R. I. P. Joe Ernest Kares, Jr.

January 2, 1944-December 26, 2017

Joe Ernest Kares, Jr., a gentle man and gentleman passed away following a brief illness on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on January 2, 1944, in Bristol, Tennessee, to Joe Ernest and Wilma Robinson Kares and raised in Port Arthur, Texas.

Following graduation from Lamar University with a degree in accounting and receiving his certification as a CPA, Joe began his career with Texaco and moved on to work for the accounting firm of Coopers Lybrand. He started his own accounting firm in 1972 under the name of Griese & Kares and later the firm name changed to Kares & Wagner and then Kares & Cihlar. Joe retired in 2015 after 43 years of serving the oil and gas industry and enjoyed the many business associates and friends he acquired over the years. He was a man of integrity and a loyal friend.

Joe loved his family dearly and leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 49 years, Carolyn, and daughter, Amanda, and son-in-law Travis Koch, currently of Anchorage, Alaska. He loved being Pop to grandsons John and Andy. Joe is also survived by his sister, Helen Johnson of North Carolina, nephews Scott and Todd Hampton, and Carolyn's large family which he considered his own. Joe loved the time spent with his family and cherished the times he could spoil them with his love and attention.

Joe, an avid golfer, was a long-time member of Riverbend Country Club and enjoyed his club and time playing other courses with his golf friends. He had a special group of golf buddies that he loved playing and traveling with and cherished their friendship over the years. Carolyn wishes to thank these special friends for making Joe always feel so special, even when, according to Joe, his golf game may not have always been the best.

Joe had a loving and generous heart, and he and Carolyn supported many charitable causes throughout the years. Per Joe's request, there will be no formal service, and family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Saturday, January 6, at Riverbend Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Arc of Katy, an organization providing programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, P. O. Box 6133, Katy, TX 77491.

BJ Fett

August 21, 1944 - Nov. 21, 2017

BJ was a long-time resident of Colorado Springs, attorney/judge. BJ was born in Port Arthur, Texas, received a Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fort Collins, and a Law Degree from the University of Houston.

BJ practiced law in Colorado since 1972. He was a city judge for Colorado Springs, Calhan, and Cripple Creek. He responsibly represented mental health patients as guardian ad-litem. He was an avid skier, hunter, scuba diver, fisherman, and passionate world traveler. BJ was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and close friend to many. He was a member of the Pikes Peak Range Riders, Elks Lodge, El Paso Club, Garden of the Gods Club, and the Mardi Gras Krewe of Endymion in New Orleans.

BJ died after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Beverly, daughter Brianna, and brother, Tony (Frances) Traweek.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Norris Penrose Event Center VIP room on December 2nd at 2 o'clock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center, 3254 Paseo Rd, Colorado Springs, 80909 or www.cstrc.org

From classmates:

Ray Orrill notified Lucille of BJ’s passing last week. He related the following over several emails:

“Lucille, I regret to report the death of another classmate. My good friend, B. J. Fett, passed away on November 21, 2017, surrounded by family and friends, including myself, at Colorado Springs, CO. where he had presided as a municipal court judge for over 30 years. We were friends since we were three years old and attended Mrs. George’s nursery school together.

B.J. was always in great health; nevertheless he developed a rare form of cancer, interstitial carcinoma of his right ureter, which in his case was unusually aggressive. From his first symptom in August until his death in November was only three months!”

Martha Smith Gideon recounted the following to Lucille in a phone conversation: She last saw B.J. (many years ago when she and her husband lived in Denver). They were in Vail, CO and went into a fast food joint where B.J. was the manager. She said he met them for drinks one evening and told them he was there (in Colorado) because he loved to ski.

Marvin Michael Cichowski, Sr.

Marvin Michael Cichowski, Sr. passed away Thursday, November 23, 2017 in Port Arthur Texas.
He was born December 06, 1928 in Saginaw, Michigan to Boleslaus Cichowski and Frances Szimkewicz Cichowski.

He grew up in Saginaw, Michigan where he was a star athlete at Saginaw High School. Following high school, he attended the University of Alabama on an athletic scholarship where he went on to be a world class track star.

