90, Commander USNR (retired) passed away Friday,
June 5, 2009. He was born to Albert Jean Lequeux and Agnes Pearl Moss
Lequeux on January 14, 1919, on the family farm near Henry, LA. He
married Velma Lou LeBlanc on June 25, 1944, in Port Arthur, TX. He was
preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Clyde Lequeux.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Velma Lou LeBlanc Lequeux;
children, Blayne Lequeux and wife Barbara, Diane Lequeux Van Kempen and
husband Jay,
Lydia Lequeux Dombrowski and ex-husband Donald, and Julie Lequeux Ewald
and husband John David (J. D.); grandchildren, Karen Lequeux Pfeifer and
husband Daren Pfeifer, David Lequeux and wife Elizabeth Foo Lequeux,
Suzanne Lequeux, Tracey Van Kempen, Katherine Dombrowski and husband
George McCullough, Elizabeth Dombrowski, John L. Ewald and wife Brigid
Spackman Ewald, and Jennifer Ewald Green and husband Matthew; and
great-granddaughters, Beth and Sarah Green. He graduated from Henry High
School, Henry, LA in 1934, and received
his BA in 1940 from Southwestern
Louisiana Institute (University of Louisiana at Lafayette). Malcolm
began his teaching career in Indian Bayou, LA, and completed his Masters
of Education at the University of Houston. Malcolm completed US Naval
Officer Candidate School at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. One
bitterly cold night, he recalled being awakened to stand watch on the
roof of one of the university buildings. Only later did he learn the
purpose of this assignment. The date was December 7, 1941 – the day Pearl Harbor
was
attacked. Malcolm served in the Pacific Theater during WW II and in the
Korean Conflict. He remained in the US Naval Reserve for a total of 30
years of service, acting as the Commander of several USNR training
centers. He served in Port Arthur, Austin, San Diego, Newport, RI, and
Albuquerque, NM, giving his children great opportunities for summer
adventures all over the U.S. Malcolm and his wife taught for many years
in Port Arthur. At Woodrow Wilson Junior High, Mac served as teacher,
student council advisor, guidance counselor, principal, and district
administrator. Malcolm touched the lives of many students, helping them
find employment and scholarships to make their college dreams come true.
While living in Port Arthur, Malcolm and Velma Lou were active members
of St. James Catholic Church. Upon their retirement in 1979, he and
Velma Lou moved to Austin, TX. They used the city as their home base for
extensive world travel. Always an active man, Malcolm enjoyed long
walks, aerobics and yoga, well into his eighties. He had a grip of steel
until the day of his passing. Malcolm was a kind and gentle man. He was
the perfect husband, being a marvelous cook, carpenter, and a great "Mr.
Fix-it." Malcolm had a green thumb and was an avid naturalist. His
fascination with the outdoors was an inspiration to his family. His
grandchildren have fond memories of eating his shrimp creole, playing
marbles, picking wild grapes, building with his tools, and playing with
creepy crawlers. A celebration of Malcolm's life will be held in Austin,
TX and Erath, LA at a date to be announced. Burial will be in Our Lady
of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery in Erath.
Velma Lou LeBlanc Lequeux, Travis and Franklin Elementary
85, passed away on June 29,2009, in Austin, TX.
She was born to Julius Clersay LeBlanc and
Stella Viator LeBlanc on March 20, 1924, in
Port
Arthur TX.
Lou married Malcolm Francis Lequeux on June
25, 1944, in
Port Arthur.
She was preceded in death by her parents and
her husband, Malcolm, who passed away June
5, 2009. Survivors include her sister, Trilby
LeBlanc Arceneaux; children, Blayne Lequeux
and wife Barbara, Diane Lequeux Van Kempen
and husband Jay, Lydia Lequeux Dombrowski
and ex-husband Donald, and Julie Lequeux
Ewald and husband John; grandchildren, Karen
Lequeux Pfeifer and husband Daren, David
Lequeux and wife Elizabeth Foo, Suzanne
Lequeux, Tracey Van Kempen, Katherine
Dombrowski and husband George McCullough,
Elizabeth Dombrowski, John Ewald and wife
Brigid Spackman, and Jennifer Ewald Green
and husband Matthew; and
great-granddaughters, Beth and Sarah Green.
Lou grew up in Erath LA. The first in her family to receive a high
school diploma, she graduated from Erath
High School
in 1940, at the age of 16. Lou earned both
Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education
degrees. Lou left a legacy of learning and a
passion for music. She was proud that all of
her children and grandchildren earned
college degrees. She encouraged and
patiently endured her children many hours
practicing piano and band instruments. For
23 years, Lou was a dedicated
music, P.E. and classroom teacher in the
Port Arthur Independent School District at
Travis (1957-66; 1972-79) and Franklin
(1943-44; 1970-72) Elementary Schools.
