really miss him”, and will mean it and very shortly he will like so many others be just an afterthought. And the beauty of it all is that none of the immediately preceding has any lasting consequence. Cal was cremated under the auspices of Dorman Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. There will be no formal memorial service but family and friends will gather at Dorman Funeral Home on, Saturday, August 18, 2018, from, 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and may tell one another how much they miss him as they view the display of pictures and memorabilia that the kids have prepared. Cal’s ashes will be on hand in a very proper urn and at the time to be determined by the kids will be scattered under the fruit trees and among the bluebonnets on the property where they were all raised, reared or in some manner brought to adulthood.

Cal wrote some poetry. Herewith his last effort:

It’s been a long and sometimes arduous trial

But in the end what we’ve always been taught will prevail.

To wit: that in the end, each one must die.

That’s not just a saying but a daily proven fact

That no one questioned but many may act

As though they really haven’t figured out why

Such an ending must come to fruition

Every Mother’s son must meet that condition

And even though questions are raised and answers needed

There are none that come though hard we’ve tried

To find one that will make us satisfied

And so we must admit that we have conceded

That all our efforts have been in vain

And each of us must so remain;

Accepting what has determined our fate

Even if we continue to doubt

And hope that what is decreed should not win out;

By then it’s over and our feeble efforts are way too late.

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Buddy Ralph Street, 78, of Orange, passed away on Sunday August 12 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 17 at First Church of the Nazarene, 3810 Martin Luther King Drive, Orange, Texas, 77632. Reverend K. Ray McDowell will officiate. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

Visitation is from 5 until 8 p.m., Thursday, at Claybar Funeral Home, 504 N. 5^th Street in Orange. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Buddy was born in Petrolia, Texas on January 3, 1940. His father moved the family to Orange when Buddy was a young child. Buddy quickly discovered a passion for sports. He loved the game of football and played center for the Lutcher Stark High School Tigers. Many of his teammates, coaches and teachers became life-long friends and mentors. He was a proud graduate of the Stark High School Class of 1959.

After high school graduation, Buddy enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Germany from 1959-1962 and was honorably discharged as a Veteran in 1962. When he returned home from military service, he married his high-school sweetheart, Maureen Brock, and began a five-decade career as an air conditioning contractor. Buddy valued and respected his customers as if they were his family. He was sensitive to the financial burdens of his elderly clients and happily accepted home-made apple pie as full payment for a service call. His compassion and generosity often fell on strangers.  Whether he was delivering a coat to a homeless man, surprising a young boy with a new bicycle, stopping to help fix a flat tire on the way to church, leaving a large tip to a hard working waitress, paying for a single mom’s groceries, feeding a stray dog or just sharing a kind word – Buddy always put others first.  He believed and lived the golden rule and treated every person that crossed his path with dignity and grace. One of his favorite quotes says, “Character is defined by what you do when no one is looking.” Over the years, his wife and children would frequently meet people that shared how “Buddy Ralph” made a positive impact on their life.

Buddy was a loyal Dallas Cowboy and West Orange Stark High School football fan. He had season tickets at Mustang Stadium on the 48 yard line for over 25 years.  He enjoyed western movies, the blues and country music. Some of his favorite musical artists were Gatemouth Brown, John Fogerty and Willie Nelson. His hobbies included collecting Red Ryder BB guns and Texaco airplanes and attending estate sales and sporting events.

Buddy’s permanent imprint on this earth was not measured by a successful business, loads of money in the bank or countless awards on the wall. The amazing legacy he leaves behind is rooted in an unshakable faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ and his desire to share God’s love thru his daily actions. People from all walks of life, all ages and all races were forever changed by the huge servant’s heart of Buddy Ralph Street.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 55 years, Edith Maureen Street, and his two daughters, Kelly Coker of Orange, and Kathleen Cone and husband Ty Cone of North Richland Hills. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Edith Street, and siblings W.K Street, Melvin Street, Margie McClure, Darlene Holcomb, Mildred Smith, Mary Vincent, Lois Fancher, Sam Street Jr. and Myrtice Moore.

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Evelyn Harriet Jones, age 94 of Orange, Texas, passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 in Orange. Services to honor Evelyn’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Old First Orange Baptist Church with Reverend Keith Meyer officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Services will be under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home.

