Rodolph Morris "Spooky" Laird

October 31, 1943 - December 29, 2023

Rodolph Morris Laird, age 80 of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023.

There are no services scheduled for Rodolph Laird at this time.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at:

https://www.wagesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Rodolph-Laird/#!/TributeWall

Comments: "Spooky was one great guy, great representative of The Class of 1962. I could write a whole column on him. I don't have the background on how he got his nickname but nicknames seem to run in the family. I actually knew his brother, Pancho, better. On those two Jr. High photos, I didn't want them to be lost, they are priceless. We do have dozens of candid photos of him on the webpage. One last note.... he was born on Halloween, he died on my birthday. R.I.P. Old Buddy."

Great Explanation from Lucille Armintor: "Read your piece about Spook. You answered your own question about his nickname…born on Halloween …Spooky. His older sister Martha, class of ‘60 was called Puddin’. Nice family."

Nancy Dore Byron

October 20, 1943 - November 22, 2023

Nancy Byron, 80, of Winnie, died Tuesday, November 22, 2023. She was born October 20, 1943, in Port Arthur, to Lena and Joseph Doré.

Nancy enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, spending time with family, and taking care of her cats, Kitty and Dev. She was always proud of her work done at Gulf for 30 plus years.

Survivors include her daughter, Lisa Whitehead, and her husband, Hank, of Winnie; grandchildren, Chelsea Adkins and her partner, Clint Grahn, of Fannett, and Dalton Taylor, of Winnie; great-grandchild, Madilynn; brother-in-law, “Blackie” Hebert of Groves; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mae Hebert and Betty Colichia; brother, Johnny Doré.

A gathering of Ms. Byron’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with her funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12^th Street, Nederland. Her interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

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Dane Edward Umphrey, 78, of Labelle, Texas passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at his home in Labelle. Dane was born in Port Arthur, Texas on August 10, 1944 to the late, Bert and Christine Umphrey.

Dane grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood of Port Arthur. On any given summer day it would not be unusual to find him walking the train tracks from near his home to his grandparents or riding bikes throughout the neighborhood with other neighborhood boys, many of whom would become lifelong friends.

After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1962 he decided he wanted to serve his country and join the military. He knew he wanted to be on the water so he had intentions of joining the Navy. The bridge to the navy recruitment location was closed, so as fate would have it, he passed a Coast Guard recruitment office on the way home and joined the Coast Guard. His service in the Coast Guard took him to both coasts from Eureka, California to New York City. This fit well with his adventuresome spirit, as well as serving his country on the water.

After completing his time in the Coast Guard, like his father, Dane went to work at Texaco eventually ending up in the lab. However, the adventuresome spirit again came calling and Dane decided that he wanted to be his own boss by starting a business. He had always enjoyed mechanical work and working with his hands was something he was naturally good at. His curiosity as a young man had him taking things apart to see how they worked and then putting them back together. This later transitioned into his work as a ASE Master Technician and owner of Dane’s Automotive in Nederland. He proudly owned and operated his auto repair business for almost 40 years.

After retiring and selling his successful business, he and Linda were able to travel more frequently. Some of their favorite places to visit were Fredericksburg, Texas and Durango, Colorado, many times pulling their motorcycles and taking rides throughout the countryside. They were fortunate to be able to travel the country and enjoy their retirement together. When not traveling, Dane could usually be found in his shop at this home rebuilding and restoring antique John Deere tractors and lanterns. He never missed an opportunity to show off his hard work. He loved the process of restoring the tractors but the sound of the engine running was the ultimate prize for him.

Dane never met a stranger. He was quick with a big smile and friendly “Hello” wherever he went. He had a sense of humor with quick comments, often taking jabs at himself. Telling funny stories and making everyone laugh was part of spending time with Dane. He always had his phone handy and calls and texts came in throughout the day from old and new friends on a regular basis. He always had time to talk. He enjoyed taking his daily walks around his neighborhood in Labelle as much for the exercise as the opportunity to visit with his neighbors. Dane could be counted on to lend a hand or an ear whenever needed.

Dane’s family brought him the most joy and love in his life. He and Linda were married for almost 48 years and together they raised four boys, Lee, Darren, Chad and Dale. Whether it was taking his family on week long camping trips to Village Creek, making homemade ice cream on hot summer afternoons, flying model airplanes or playing football in the backyard, above everything else, family was the most important thing in his life. He and Linda were blessed with 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He always looked forward to spending time with his family. He never left without a big hug and “I love you”. Dane always let his family know they were loved.

Those left to cherish Dane’s memory include his sons, Lee Brown and his wife, Melisa of Beaumont, Texas, Darren Umphrey and his wife, Angela of Canyon Lake, Texas, Chad Umphrey of Nederland, Texas and Dale Umphrey and his wife, Ashley of Nederland, Texas; sister, Marga Carlsen and her husband, Bill of Port Neches, Texas; grandchildren, Morgan Brown, Ethan Brown, Weston Brown, Shea Umphrey, Quinn Umphrey, Peyton Carlton, Madison Umphrey and Ayden Doyle; and great-grandchildren, Rowan Baggett and Sutton Carlton.

Dane is preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda Umphrey; his parents, Bert and Christine Umphrey; and his brother Mark Umphrey.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas on Tuesday evening, May 30, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday morning, May 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., also at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland.

