Obituaries
Walter Earl Crew , 64, was born in Orange , Texas on September 10, 1945 and passed away November 18, 2009 in Port Arthur , Texas . Walter was the only child of Walter Alonzo and Agnes Pruitt Crew . Walter attended school at West Orange and graduated in 1964. He attended Texas A&M and Lamar University before going to work for Cormier Well service in Orangefield. He went to work at then Owens Illinois and now Inland Container in Orange in 1968 and was an A operator at the time of his death. He married Pam Scales on July 09, 1976 a union that lasted 33 years.. Visitation will be at 5- 8 p.m. at Dorman Funeral home on Thursday November 19th. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday November 20th at the Cowboy Church of Orange County 673 FM 1078. Officiating will be Cowboy Church Pastor Dale Lee and Walter’s friend James “Boo” Richard. Walter loved to garden and nearly always had vegetables to share. Walter was a charter member of the Orange County Master Gardeners. Pam enjoyed taking Walter’s home grown vegetables to local vegetables shows and bringing home ribbons and awards. Walter took a lot of pride in his garden. Walter was a homebody who respected his parents and after his Dad passed away, he visited his Mother nearly every day. Walter adopted lots of stray animals. Dogs Rusty, Blackie and Smiley along with cats Pause, Lapse, Church, Romo and Boots will miss his attention. Walter spent many hours sitting in his open door shop listening to the constantly playing radio, working on equipment but always stopping to visit with whomever came up to enjoy his company. Walter was an avid reader. He read everything that J Frank Dobie and Ben K. Green wrote. Walter also loved re-telling stories of old Orange that had been told to him by his family members that had been there.. Those that knew him say Walter should’ve lived back in what most folks would consider the olden days since he knew so much about it. Walter loved to watch old movies and when he found a favorite would watch it many times. His childhood heroes were the Lone Ranger and Roy Rogers. Walter was a member of the Orange Peel out car club. He loved old restored vehicles and enjoyed driving his ’89 Mustang. Walter is survived by his wife Pam Scales Crew, his Mother Agnes P. Crew, Mother in law Virgie Scales, Aunt Lorene Baker, Aunt Bonnie Dean, Uncle Bill Dunn, Uncle Dewey “Buds”Crew and many cousins and friends. Walter is preceded in death by his Father Walter A. Crew, his Father in law Grover Scales, and his Uncle Earl Pruitt. Pall bearers will be longtime friends Edward “Boogie” Lafosse, Jimmy Mathews, Troy Waddell, Jody Bailey, Clyde Temple , Larry Starkey, Jeff Weatherington, Brandon Breaux, Kenny Broussard, and Arthur Lister. Honorary pall bearers will be first cousin Robert Earl Baker,cousin Leon Wallace , Keith and Eric Hudnall, Ron Rudeseal and retired and current Inland Container employees. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lions eye bank of Texas 6565 Fannin NC 205 Houston, Texas 77030 or the Cowboy Church of Orange County.
Glynn H. Brister, 81, of Vidor, a former longtime resident of Orange, died Tuesday, November 17, 2009, in a Houston hospital. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2009, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home. Born in Pitkin, Louisiana on February 4, 1928, he was the son of Harrison and Gussie (Fuller) Brister. Mr. Brister retired from the American Bridge Division of US Steel. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of WWII and was of the Baptist Faith. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Helen Marie Brister; and son, Jerry Glynn Brister. Mr. Brister is survived by his wife of 61 years, Daisy Brister of Vidor; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Grover Williams of Vidor; grandson, Jason Jarrell; great-granddaughter, Layla Jarrell both of Vinton; brother, Don Brister of Rusk, TX; and sister, Alma Wolfe of Houston.
Daniel William Bertrand, 58, of Orange, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at Herman Hospital in Houston. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 22, 2009, at Community Church in Orange. Daniel was born on August 28, 1951. He is survived by his daughter, Daniell Bryant of Bay City, TX; son, Joshua Bertrand of Bay City, TX; six grandchildren; sister, Sherry Wallsmith of Luling, TX; brother, Charles Bertrand of Montrose, Virginia; and sisters, Susan Syrett of Orangefield, Victoria Johnson of Broadus, TX and Kelly Lopez of Colorado Springs, CO.