Velma Lou and Malcolm were active members of
St. James Parish in Port Arthur.
In 1979, upon retirement from teaching, Lou
and Mac moved to Austin.
Lou was an avid photographer and dancer.
Beginning with her first Kodak Brownie
camera, Lou recorded the moment, sending
annotated prints to everyone in her photos.
She and Malcolm were founding members of La
Clique, a couples; dinner-dance group in
Port Arthur.
Her philosophy was "If you can dance, you
can have fun everywhere." She continued to
dance and move with the music throughout her
life. A memorial mass for Lou and Malcolm
will be held on August 1, 2009, at Our Lady
of Lourdes Catholic Church, in
Erath LA.
Kenneth Reeves Lee, PAISD/Lamar University
66, of Nederland, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2009 in
Port Arthur at
The Medical Center of Southeast Texas. Kenneth was born on
March
1, 1943 in
Angleton Texas, one of 3 children born to Z Boaz and Hazel Reeves Lee. He attended the University of Texas in Austin where he received his
degree in education. He met and married the love of his life Shareen
Crawford on July 23, 1963. They moved to
Port Arthur in 1966 where they raised
their two sons. Kenneth enjoyed 35 years of teaching in the Port
Arthur ISD where he taught math and computers. He also taught 10
years at Lamar University. Kenneth loved spending time
with his family and was a man of few but profound words. He
loved wood working and made beautiful works of art from stained
glass. He spent, many years diving and in later years Kenneth
developed a love of cooking. Mr. Lee was a great teacher,
wonderful man, friend, husband, father, and grandfather.
Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Shareen Crawford
Lee of Nederland, sons, Ben Lee and his wife Fran of Nederland,
Aaron Lee and his wife Candy of Key Largo, Fl, grandson Robin
Tolar-Lee of Nederland, sister, Dana Jerrene Garoutte of
Coldspring and a brother Sandford Wayne Lee of Waller. He is
also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and
nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral
services will be today at 3:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home,
Nederland, with Pastor Scott Wallace,
officiate. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home,
April Stewart, Funeral Director. Entombment will follow at
Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
Martha Taylor
81, of Port Arthur, died Friday, November 14, 2008 at Texas Orthopedic Hospital in Houston.
She was born on March 30, 1927 in Port Arthur, Texas to Jack Crouch and Ollie
Flowers Crouch. Martha was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur and a member of TheUnited Methodist Temple. She was a superb math teacher at
Thomas Jefferson High School for 35 years who was highly regarded
by her students and served as past president of Port Arthur
Community Concert Association.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday,
19, 2008 at The United Methodist Temple. Reverend Jesse Brannen
will be officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Levingston
Funeral Home in Groves. Martha was preceded in death by her husband; F.B. Taylor, founder of F.B. Taylor Insurance Agency.
She is survived by her two sons; Bill Taylor and wife, Susan G. of Houston, TX and
George Taylor and wife, Jean H. of Port Arthur, TX one brother; Freeman "Jack" Crouch, Jr. and wife, Bea of West Columbia, TX and three grandchildren; Kate Taylor of Houston,
TX and Thomas Taylor and wife; Kellie of Mansfield, TX; William Key of Salt Lake City, UT.
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book, located on page 4
Anna Mae Devine
age 81 passed away at her residence in Groves, Texas on Sunday,
April 5, 2009 Anna Mae was a life long resident of Groves. She had been the principal's
secretary at Thomas Jefferson HighSchool for 40 years. Visitation for
Anna Maewill be Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from 5:00 P.M. until
7:00 P.M. atClayton Thompson Funeral Home. Graveside entombment service will be at10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 9, 2009 in the Chapel of
Peace Mausoleum at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Anna Mae was
preceded in death by her parents Joseph (Poker) and Anna Welsh Kirkemeyer, brother Joseph J. Kirkemeyer, sister, Isabel Kirkemeyer
She is survived by her son Eddie and his wife Melody Devineof Groves, three grandchildren, Dana Devine of Port Neches, Corey Devine of
Houston, Jared and his wife Crystal of North Carolina, one stepgrandson Josh Lewis of Bridge City.