Comments: Wayne Taylor: I ran into him 3-4 months ago at Walmart. We had a nice long conversation, he remarked how he missed his wife. But otherwise, he said he was doing good.

Glenda McDaniel Salter

Glenda McDaniel Salter, beloved mother and Nana, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Cypress, Texas on Thursday, March 2, 2023. She was born on April 30, 1944, in Port Arthur, Texas to Alton and Carlie McDaniel.

Glenda grew up in Port Arthur and attended Thomas Jefferson High School where she was a proud member of the school’s well-known drum and bugle corps, The Red Hussars. She graduated in 1962, attended business school, and went on to marry Jerry Woodward. They settled in La Marque, Texas where they both worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers in Galveston. Together, she and Jerry had a daughter, Stacy, who was the joy of their life. Glenda was active in community organizations such as the La Marque Jaycees, and later, the La Marque Pilot Club where she made life-long friends.

Glenda was a stay-at-home mom for many years until she and her best friend, Rita Pate, opened, The Strawberry Patch, a gift shop in La Marque. When the gift shop closed, Glenda went to work for Galveston County District Clerk’s office as Office Administrator. Following her divorce in 1986, Glenda married Wright Salter in 2002. Although Glenda tried to retire in 2007, she soon found that retirement was not for her and she went to work for North Cypress Medical Center as the hospital’s Volunteer Coordinator. In this position, made many great friends. She later went on to work as a receptionist at TXCPA Houston and Radcliffe Bobbitt Adams Polley PLLC.

Glenda is preceded in death by her husband, Wright Salter. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law Stacy and Ken Thornton and grandsons, Cale and Zachary whom she adored, along with her beloved dog, Sophie. Glenda is also survived by cousins Ramona Sanders (John) and family and Rick Woodruff and wife Traci. Glenda enjoyed a life full of love, family, friendships, and lots and lots of laughter with fabulous friends. She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Sunday, March 12^th from 1 pm – 4 pm at the home of Stacy Thornton, 14110 Halprin Creek Drive, Cypress, TX 77429. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Condolences can be left at: https://www.kleinfh.com/obituary/glenda-salter

Irene Montalvo Olivier Hebert

On February 23, 2023 Irene Montalvo Olivier Hebert passed away peacefully outside of Austin, TX at the age of 78. Irene, a native of Port Arthur, TX graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1962.

She was married to Gerald “Butch” Olivier who preceded her in passing. Together they raised 3 girls Geraldine, Daphne, and Kandi Olivier in Port Arthur Texas. Irene was the daughter of Ruth and Mauricio Montalvo. She had 4 brothers and 2 sisters, all proud Montalvo’s. Irene was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother at the time of her passing. Irene moved from Port Arthur to Austin, TX in 1992 where she worked for Dell computers and other businesses in Central Texas. In 2004 Irene moved from Austin to Denham Springs, LA to be closer to 5 of her grandkids, the children of Geraldine (Dina) and Matthew Milliet.

Irene attended their sporting and school events as a very proud and loving grandmother. Irene returned to the Austin area in 2019 after falling ill and lived the last few years of her life at San Gabriel Rehabilitation and Care Center where she enjoyed her bingo and visits from family and friends. As a young mother she could be found raising her 3 daughters along the Texas Gulf Coast, crabbing, fishing, and cheering at the Thomas Jefferson High School football games. That love of sports continued throughout her life cheering not only for her kids and grandkids but her Texas Longhorns and beloved Dallas Cowboys. Her spirit for all things family will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves, TX on Saturday March 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

Condolences can be left here or at: https://www.claytonthompson.com/obituary/irene-hebert

Condolences:

Geraldine “Geri” Breaux Gillard

GALVESTON - Geraldine “Geri” Gillard, age 79, passed away Friday, February 3, 2023 at her residence. She was born in Port Arthur, Texas on January 28, 1944.

She met the "love of her life" while he was in college They were married on September 5, 1964 and moved to Galveston to build a life and raise their family. She worked for Shriner’s Hospital for Children and then Risk Management at UTMB Hospital.

Geri was dedicated to her community with her involvement with the Catholic Schools system, as well as the public Schools in Galveston. She was a member along with her husband of the square dance group called The Galveston “Isle-A-Manders” for nearly 12 years. She was involved in Little League for more than 40 years, serving as President of West Isle. Through this involvement in her community, she touched so many young lives with her leadership, encouragement, love and support of her baseball players and their families. She truly did it for the kids.

Preceded in death by her husband Roger Gillard; and her parents Mildred and Ralph Breaux of Port Arthur, Texas.

She is survived by her daughter Michelle Schmitt and husband David, son Anthony Gillard and wife Greta, of Galveston, Texas; brothers and sisters, RJ Breaux, Elaine Landry, Randy Breaux, Gail Loukas and sister-in-law Linda Breaux of Port Arthur, Texas; grandchildren, Caitlin Shields and husband Carter, Jake Schmitt and Nicholas Schmitt along with many other family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., with a funeral service to begin at 6:00 P.M., with Deacon Sam Dell’Olio officiating. Interment will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Groves, Texas, with Reverend Aaron Sanders officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity.

Condolences can be left at:

https://www.jlevyfuneralhome.com/obituary/GeraldineGeri-Gillard

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2023

Rodolph Morris "Spooky" Laird

October 31, 1943 - December 29, 2023

Nancy Dore Byron

Brenda Lee Emerson Jones