Upon graduation he served a brief time in the U.S. Army.

In 1957 he moved to Port Arthur, Texas where he became the Director of the Industrial Arts Department at Thomas Jefferson High School.

He is remembered by his former students fondly as a compassionate and caring educator.
After 30 plus years of service to the community and students, Marvin retired and moved to Lake Charles, La. He enjoyed fishing and calling bingo at the local VFW hall where he also taught a dexterity course. When not fishing or calling bingo, he was occasionally known to be spotted at the Isle of Capris engaging in a little wealth transfer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Vivian Cichowski, and eldest son, Mike Cichowski.

He is missed and survived by son Steve Cichowski and spouse, Cathy Cichowski of San Antonio, Texas, daughter Amy Cichowski of Austin, Texas, and their mother, Betty Cichowski, of Port Arthur, Texas. Also, grandson Sean Cichowski , his spouse Kenyon and great grandson , Michael Cichowski, of Houston, Texas; granddaughter Kaitlynn Yost and her spouse Wade Yost and great granddaughter, Kennedy Yost, of Austin, Texas, and their mother Pam Cichowski, of Port Arthur, Texas.

Visitation for family and friends will begin at 11:30am on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Clayton-Thompson funeral home in Groves, Texas followed by a memorial service at approximately 12:00pm.

Wayne Taylor: Remember him well from Mechanical Drawing. It was located in that back annex building where we had to walk outside to get there, cold in the winter. I thought he had left us before now but it was his son. His first year here was the 57/58 school year, not a good picture of the faculty in the 1958 annual, much better photos in the 1959 book where I got this photo.

It was ironic that not many think much of Mechanical Drawing but later in life I took a job with Southern Union Gas where I had to do sketching. My high school training paid off.

R.I.P Teacher.

Additional photos are the top, from the brochure at Reva's Memorial Service. The second row is an older photo of Reva with her son, Chris. The next photos, taken at the memorial service, is Darren Taylor with Chris, they were varsity basketball teammates at PNG High School (it's easy to see that). The last photo is Reva's immediate family, Son, Daughter, Son, and a Grandson.

Reva Bullock Holstead died October 25, 2017 in Kyle, Texas.

Reva Joy Bullock (Johnson) Holstead, 73, passed away on October 25, 2017 in Kyle, Texas, following a long illness. She is survived by her sister- Margaretha Achord, her children- Paul Johnson, Chris Johnson, and Kim Russell, and her grandchildren- Shelby Dale Johnson, Grady Johnson, and Audrey Johnson.

Mrs. Holstead graduated from East Texas Baptist University, and taught for over 20 years at Port Neches-Groves High School, where she was head of the Special Education Department, and the sponsor for the Varsity Cheerleading squad. She was Mrs. Johnson at that time as she was married to David Johnson for 37 years. She later remarried with David Holstead. She was an avid gardener and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Port Neches on November 18th, from 2:00-4:00. Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com.

Memorial gifts may be made to CurePSP at www.psp.org

Ronnie Lee Jeanis

Ronnie Lee Jeanis, 73, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Metro General Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

He was born March 24, 1944 in Port Arthur, Texas, son of the late Ivan Joseph Jeanis and Nadine Agnes Theriot Jeanis.

Ronnie served in the U.S. Army Reserves and had worked in the plastic refinery in Texas prior to moving to Clarksville. He is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mollie Romero Jeanis of Clarksville; as well as two sons, Jason Craig Jeanis (Cathie) of Clarksville, and Jeffrey Allen Jeanis of Manhattan, Kansas; a daughter, Lynette Clayton (Jon) of Reston, VA; a brother, Charles Jeanis of Groves, TX; and a sister, Judy Williams of Port Arthur, TX. Ronnie is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will begin at 12 Noon on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland, Texas.

Dr. Otis “Gene” Byrd, Jr.

December 20, 1943, August 19, 2017

Dr. Otis “Gene” Byrd, Jr., 73, of Beaumont, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. He was born on December 20, 1943, to Grace Wiltz and Otis Eugene Byrd, Sr.