Evelyn was one of six children and was born in Magdi, Louisiana on August 23, 1923 to Eva Florence Nugent Guilliams and Claude William Guilliams. She had been a longtime resident of Orange, Texas and worked with Palais Royal for a number of years. She was a member of Old Orange First Baptist Church. She loved spending time with her family.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Gibson Jones, parents Claude and Eva Guilliams, son-in-law Douglas Wayne Pence, Sr. and siblings; Wilbur Clyde Guilliams, Douglas Guilliams, Jerrald Dan Guilliams, Helen Colglazier and her husband Bob and Edith Marie Nutt and her husband Glyn.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter Vera Lanelle Jones Pence of Orange, TX, two grandsons Douglas Wayne Pence, Jr. and his wife Brenda and Richard Dean Pence and his wife Marci, sister-in-law Ella Guilliams and five great grandchildren; Miranda Ruffin and her husband Derek, Crystal Rogillio and her husband Trent, Chelsea Pence and Oliver, Conner Pence and his wife Kerry and Catherine Pence and Collin. Five great great grandchildren; Cainan Terry, Trent Terry, Darian Pence, Kendin Hampton and Dereka Ruffin. Also her extended family Tammy Campbell and Robert Hymes.

Evelyn’s great great grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Evelyn’s family would like to extended a special thank you to her hospice nurse Nicole, RN and Cynthia Hebert, CNA for their exceptional care, love and support.

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Steve Skinner, 61, of Anacoco, Louisiana, passed away on August 15, 2018, in Leesville, Louisiana.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 19, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange with Pastor Bill Russell officiating. A graveside service will be at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, at Magnolia Springs Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Born in Kirbyville, Texas, on December 23, 1956, he was the son of Bevis Carlo Skinner and Helen Smith Skinner. Steve worked as a Process Operator at DuPont Sabine River Works for 42 years. He loved to fish, hunt, and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Steve was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and could always be found watching their games whenever they were playing. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlo and Helen Skinner.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Sue Skinner; children, Michael Durio and wife Stacy, of Deweyville, Matthew Lawson and wife Linda, of Vidor, Shad Skinner and wife Tressa, of Buna, and Shaun Skinner, of Port Arthur; 10 grandchildren; and his sister, Peggy Perry and husband Murphy, of Anacoco, LA.

Serving as pallbearers will be Matthew Lawson, Michael Durio, Keith Waldrup, Russell Durio, Mark Sheckler, and Ronnie Durio. Honorary pallbearers are James Wise, Jarrod Perry, and Timmy Price.

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Stafford (Stack) Odom Peveto, Jr., of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 15, 2018.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home, on 5^th Street, in Orange, Texas. Graveside service to follow at Bland Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 18,2018 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas, on December 25, 1924, he was the son of Stafford O. Peveto, Sr. and Lena Lorene Peveto. He graduated from Orange High School. Stack served as a Torpedo Man on “The U.S. Bushell” in World War II for 26 months. After the war, he worked in Orange County for several companies including Sabine Supply Co., Dupont, Chemstrand, Spencer Chem. Co. & Gulf Chemical Co. Stack loved “Horse Trading”. He retired at 55 years of age to become a full time “trader”. He was an avid deer and duck hunter. If time allowed, he would go country and western or Cajun dancing up to 4 nights a week.

Stack was preceded in death by his wife, Altha Rae Stanton Peveto; sisters, Mary Alice Brown, and Helen Eliane Mattox; and brother, Frank Leonard Peveto.

Stack is survived by sons, Rodney V. Peveto and wife Cynthia A. Peveto of Plano, Texas, and Billy C. Peveto and wife Nancy Peveto of Buna, Texas; grandchildren, Andrew Peveto, Teri Daigle, Lisa Crumpton, and Amy McIlwain; and great-grandchildren, Macy and Chris Peveto, Ty Daigle, Tanner, Trace and Carli Crumpton, and Cameron, Colton, and Carson McIlwain.

Serving as pallbearers will be Duke and Ty Daigle, Stuart Marks, Tanner and Trace Crumpton, Drew Peveto, Randy, Cameron, and Colton McIlwain.

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