Paul Wayne Sonnier, 78, of Zavalla, Texas, in the Plum Ridge Community, passed away on April 9, 2026.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 13, 2026, at Bridge Point Fellowship Church in Bridge City.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2026, at Bridge Point Fellowship Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Pastor Chad West. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, on December 6, 1947, he was the son of Frank Sonnier and Lucy (Hall) Sonnier. Paul was a true original, known for his larger-than-life character and his unwavering ability to connect with anyone and everyone. He lived life to the fullest, embracing his passions with gusto. An avid outdoorsman, he found immense joy in hunting and fishing, often sharing his bounty and expertise by processing deer meat for countless friends, family, and community members. His love for good food was legendary; he was a master of the grill and the kitchen, always ready to whip up a delicious meal that brought everyone together, and every year Paul looked forward to cooking for the Hardin County Go Texan Team. To his beloved grandchildren, he was simply “Paw Paw,” a title he wore with immense pride and joy. Paul had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and cherished. He knew no strangers, striking up conversations with ease and always striving to ensure that everyone around him was having a good time. His greatest desire was to see his loved ones gathered, laughing, and creating lasting memories. Paul, a man whose presence filled every room and whose laughter echoed long after he left, leaving behind a legacy as big as his personality.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Frank and Lucy Sonnier; his brothers, John L. Bell and Leonces “Pete” Sonnier; and his sister, Hazel Courville.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janet Lee O’dell; daughter, Lisa Leach; son, Scooter Sonnier, and his wife, Stacy. His spirit lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Garrett Leach and his wife Mazi, Zac Fergason and his girlfriend Jodi Williams, Kaylee Hanson and her husband Blake, and Colton Sonnier and his wife Abby. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Reid Allday, Reese Hanson, Lillie Leach, Rayburn Leach, and Remi Hanson. Paul is further survived by his brother, Jerry Kirbow; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Garrett Leach, Zac Fergason, Colton Sonnier, Blake Hanson, Darrel Harris, and Larry Vickery. Honorary pallbearers are Fred Lovell, Joe Millner, and Junior Williamson.
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