Dr. Byrd began his career by earning a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Lamar University. He later received his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University, and then a Doctorate of Engineering from Lamar University. He was most recently an assistant professor at Lamar State College, Port Arthur.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Byrd; four children, Katie Marteney of Waco; Jenny Goff and her husband, Jeff, of Beaumont; Jim Griffin and his wife, Tangee, of Beaumont; and Richard Griffin and his wife, Heather, of Spring; ten grandchildren, Lauren, Mason and Jack Marteney; Sarah Morgan and her husband, Heath, Hannah and Abby Goff; Emma Griffin, Olivia Hornsby, and Lawson Griffin; and Peirce Griffin; two great-grandchildren, Beka and Patric Morgan; sister, Susan LeBlanc and her husband, John; their children, Kathleen LeBlanc-Hood and her husband, Al and Allison Williams and her husband, Joseph; and cousin, Lu Whitaker of Frankfort, Indiana. Dr. Byrd was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of Dr. Byrd’s family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Calvary Baptist Church, 3650 Dowlen Road, Beaumont. His graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves.

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Charles R. McDonald - Passed away : July 19th 2017 Place of Death : Palm Harbor, Florida

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Charles McDonald, passed away on July 19 2017 in Palm Harbor - Florida, leaving to mourn family and friends.

Charles Ray McDonald, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, born in Port Arthur, Texas on November 25, 1943 and passed on July 19, 2017 in Palm Harbor, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Mary McDonald, three daughters, Dawn Kogut, Jill Silva and Jodi Moss. He adored each of his 5 grandchildren; Ashley Floyd, Kassy Kogut, Dillon Kogut, Emma Kathryn Moss, Nick Springer also, his tiny dog, Butch. He has one sister, Melba Pierce and her children and grandchildren in Texas.

Charlie was a smart, devoted, inspirational, and proud man that retired from A.C. Nielsen after 40 years managing three departments. He was active in the church until his passing, lover of all sports, an avid golfer and member at The Dunedin Country Club, belonging to the Pigeons Group with several holes in one! He was a man of few words, however, important when spoken, respected and loved by many, his contributions to the lives he touched is immeasurable, the loss of this man can only mean a gain for Heaven. He is preceded by his daughter Sharon Springer and his parents.

As we move forward, please pray for our healing. He was interned at Curlew Memorial Gardens, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society.

Comments: Charlie was a private guy and his obituary was short. I have been told this much:

He had cancer and heart problems and about 6 months ago his doctor told him they had just done all they could and he had about 6 months to live.

Well, the end of June his daughter called and said they had put him in hospice. He was thinking he would go quickly but it took 20 long days and nights.

I know he is peaceful now, something he wasn't for a long time.

Charles Ray's wife, his 2nd, not the mother of children, has M.D. to the point of having to be assisted with everything. So, when Charles Ray was told of his imminent death, he had to get her placed in a nursing home before he could think about his own death.

That's the kind of guy he was.

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Gene Dekerlegand……July 19, 2017…. TODAY IS A SAD DAY FOR ME AND ANYONE THAT KNEW MY FRIEND OF 60 YEARS......

CHARLES RAY MCDONALD. CHARLIE HAS GONE TO BE WITH OUR LORD TODAY, He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School year of 1962, he was an outstanding ball player in all sports, he will be missed by all that knew him. Charles passed from cancer.

He was a GREAT MAN & FRIEND.

RIP MY BROTHER

Wayne Taylor - Charlie was THE best baseball player I ever saw. In 1959 we were on the same Senior League 15-16 team in Port Arthur, "Texaco Credit Union", played behind the old Village Theater. We won the championship outright, losing only 1 game out of 16. Charlie hit 8 home runs in those 16 games. Because of a lack of funds, I was told, there were no playoffs that year. No telling how far we would have gone as this team had it all.

