Howard "Skip" Austin Jr.

October 14, 1943 — August 8, 2024

Howard Earl "Skip" Austin, passed away on August 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 14, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Howard E. Austin, Sr. and Annie Taylor Austin.

Skip, as he was affectionately known, was a devoted husband to his wife, Linda Austin of Port Arthur. He leaves behind two daughters, Allison Ross and her husband, Kevin of Port Arthur, and Cara Miller and her husband, Daniel of Nederland. His greatest joy came from his grandchildren Tyler Frost, Caleb Frost, Austin Ross, Chloe Frost, Hannah Ross Schlett, and great-grandchildren: Walker Ross, Felix Frost, Shepherd Ross.

Throughout his life, Skip was a man of many talents and interests. He was a proud member of the St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, where he found solace and community. His dedication to handmaking Rosaries was one of his proudest accomplishments, showcasing his commitment to his faith.

Skip was an avid storyteller, known for his captivating tales that brought joy to all who listened. He enjoyed simple pleasures like drinking coffee with friends at the gym and cherished moments spent with his family, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

A visitation for Skip will be held on August 17, 2024, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Port Arthur, starting at 9:30 AM, followed by a Rosary at 10:30 AM, and a funeral service at 11:00 AM. The services will be a time to celebrate Skip's life and legacy, sharing memories and honoring the impact he had on all who knew him.

In Skip's passing, the community has lost a kind-hearted individual whose presence brightened the lives of those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love and memories he created during his time with us.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Condolences: https://www.melanconlevingston.com/obituaries/howard-austin-jr

Comments: It's times like this where I don't like doing this job and it is so painful, having to put up photos and memories of old friends who I have known since I was a kid. For now I will just say that Skip did a lot for the Class and The Website. He loved Port Arthur and he loved being in the Class of 1962. That middle photo he sent it to me a few months ago was one of his favorites since he had on his TJ Shirt and TJ Cap. We will miss his passion and his love.

Larry Paul Hudson (June 23,1944 - July 06, 2024)

Larry Hudson passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Boerne, Texas, surrounded by loved ones on July 06, 2024, at 80 years old. His kindness, sense of humor, and strong work ethic will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.

Born on June 23, 1944, Larry was the son of Paul and Juanita Hudson. Larry and his family moved from San Antonio to Port Arthur, Texas, when he was in grade school. From an early age, Larry had a passion for fishing, learning about western history, and especially playing baseball. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, where he played on the Yellow Jackets baseball team, he attended Sam Houston State University on a baseball scholarship. It was here, as a member of the Sam Houston Bearkats baseball team, that Larry and his teammates were victorious when they proudly won the 1963 NAIA World Series.

After earning his bachelor's degree, Larry wed Jeanette Hudson from Port Arthur, Tx, his wife of 56 years. The couple moved to Port Neches and had two daughters, Leah and Natalie. Larry taught History and coached various sports at the local high schools in the Beaumont area including South Park and Forest Park. Larry later accepted a position at Southern Pacific Railroad (later merged with Union Pacific Railroad) where he retired after 44 years of combined service. Larry exhibited his strong work ethic and passion for learning by being able to work in various positions throughout the large company. Over his career he won numerous service and safety awards and held many positions from Switchman, Operation Life Saver, Engineer, and Train Master. He was one of the oldest workers at age 77 when he finally retired and was known among his colleagues as the "Legend."

Larry loved learning about American history and was a collector of history books and old west magazines. He was a proud American who loved his country and most of all, loved being a Texan. He enjoyed listening to Otis Redding, Toby Keith, and various artists from the late 50's and early 60's with his wife. After retirement, one of his favorite hobbies was caring for and feeding the local hummingbirds. He took pleasure in watching them stop by every morning and evening to enjoy all the plants and flowers that he grew around his home.