Betty S. Ross, 78, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2009, at Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital following complications from surgery. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Friday, November 20, 2009 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 p.m., Friday, at Orange Forest Lawn in West Orange. Born in Tuscaloosa, AL, she was a daughter of the late Bessie M. Hughes. Before moving to Henderson County over 21 years ago, she had resided in Orange, TX. She enjoyed ballroom dancing, golfing and bridge. She was an avid knitter and enjoyed cooking and bird watching. She was a member of the Orange, TX Service League and was active in the American Cancer Society. She was a loving wife and mother and had a love for animals, especially dogs. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Sidney W. Ross, Jr.; one daughter, Annette Bartos and her husband, Wayne, of Waxahachie, TX; one son, Wiley Ross and partner, Gayle Sumida, of Tucson, AZ; and three grandchildren, Kristin Bartos, of Chicago, IL; Kevin Bartos and wife, Krista, of Waxahachie, TX and Galyn Sumida-Ross, of Tucson, AZ.
Christopher R. Busby, 25, of Orange, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2009. Visitation will be from 11:00-2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City. Born in Houston, Texas on October 10, 1984, he was the son of James Busby and Sharon Busby. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Busby; brother, Josh Busby; and grandmother, Betty Busby. Christopher is survived by his wife, Sherrie Busby; father, James Busby; grandfather, Cecil Busby, Jr.; and sons, Bryce Christopher Busby and Zackary Taylor Busby all of Orange. He is also survived by his brothers, Jason Busby of Orange, Curtis Manley of Florida and Michael Manley of Huffman, TX; and sisters, Jamie Busby of Orange, Dawn Busby of Deweyville, Billie Jean Busby, Terry Manley and Christie Manley all of Florida. Serving as Pallbearers will be John LeBouef, Benny LeBouef, Jason Busby, Eric Avila, Brian Avila and Joe Sumrall. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aven LeBouef, Mikeal Abshire and Jermiah Gregory.
Mr. Charles Desper, Jr. 80, of Orange passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Gulf Health Center. He was a native of Franklin, Massachusetts: born on March 29, 1929 to parents Charles W. Desper, Sr. and Eva (Hebart) Desper. He had lived 38 years in Orange. He had retired from the Navy, honored with A National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal; also retired from St. Mary’s School after 20 years of employment. He was member of the American Legion Lloyd Grubbs Post #49 and a member Fleet Reserve. He enjoyed wood working and spending time with his family. Charles was very active with Friends Helping Friends; where he donated many years of volunteer services. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beulah Desper; daughter, Lucille Calhoun, four sisters and one brother. He is survived by his daughter, Emma Griffin and husband, Thomas of Bridge City; sons, Robert Davis and wife, Kristine of Bridge City, Albert Desper and wife Debbie of Bridge City; 9 sisters and 4 brothers. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Dorman Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park. We would like to say thank you to Beaumont Hotel and Gulf Health Center for all the love and great care given to our love one. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in the memory of Charles Desper, Jr. to Parkinson's Disease Foundation 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509 New York, NY 10018.
John H. Thompson, 70, of Deweyville, Texas, died Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at his home. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2009, at First Baptist Church of Deweyville under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Reverend Damon Bickham and Reverend Chase Bowers will be officiating. Burial will follow at Deweyville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Friday, at the church. John was born on October 5, 1939, in Starks, Louisiana. He was the son of Charlie Porter Thompson and Eunice (Bordelon) Thompson. He was an active Deacon and Choir Member for the First Baptist Church of Deweyville. He was preceded in death by his parents. John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carol Sue Hippler-Thompson; son, Gregory John Thompson of Deweyville; granddaughter, Hunter Breann Thompson of Evadale, TX; and step-granddaughter, Nicole Brown of Gist, TX. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Bobbie Thompson of Laurel, MS, Jack and Glema Thompson of Shreveport, LA, Roy and Flora Thompson of Bossier, LA, and Gene and Beverly Thompson of Deweyville; sister, Ritha Faye Bonnett of Lumberton; sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Bill Whitmire of Vidor; brother-in-law, Emmitt Hippler and his wife Bonnie of Magnolia, TX; sisters-in-law, Barbara Lambeth and her husband Don of Alvin, TX, and Faye Bowers of Pensacola, FL; loving nephew Chase Bowers and his wife Laura of Temple, TX; and a host of nieces and nephews. Serving as Pallbearers will be Ricky Force, Bubba Powell, Troy Green, Cal Ebner, Brian Dans and Fuzzy Burks.
Eva Mae Moore, age 84, died November 11th after a long illness. She was born in Start, Louisiana on March 23, 1925, to parents Charles Wynn and Alice Olivo Wynn. She worked at Green’s Department Store. She met and married Bethel Moore and together, they owned and operated American Glass Company for 42 years. Eva loved gardening and was an accomplished seamstress. Her church life and church family were very important to her before her illness prevented her participation. She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Bridge City and the Altrusa Club of Orange. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Robert; and her sister, Gladys. She is survived by her son, Ebb and his wife, Kim; sister, Mary Alice McPherson of Picayune, MS; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Kay, Pearl, Jeanette, Sharon and the rest of the staff at Family Care for excellent care and devotion shown over the last several years. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2009, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City. Reverend Bob Boone will conduct the service. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Serving as Pallbearers will be Pierre Delafosse, Jerry Pennington, Robert Sims, Dave Field, David Dunn and Leonard Mathews. Contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of the First Baptist Church of Bridge City in her name.