It should be easy to pick out Charlie, me, and some of the other 62 guys. Here are the names as I can recall them just like it was yesterday. From the bottom row:

David Atchley (TJ62), Anthony Drago (BB62), Kyle Johnson (TJ61), Wayne Taylor (TJ62), Jerry Myers (TJ61), 2nd Row, Raymond Lawrence (TJ61), Charlie McDonald (TJ62), James Rogers (TJ61), Buzz Milner (TJ61), Smoker Peyton (TJ60), Top Row, Mr. Lawrence, Manager, Tommy Vicknair (TJ60), Charlie Williams (TJ60), Bill McDuffie (TJ60), Larry Gabourel (TJ60), Mr. Peyton, Assistant Manager.

Some other notes about that team. I happened to notice once toward the end of the season, Raymond Lawrence was actually making out the lineup, telling his dad who to play where. And although the team had great pitchers in Bill McDuffie, Buzz Milner, and even Raymond Lawrence, one game we were short of pitchers for some reason. Charlie McDonald stepped in and pitched, did a masterful job, and naturally we won the game. The only game we lost, a couple of guys like James Rogers and some others skipped out to sneak into the Don Drive In, leaving us short handed. The subs were mostly Atchley, Johnson, and Gabourel.

The last game of the year, against Holsum Bakery, who had also only lost one game before, it was nip and tuck. Raymond Lawrence was playing left field, someone hit one going over the fence. He robbed the hitter of a homer, scratching his left arm on the top of the fence above the elbow. Also in the last inning, a batter hit one that skipped away from Peyton our 3rd baseman. Playing shortstop, I barehanded it, and threw the guy out just in time.

It was great plays like that which made this a great team.

Since we beat them that night, we were the outright champions.

Chloe Moerbe Clark, 73 of Port Neches, Texas passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Chloe was born on April 18, 1944 and was the only child of the late Gilbert A. Moerbe and Joyce McNulty Moerbe. She attended St. Paul Lutheran Parochial School in Port Arthur and was also an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Groves. Chloe graduated in 1962 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, where she served in the Red Hussars Drum & Bugle Corps. Chloe also graduated from Port Arthur College. She retired as a Confidential Secretary for Huntsman, with 39 years of service.

Chloe enjoyed her Bunco group, attending plays and musicals with her friends, and was an avid movie goer. Everyone who knew Chloe realized her generosity and kind heart, especially toward animals.

Chloe is survived by her loving husband, W. P. “Bud” Clark of Port Neches; daughter, Andrea Davis and husband, Tom of Nacogdoches; son, Chad Clark and wife, Dyanne of Nederland; grandchildren, Alyssa Anton, Claire Davis, Toni Clark and Sophia Clark.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the service starting at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Groves with Rev. Richard Turner officiating. The interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Groves and also the Humane Society of Beaumont.

Condolences can be left at ... http://www.melancons.org/obituaries/Chloe-Clark/#!/Obituary

At Chloe's beautiful Church Funeral, this pamphlet was passed out. It's nice so I scanned it and reproducing it here for those of you from out of town.

I knew I had more photos somewhere and I found this one taken at one of the early Rock & Roll Shows in PA, photo computer dated 9-30-2003, 9:30 PM. It was lost on my hard drive. Sadly Chloe never saw it. Hope Bud sees it.

Linda Nell Parker

Jan. 7, 1944 - Feb. 18, 2015

Linda Nell Parker, 71, passed away of natural causes on February 18, 2015, at her home in Mart. A celebration of her life will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, at the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church, 701 East Texas Ave., Mart, Texas. Readings in her honor will be given by friends and family.

Nell was born as Linda Nell, on January 7, 1944, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Perry Milton Parker and Amelia Parker (née Lewis). Her father was a former Grand Master of the Texas Masonic Lodge.

Nell graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur in 1962. In 1963, she married Harold James "Jim" Richard and gave birth to her son, James Brady "Brad" Richard. (Her second husband was Richard Harshman, and her third, Donald Ward.) She received her B.A. from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, in 1972. Her study of sociology led to work in various agencies in Alabama and Texas, most significantly to her 20 years of service as a probation officer in McLennan County, from which she retired in 2007.

