Tommy “Buddy” Permenter was born June 16, 1947, and passed away October 16, 2026, at the age of 79.
Buddy was a man with a big personality and a heart full of love for his family. He never met a stranger and had a way of making people feel welcome wherever he went. A man that could do it all, fix, build, restore just about anything.
A 1965 graduate of West Orange High School, Buddy went on to earn his engineering degree and build a career as a construction engineer. He was a hardworking man who also knew how to enjoy life. He loved restoring and racing classic cars, fishing, and playing the drums and singing in bands throughout the Golden Triangle area of Orange, Texas.
Above all, Buddy loved his family and his grandchildren, who brought him so much joy and pride. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, music, and laughter.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Permenter; mother of his children, Phyllis Jorgesen; children, Aaron Permenter and wife Shelley, Adam “Bud” Permenter and wife Sabrina, Amy Rodriguez and husband Gabriel, Alana Dela Rosa and husband Jonathan, Andrea Herring and husband Kyle, LeErin Harper, and Chris Harper; grandchildren, Kenzie Permenter, Karson Permenter, Kollen Permenter, Emma Permenter, Coen Permenter, Jude Permenter, Caleb Stasney, Sadie Stasney, Lily Dela Rosa, Clay Dela Rosa, Layla Dela Rosa, Crew Dela Rosa, Brady Herring, Calvin Herring, Asher Bridges, Carson Bridges; sister, Joyce Sanders and husband Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Bessie Permenter; son, Darin Permenter; and brother, Wayne Permenter.
Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 30, 2026, at Dorman – Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 8808 Highway 87 North, Orange, Texas. Interment to follow at Wilkinson Cemetery, Orange, Texas.
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