Becky Ann Crooks, 50, of Deweyville, TX passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at UTMB in Galveston. Becky was a loving and faithful wife, mother, nurse and friend. She lived all of her life in Orange and Deweyville and will be greatly missed by countless friends and family. She is survived by her loving husband, Mitchell Crooks, Sr. of Deweyville; mother-in-law, Rose Westbrook of Deweyville (Becky was loved by Rose like a daughter and Becky loved her as if she were her own mother); sons: Danny Brister, Dustin Brister, Mitchell Crooks Jr.; daughters: Michelle Crooks Johnnie and husband, Ty, Lisa Brister, Christy Crooks Smith and husband, Danny; Stephany Brister; nine grandchildren; sisters-in-laws: Ramona Odom and husband Ricky, Debbie Talbert, Linda Killian, June Wilburn, and husband Mack; brothers-in-laws, Mike Torrento and wife Becky, Gary Crooks and wife Terrie, Bobby Crooks, Sr. and wife Suzie. She is also survived by her parents Morris and Bertha Thomas of West Orange; sisters Susan Gilbeaux and husband, Ricky of Orange, Jodie Gunter and husband, Jimmy of Wyoming; brothers, Tugie Thomas and wife, Kim of Orange, and David Thomas and wife, Brenda of Orange, and brother-in-law Richard Hinds of Orange and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Danny Brister and sister, Anita Hinds. Becky had a positive, uplifting spirit. She always had a kind word to say and a smile on her face. She will be remembered in our hearts always. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Dorman Funeral Home on Hwy 87 in Orange, TX, with a visitation to start at 12 noon until service time. Burial will follow at King Cemetery in Deweyville.
Barbara Jean Gresham, 77, of Kountze, Texas, died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Village Creek Nursing Home in Lumberton. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2009, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Bridge City. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 p.m., also on Friday, at the funeral home. Barbara was born on September 22, 1932, in Orangefield, Texas. She was the daughter of Walter St Germain and Wilma (Brown) St Germain. Barbara was an officer manager at various doctor’s offices. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.L. Gresham; and father, Walter St Germain. Barbara is survived by her mother, Wilma St Germain of Lumberton; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Wayne and Diane Gresham of Jasper; granddaughter, Codi; and cousins, Patricia Brown, Doug Venable and his wife, Sue and Jeanette Burleson and her husband, Bud; and numerous other loving family members and friends.
Robert E. “Bob” Hailey, 78, of Orangefield, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at St. Mary Hospital in Port Arthur. Graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 14, 2009 in the Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange. Officiating will be Brother Mel Rowell with the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Honey Island. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Friday at Dorman Funeral Home in Orange. Born on March 8, 1931 in Center, Texas to Hollis Haley and Mary Ann (Lundrum) Haley, he had lived in the Orangefield area for the last 35 years, had previously lived in Alabama, he was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Honey Island, he retired as a heavy equipment operator for the Orange County Road and Bridge Department and he was a veteran of the United States Army during Korea and Vietnam. Bob was an easy-going man who was a loving husband, father and grandfather and he enjoyed spending time with his friends. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ingaborg (Sadler) Hailey: his second wife, Rosemary (Rossi) Hailey; his sisters, Charlene Haley and Sandra Scott and his granddaughter Sonya Hilliard. Those who will most cherish his memory are his children, his daughters, Beate Griffin and husband Brian of Union Grove, Alabama, Ana Schultz and husband Jim of Owens Crossroads, Alabama, Yvonne Hilliard and husband Arvil of Orange, Annette Hailey of Huntsville, Alabama, Elaine Smith and husband Damon of Orangefield, Gina Ledbetter and husband Bobby of Lacey’s Springs, Alabama, Charlotte Belrose and husband Bobby, Dianne Walker and husband Keith, Suzanne Nichols all of Lumberton; son, Arthur Foux of Lumberton; sisters, Joann Mulhollan of Woodville and Carmel Fountain of Center; brothers, Billy Haley and wife Margie of Orange and Than Haley of Dallas; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Nancy Beth Stoffer, 56, of Orange, died Monday, November 9, 2009 at her residence. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 12, 2009, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend David Millner of Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Bridge City. Visitation will be from 5:00-9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home. Nancy was born on July 10, 1953, in Orange, Texas. She was the daughter of George Louis Stoffer and Agatha “Sis” (Nunez) Stoffer. Nancy worked as a file clerk at Orange Savings Bank for 28 years. She loved her nieces very much, along with her two cats Vincent and Pepper. Nancy’s favorite vacations were those to the beaches of Gulf Shores during the summer. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Sis Stoffer. Nancy is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Mike Green of Orange; very special nieces, Jillian and Kendall Green both of Orange; aunt and uncle, Norma and John Nunez of Spring, Texas; aunt, Betty Fuller of Abbeville, Louisiana; and numerous other loving family members. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Nancy’s friends and coworkers at Orange Savings Bank, many of whom were like family. The family is especially grateful to her neighbors, Shirley Dickerson, Ted and Stephanie Legget, and her caregivers, Shirley Harvey and Vicky Green. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, 1-800-227-2345; or any Humane Society of your choice.