An avid reader of history, mysteries, and true crime, and an animal lover who rescued many a feral cat and gave them homes, Nell was also a close observer of the political scene and a staunch, though not uncritical, supporter of the Democratic party. A Texan to the bone, she loved the landscape, lore, and people of central Texas, and was proud to claim relation to the Comanche Chief Quanah Parker (and, just possibly, Bonnie Parker). All who knew her remember her kindness, generosity, optimism (especially as a two-time breast cancer survivor), and keen wit. A loving mother and sister and a devoted friend, her sudden passing leaves her sorely missed.

"I have pitched my tent in the Land of Hope." This line from Acts 2, found in a handwritten note in her effects, stands as a motto for her life.

Nell is survived by her brother, Brady Lewis Parker, of Waco; her son, Brad Richard of New Orleans, Louisiana; Brad's partner, Tim Watson; and a niece, Perry Parker, of South Carolina.

The family are grateful to the staff of Scott & White Clinic for the care she received during her cancer treatment, and for the kindness of Nell's former probation colleagues and friends, especially Fran Hendrick.

Comments: Although she passed two years ago, we just heard of it and I dug up this old obituary. R.I.P. Classmate.

Leni Edith Anderson Christian

May 2, 1944 – May 6, 2017

We know that they are celebrating in heaven, but we have a little less light in our world. Leni Edith Anderson Christian passed away painlessly in her sleep on May 6, 2017, in Waco, Texas. Cancer claimed her life, but it never claimed her spirit nor her radiant smile, which all who knew Leni loved about her. A reception will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 11, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco. A family burial will be held in College Station, to place Leni beside her mother… and father at the Memorial Cemetery of College Station. The memorial service will follow at Brazos Meadows Baptist Church in Hewitt, Texas, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 12.

Leni grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, and went to high school with Janis Joplin, a fact that she loved to tell friends. She would recount vivid memories of Janis sitting on the front steps of the school draped in colorful boas and playing her zither. Her parents were Clara Bell Anderson and Harold Arvin Anderson. In her high school years, Leni was crowned Cav-Oil-Cade Queen in Port Arthur. She graduated from Baylor University, where she was a Baylor Beauty, and married Michael John Henke in 1966. They lived in Alexandria, Virginia, for all of their 40 years together.

Kind hearted and full of joy, Leni was a doting mother to her three children, Blake, Paige and Britt. She chose to stay at home with her kids, rather than to work outside the home. She was an incredible mother, and her children were the center of her world. She was at every school and sporting event and volunteered with many school activities, including Cub Scouts, Brownies, as well as music and art classes. She even drove Paige’s high school lacrosse team from Virginia to Florida, a trip that most certainly tested her maternal dedication and patience. She was an accomplished piano player and led the children’s choir at church for many years. She also taught piano lessons and played carols at annual Christmas parties.

Leni had a deep love for the family farm near Hume, Virginia, and she would often retreat there for weekends and summers. One of her favorite things to do was to ride around the farm by herself in the evenings on her four-wheel ATV. For a time, she had horses there, and enjoyed trail rides on the nearby Marriot Ranch. She loved antiques and going antiquing.

Leni was active at her church, attending Bible study and prayer retreats regularly. She made 29 trips to Israel, bringing donated items and spreading the word of Jesus to anyone who would listen. Near and dear to her heart, this work was a true expression of her Christian faith. She felt at home in Israel. Based on the reactions she received, it seemed to her family that Leni had an invisible sign that said to complete strangers, “I can help!” And help she did!

After her divorce from Michael Henke in 2008, Leni moved to College Station. She was reacquainted with Dr. Robert Christian, whom she had known 40 years before at Baylor University. Love quickly blossomed and they were married. Leni and Robert had a wonderful life together in Waco until her passing.

Leni is survived by her husband of nine years, Dr. Robert Christian; three grown children, Blake, Paige, and Britt; four grandchildren, Wyatt, Brooks, Carter, and Jake; her brother, Swiki Anderson and wife, Judy, and their children, Ryan and Jeremy, and their grandchildren, Kira, Kai, and Cohen. Leni is also survived by step-son, Bryan Christian and wife, Angela, and their children, Gus and Zach.

We thank Providence Hospice, Interim Care, and a special thanks to Arlene Loredo, and Janie Compian for lovingly caring for mom in her final days.

Memorials can be given to a charity of your choice. Peace be on earth. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.

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