Wanting his daughters to be well-rounded and share his passion for learning, he taught his daughters how to fish, shoot guns, and of course, play softball. He would always beam with pride when Natalie and Leah would come home from fishing to show their mom what they caught for the day. He read books to his daughters, brought them to and from the library, and helped them study for tests in school up through college. No matter how long a day he worked at his job, he was always there for his wife and daughters to help in any way they needed. His family was his priority, and he did everything with that in mind. His daughters will always remember fishing on Sabine Lake to catch flounder, going target practicing, playing card games, and watching movies together as a family. Leah and Natalie will never forget what an amazing father he was to them and all the wonderful memories they shared over the years. He will forever be their best friend, their protector, and their hero.

Larry's two grandchildren, Cuyler 21, and Sydney Bachura 18, were adored by him. He loved spending time with his grandson watching Clint Eastwood and western movies. Larry immensely enjoyed his grandson's cooking. He often proclaimed that his favorite food was "anything Cuyler was cooking up." As Larry would say with a big smile, Cuyler will always be "Granddad's big boy." Larry also had a special place in his heart for his granddaughter. He would announce to anyone within earshot that he had the smartest and most beautiful granddaughter anyone could ever have. He would light up every time she would stop by to visit. Sydney loved to surprise her granddad with flowers and cards, which he always made sure to display where he could see them. Larry referred to Sydney as, "Granddad's girl." He loved spending time with his grandkids and most of all, he loved sharing stories with them about his childhood and "the good old days."

Larry is survived by his devoted wife Jeanette Hudson of Port Neches, daughters Leah (Hudson) Lorquet of Boerne, TX and Natalie (Hudson) Bachura and her husband Eric of Boerne, TX; grandchildren Cuyler and Sydney Bachura of Boerne; brother David Hudson of Bridge City, and multiple sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father Paul Hudson and mother Juanita Hudson.

Larry's favorite place in the world was his daughter's 10-acre property in Boerne. He would spend hours sitting on the back porch admiring the beautiful Hill Country sunsets and watching the deer and other wildlife roam across the property. This was without a doubt, Larry's happy place. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting plants or trees be donated so his family can create a memorial garden on his daughter's property. This garden will be a way for his family to honor his memory and provide a place of solace where Larry loved being the most. The family would also be incredibly grateful for any pictures or memories that could be shared with the family. Donations and memories can be sent to the following address: 419 Johns Rd. Boerne, TX 78006.

Condolences: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/larry-hudson-obituary?id=55646118

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Iralene Hart Ventrello, 94, of Warren, Texas, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024. Iralene was born on February 21, 1930 in San Angelo, Texas, to the late Ira R. and Myrtle Hart.

Iralene married the love of her life; Joseph S. Ventrello on July 4, 1959, together they had three wonderful children, Joe, Michael, and Mary Ann. Iralene dedicated her life to teaching after graduating from Mile High School and the University of Texas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She taught at Thomas Jefferson High School, Bishop Byrne High School, West Hardin Junior High and High School, and Warren Junior High and High School. She participated in a number of community organizations; Eastern Star, Teachers Association, Boy Scouts of America, VFW Auxiliary, Lady Bug-Cooties, and was an active member within the Catholic Church. Iralene loved to travel with her husband Joe, and they visited a number of places, Hawaii, Las Vegas, New York, Cuba, and did a cross country trip from Florida to California. Her other passions included sewing, painting, and playing spinner.

Iralene was preceded in death by her parents, Ira R. Hart and Myrtle Marguerite Curry; her brother, Royal Hart; and her sister, Dorothy Howard.

Those left to cherish Iralene’s memory is her loving husband, Joseph S. Ventrello; her children, Joseph H. Ventrello, Michael P. Ventrello, and Mary Ann Ventrello Stone; her grandchildren, Joseph A. Ventrello, David A. Stone, Daniel P. Stone, and Dustin M. Stone; and her great-grandchildren, Brilyan K. Stone, and Wyatt C. Stone.