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book, located on page 3
Roger Wayne Russell
76, of Bridge City died Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at Christus St. Mary Hospital in Port Arthur.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday,
January 28,2007 at First
Baptist Church of Port Arthur with Reverend Don Falke officiating. Burial will
follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Saturday at the church. Roger was
born in Goose Creek, Texas on January 31, 1930. He graduated from Robert Lee High School in Baytown in 1948, began his college education and then joined the
United States Air Force in 1950. He was sent to Japan in 1952 for 27 months. When he returned to the states in 1954, he married Peggy
Rae Bittick. They were stationed in Topeka, Kansas, until Roger was discharged from the Air Force. He finished his education at
Sam Houston State College in Huntsville, Texas, and they moved to Port Arthur in 1957 where Roger began his teaching career at Thomas Jefferson High School. He
worked for the Port Arthur Independent School District until 1973. The family moved to Bridge City, Texas at that time and he began working for the Bridge
City ISD. He taught art in the classroom, was director of student activities, a counselor, and assistant principal during his working years. Upon retirement, he worked
endless hours at his beloved First Baptist Church doing more things than this paper could hold. Even upon learning of his illness
in August 2005, he continued working, visiting, writing cards and doing all he
could for other people. He is preceded in death by his parents, Holt and Lois
Russell and is survived by his wife, Peggy Russell of Bridge City; sons and
daughters-in-law, Steve and Kathy Russell of Bridge City and Randy and Helen
Russell of College Station; daughters and sons-in-law, Jana and Bob Cash of
Beaumont and Karen and Bryan Bozman of Bridge City. He is also survived by his
brother, Rollin Russell of Canon City, CO and eight grandchildren, Bonnie
Russell, Lindy Stuckey, Shelly Russell, Ryan Russell, Robyn Cash, Matt Cash,
Kristi Bozman and Russell Bozman. Serving as pallbearers will be Bill Carter,
Mark Tolar, Thomas Robinson, Don Reeves, Mike Nicholas, Charles McBee, Albert
Follett and Bart Bragg. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacon Body of the First Baptist Church in Port Arthur.
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book, located on page 3.
Louise Erwin
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Edna Hargus
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Elaine Commander
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Jeanette Tenney
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Jessie Judd Miller
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Hobart Ward
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Margaret Barry
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Kenneth Parker
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Margaret Miller
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 2
Ethel Redman
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 3
Myrtle Arnett
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 4
Clyde M. Gott
95, well known educator, scholar, athlete, adored husband, father, and grandfather passed away
December 5, 2007 at his home in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX. His wife of over 70 years, Louise Marie Kneuper Gott, and
his son were at his side. He was born September 21, 1912, in Anahuac TX, to James William Gott and Stella Palmer Gott who preceded him in death. Clyde
grew up in the oil fields of East Texas and graduated from Hull-Daisetta High School. He quickly excelled as a scholar and an athlete playing football, basketball and
baseball. He entered Southwest Texas University on a football scholarship. Continuing to excel in athletics, he lettered every year in both
football and basketball from 1931 through 1934. He was later inducted into the Southwest Texas University “T” Association Hall of Honor. After earning a Bachelor of
Science at Southwest, he returned to coach and teach at Hull-Daisetta High School where an amazing high school record was compiled there. Dr. Gott’s 1936 and 1937
football team went undefeated 11-0-0 and 12-0-0, respectively. In 1938, Clyde moved to coach and teach in Smithville, his successor Coach Bill Stages kept the Hull-Daisetta
winning steak going in 1938 and 1939 to a grand total of 43 consecutive wins. After Smithville, his career took the following path: Vice Principal, at Burbank High School,
San Antonio; Vice Principal, ; Vice Principal, Jefferson High School, San Antonio; Principal, Jefferson High School, San Antonio; Principal, Jefferson High School, Port
Arthur; and finally, Superintendent, Port Arthur Independent School District. Clyde served as an educator for nearly five decades before retiring to Fair
Oak Ranch. During his transition Dr. Gott also completed a Master of Arts and an Education
Doctorate at The University of Texas. Austin. As a Superintendent, he was listed in Who’s Who in the Southwest and South, Who’s Who in Texas Today and
Community Leaders of America. During his long education career, he belonged and participated in many professional organizations such as Phi Delta Kappa
(President); Texas State Teachers Association (President of Alamo District
San Antonio; Port Arthur YMCA (President of Board of Directors); Port Arthur Lions Club (President); and Port Arthur Shrine Club (Mason). He was also a
professional referee for football and basketball, officiating at the high
school, college and professional levels. In 1982 he became a member of University Methodist Church and served on various
boards and was a Sunday school teacher until approximately 2002. Dr. Gott was described by his
peers and employees as an “energetic, resourceful, hardworking man who spent 50-80 hours a week on the job often drinking a Coke for lunch.” He was also
described as “extremely loyal and supportive of his employees.” Those who worked for him as a Superintendent said he was “a professional who has the strength to
make recommendations even if they were unpopular. He was extremely honest and takes responsibility for what happens.” Dr. Gott is survived by his
wife, Louise M. Gott; son, Deene Gott and wife, Ruth; sisters, Edith Gott White, Mary Ruth Gott Reese; granddaughters, Kim Gott Judin and husband, Hank; Kay Gott
Weatherford and husband, Mark; and great granddaughter, Grace Evelyn Judin. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bevil Gott, E.B. Gott and Harley Gott.