Pauline Johnson, 70, of Starks, Louisiana, died Thursday, November 5, 2009, at her residence. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2009, at First Baptist Church of Starks with Reverend Bruce Austin officiating under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Burial will follow at Doyle Cemetery in Starks, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. Saturday, at the church. Pauline was born in Singer, Louisiana on January 6, 1939. She was the daughter of Morgan Johnson and Olivia (West) Johnson. Pauline worked as a crossing guard for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Department. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Russell L. Johnson. Pauline is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Reba Bartholamew of Orange, Morgan and Carolyn Bartholamew of Starks, and Russell and Sharon Bartholamew of Starks; son, Patrick Bartholamew of Orange; daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanne and David Swinney of Buna and Tina and Jerry Brown of Deweyville; nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy Ray Johnson (Short) of Fordyce, Arkansas; and companion, Jim Bickley, and long time friend Janie Bell Wall.
Melton Martin Wright, 93, of Orange, passed from this earthly life to his heavenly home November 6, 2009. Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas will handle arrangements with visitation on Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., at Claybar Funeral Home with burial following at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in Orange. Reverend Lynn Ashcraft will officiate at the services with Revered Scott McIntosh assisting. Melton is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth Alborn Wright, one daughter, Nancy Hankins and her husband Mack of Nederland, Texas. Two sons, David Wright of Orange, Texas and Stephen Wright and his wife Julie of Nacogdoches, Texas, as well as one sister, Irmarie Scott, of West Memphis, Arkansas. Melton is also survived by eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Melton’s grandsons will honor their papaw by serving as his pallbearers. Melton was born in Manifest, Louisiana, on December 14, 1915 to John and Grace Wright. He was the youngest boy of eight children. Melton spent his childhood and young adult years in the Manifest and Jena, Louisiana area. Melton, a World War II veteran, was drafted into the army on February 8, 1941 and honorably discharged on December 24, 1945. After his discharge from the army, Melton returned to his Louisiana home before relocating to the Orange area where he, along with others in the community, worked to organize Little Cypress Baptist Church. Melton and his wife Ruth are currently members of the North Orange Baptist Church, where they have been members for 53 years. Melton was employed by DuPont Sabine River Works in Orange for 31 years and retired in 1978. The Wright family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Southeast Texas Hospice for their compassion and love shown to Melton and the entire family during this time of sadness.
Mrs. Peggy (Noguess) Dunkin, 84, of Pinehurst passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Pinehurst Nursing Home. She was a native of Mauriceville; born on April 18, 1925 to parents Asa Noguess and Maude (Fuller) Noguess. She was a life long resident of Orange and was a member of North Orange Baptist Church. She retired after 37 years of employment as a secretary with State of Texas Highway Department. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harrison Dunkin; sisters, Theta Peveto, Estelle Zalewski; brothers, Johnny Noguess, Tobe Noguess, Forrest “Bill” Noguess, Ike Noguess. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Carole Land, Dianne Udstuen, Maureen Star, and Michael Noguess. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Dorman Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Jett Cemetery in Orange.
Laura M. Russell, 42, of Orange passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2009. She was a native of Redlands, California; born on January 24, 1967 to parents Duster Lee Rhynes and Laura (Edwards) Rhynes. She had lived the last 16 years in Orange. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Orange and she loved to watch “Reba Mcentire Show”. She was preceded in death by her father, Duster Rhynes and grandfather, Edger W. Baber. She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Joe Lane Russell of Orange; son, Justin Lee Rhynes of San Bernardino, CA; mother, Laura L. Rhynes of San Bernardino, CA; grandmother, Juanita Baber of Rialto, CA and uncle, Edger Baber of Rialto, CA. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Dorman Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Orange, with Pastor Jim Lea officiating. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park.
 
"All information on this web site is copyrighted  by KOGT.com and may not be used in any way except with written permission of KOGT."
Thanks for tuning us in....You are #