A gathering to share memories of Iralene will take place at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home in Port Arthur, Texas on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; a Rosary will follow at 7:00 pm. The family will continue to share memories Tuesday morning from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. A Catholic Funeral Mass to Celebrate the Life of Iralene will take place at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Port Arthur, Texas on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11:00 am; burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Father David Edwards will be leading all the services.

Iralene’s grandchildren will be her pallbearers, Joseph A. Ventrello, David A. Stone, Daniel P. Stone, and Dustin M. Stone.

Comments: Many thanks to Alice Faye Sissie Spears Veal for spotting this and contacting me. Naturally I never had her class or even met her, many of you girls did. She was apparently still young then, she only was at TJ from 1960 to 1962. Her obit mentions Bishop Byrne and I have a few of those annuals, but she's not in any of mine. Hope this helps some of you. Any Comments send them to me.

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Dorothy Deneille Peyton

January 17, 1944 - July 26, 2024

Dorothy Deneille Peyton, 80, of Beaumont, died Friday, July 26, 2024. She was born January 17, 1944, in Olympia, Washington, to Helen Irene Goumas Peyton and Watkins S. Peyton.

Survivors include her son, Clay Holyfield and wife, Jenny, of Kountze, Texas; grandchildren, Caly, Cade, and Cori Holyfield; sister, Carole Peyton Dincan and husband, Ben, of Louise, Texas; niece, Tracy Robinson Jones and husband, Casey, of Victoria, Texas; and nephew, Jim Robinson and wife, Barbara, of Harrisburg, Illinois.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Helen Irene Goumas Peyton and Watkins S. Peyton; brother, Watkins “Smoker” S. Peyton, Jr.; and husband, Chalmer “Ray” Wallace.

A gathering of Ms. Peyton’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her graveside service will follow at 10:00 a.m., at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, 618 Block Street, Port Neches.

Condolences can be left at: https://broussards1889.com/obituary/dorothy-deneille-peyton/#comment-33247

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Floy Ann Abshire Chipman

April 8, 1944 — January 20, 2024

Floy Ann Chipman, beloved wife, mother, sister, and "Nanny" passed away peacefully on January 20, 2024 in Groves, Texas. She was born on April 8, 1944 in Port Arthur, Texas to her loving parents.

Floy will be remembered for her kind and compassionate nature that touched the lives of everyone she met. She had a warm smile and a gentle spirit that brought comfort to those around her. Floy was a pillar of strength for her family and friends, always offering support and love.

Floy retired from Savings of America with 27 years of service. She was an active member of Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) where she served as treasurer and was also a life member of Woodman of the World. Floy loved watching baseball, both High School and Professional and her favorite teams were the Nederland Bulldogs and the Houston Astros. Floy and her husband, Howard, also loved traveling on their Harley Davidson motorcycle all over the U.S. and even visited Canada.

Her life will be celebrated and honored at two separate events. First, a visitation will take place on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Melancon~Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas. This will be followed by the funeral service at the same location at 2:00 PM.

Floy is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Howard W. Chipman of Groves, Texas; her daughters, Christy Ann Smith and husband, Wesley of Albany, Louisiana, Shellie Renee Vines of Kirbyville, Texas; her sons, Greg Wayne Chipman of Groves, Texas, B.W. Chipman of Nederland, Texas; her sister, Mary Margaret Petisca and husband, Bob of Port Acres, Texas; grandchildren, Lexie Ann Adams and husband, Ryne; Macie Lynn Young, Hayden Vines, Riley Vines, Brett Chipman, Courtney Chipman, Logan Chipman and Makinsey Chipman; and great-grandchildren Bryce Ray; Mathew Chipman; Braeson Young, Baesley Young and Brooklyn Viator. She was a guiding light and will forever live on in their hearts. Floy cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Floy was preceded in death by her parents, Emery John Abshire and Sylevia Ruby Abshire and her late husband, Cecil Ray Williams.

During her life, Floy was a source of strength and love to all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her kindness. May she rest in eternal peace.

Condolences can be left at: https://www.melanconlevingston.com/obituaries/floy-chipman

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