Dr. Gott’s family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Mrs. Maria Espinosa
for always being there for Clyde in his time of need and to the staff of Vital Hospice for the care they provided. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00
PM Monday, December 10, 2007 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Funeral services will begin at 9:00 AM Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at Mission Park Funeral
Chapels North with interment to follow at Mission Burial Park North. Services will be conducted by his nephew, Michael Gott, Evangelist. Contributions may be made
to the Scottish Rite Crippled Children’s Hospital for children or to the charity of your choice in Dr. Gott’s memory. Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book,located on page 1
Wilma Fulbright Richey, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High
was born in
Lufkin, Texas to Reverend William A. Montgomery and Maude Ragan Fulbright on April 19, 1915. Until her death on
September 2, 2009 she was the only surviving child of that union.
She was preceded in death by brothers Elwood Fulbright, Nathan Carouthers,
and William Fulbright, husband Edward Lee Richey, and sisters Elva Kraft
and Edna Sanders. She is survived by brothers Kenneth and Clifford
Fulbright, sister Valle Fulbright, sons Edward Richey and his wife Roma,
William Richey and his wife Rhonda and Tillman Richey and his wife
Cheryl, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Wilma
graduated from Batson High School in 1932, and then earned a B.S. in
Mathematics from Northeastern State Teachers College in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in 1935. In 1967, she was
awarded a Masters in Education from the University of Houston. Wilma taught mathematics in the Daisetta,
Port Neches, and Port Arthur, Texas school systems, retiring in 1975 as head
of the mathematics department at Woodrow Wilson Jr.High School in Port Arthur. Through
thirty plus years of work, she remained a devoted teacher, friend and
advocate for all students. Along with her family and her vocation, her
church and its work were foremost her efforts throughout life. Wilma and
Lee Richey were founding members of Aldersgate Methodist Church in Port Arthur, Texas. She spent many hours preparing lessons
for her Sunday school classes as well as those for the Wesleyan Service
Guild in which she filled various leadership roles. In retirement
she continued this service and dedication with
Pineland UnitedMethodist Church in Pineland, Texas. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM
Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Broussard's in Nederland with Rev. Mark Pedersen officiating.
Graveside services will follow at the Guedry Cemetery in Batson at 2:00 PM. A gathering
of family and friends will be from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the mortuary. The
family acknowledges the four years of comfort, care and outstanding
service provided by the Oakwood Manor Nursing Home in
Vidor, Texas and the support and visitation of the
congregations of Aldersgate Trinity, Pineland and Vidor First Methodist Churches. The family requests any
memorials be designated for Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church
of Port Arthur, Pineland United Methodist Church of Pineland, or First
United Methodist Church of Vidor.
January 28,2007 at First
Baptist Church of Port Arthur with Reverend Don Falke officiating. Burial will
follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Saturday at the church. Roger was
born in Goose Creek, Texas on January 31, 1930. He graduated from Robert Lee High School in Baytown in 1948, began his college education and then joined the
United States Air Force in 1950. He was sent to Japan in 1952 for 27 months. When he returned to the states in 1954, he married Peggy
Rae Bittick. They were stationed in Topeka, Kansas, until Roger was discharged from the Air Force. He finished his education at
Sam Houston State College in Huntsville, Texas, and they moved to Port Arthur in 1957 where Roger began his teaching career at Thomas Jefferson High School. He
worked for the Port Arthur Independent School District until 1973. The family moved to Bridge City, Texas at that time and he began working for the Bridge
City ISD. He taught art in the classroom, was director of student activities, a counselor, and assistant principal during his working years. Upon retirement, he worked
endless hours at his beloved First Baptist Church doing more things than this paper could hold. Even upon learning of his illness
in August 2005, he continued working, visiting, writing cards and doing all he
could for other people. 
2009 she was the only surviving child of that union.
She was preceded in death by brothers Elwood Fulbright, Nathan Carouthers,
and William Fulbright, husband Edward Lee Richey, and sisters Elva Kraft
and Edna Sanders.