KOGT Radio 1600 AM - Orange, Texas

Obituaries

Raleigh Frank Williams, 72, of Orange, passed away Monday, July 26, 2010 at the Harbor Hospital of Southeast Texas in Orange. Funeral services to remember his life will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 30, 2010 in the Chapel of Dorman Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Chaplain Kevin Trinkle. Interment will follow in Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in Orange. A gathering of family and friends for a time of reflection will be from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home. Born on April 22, 1938 in Palestine, Texas to his parents, Harold R. Williams, Sr. and Anna Maudine (Neal) Williams, he was a lifelong resident of the Orange area, he graduated from Orangefield High School in 1956 and he worked as a maintenance mechanic for the DuPont – Sabine River Works Plant in Orange for 32 years, where he retired in 1992. Raleigh also proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army, where while on assignment in Germany, he met and married the love of his life, Anita Toni Filz. Raleigh was a mentor, friend and sharer of wisdom to many people, he enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, travel and he could fix just about anything. Preceded in death by his parents, Raleigh is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Anita Williams of Orange; his daughter, Susan Hart of Orange; his son, Jeff Williams and wife, Kimberly of Orange; his brothers, Harold Williams, Jr and wife ,Virginia, Jerald Williams and wife, Linda, Steven Williams and wife, Barbara and John Williams and wife Connie all of Orange; five grandchildren, Amber Williams, Josef Stephenson, Jacob Stephenson, Jessica Williams and Derek Hart; five great grandchildren, Kaine Martin, Jakeb Pittman, Emma Williams, Ava Stephenson and Ellie Stephenson. Honoring Raleigh as pallbearers are Brian Williams, Randy Williams, Tommy Williams, Matt Shelton, Jake Stephenson and Joe Stephenson.

Services for Raymond “Ray” Manton Chambers, Sr. 78, of Jasper will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 29, at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Jasper with Military graveside to follow at Morse Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 until 8:00 p. m. Wednesday, July 28, at the Funeral Home. Ray died Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. A native of Lufkin, TX, Ray grew up in Jasper and was a graduate of Jasper High School. A former resident of Vidor and Buna, he lived the past fourteen years in Jasper. Ray was an Athlete playing, football. basket ball and baseball at Jasper High School. He retired as an I & E Supervisor with Firestone in Orange. After his retirement from Firestone, he owned & operated Chambers Monument Works in Buna. He enjoyed fixing things. He loved hunting,( especially deer) and fishing. He was a U. S. Army Veteran serving in Korea as a Sergeant. Survivors include his wife, Deloris Clark Chambers of Jasper, two sons; Jimmy Douglas Chambers of Orange, and Raymond “Randy” Manton Chambers, Jr. of Beaumont, two step-sons, Dewey E. Folk of Hillsboro, MO and James E. Folk of Mesquite, TX, brother Earl Jacob Chambers, Jr. of Evadale, and one sister, Geraldine Linza of Clear Lake, TX, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, four step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl Jacob & Odessa Sanders Chambers, wife, Shirley Beth Childress Chambers and daughter Tammi Diane Chambers Robicheaux. Memorials may be made to the Gideon’s Jasper Camp P. O. Box 1048, jasper, Texas 75951. Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home of Jasper (409)384-5781.

James M. Bates, 68, of Milam, passed away Monday, July 26, 2010 at his residence. Funeral services to remember his life will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 30, 2010 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Deweyville. Officiating will be Brother John Fortenberry, pastor of the church. Interment will follow in the Lowes Chapel Cemetery in Milam. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Thursday at the church. Born on July 23, 1942 in Jasper, Texas to his parents, Eura Aaron Bates and Mildred (Hollis) Bates, he was a lifelong resident of the Orange area and he moved to Milam 8 years ago. Mr. Bates worked as a lab supervisor for the DuPont Sabine River Works Plant in Orange for 40 years and he retired in 2001. Mr. Bates was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hemphill, he was a special Olympics coach, a foster parent, he enjoyed fishing for catfish, hunting on his deer lease in West Texas, he was a Nascar Fan, he enjoyed gardening and woodworking and he enjoyed going for walks in the morning near his home. He was a loving husband, father and paw paw to his family and will be remembered by many friends. Mr. Bates is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Charlotte Bates; his sister, Mary Hall and his brother, Bill Bates. Those who will most cherish his memory are his loving wife of 23 years, Annie Bates; his sons, Ryan Bates and Greg Bates and wife Carmie; his daughter, Sandy Wagoner and husband, Scott; his grandchildren, Colton and Carla Bates, Matthew and Katie Wagoner and his lifelong friends, Margie and James West. The family wishes to thank the following people who assisted with the care of Mr. Bates, Dr. Jay Schachner, the nurses and staff and Cathy LaMaster of Texas Oncology in Beaumont. Eddie Jean Stephenson, the friends from Old Laurel Baptist Church, Brother and Mrs. John and Sybil Fortenberry of Calvary Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church of Hemphill, Friends and Neighbors of the Alpine Marina Subdivision, Coach Tommy Hall and family for helping with Ryan during his father's illness and Lakes Area Hospice. For those desiring memorial contributions, please make a donation in memory of Mr. Bates to any area Hospice organization. Honoring Mr. Bates as pallbearers will be James West, George Kidwell, Jim Hennigan, Jerry Nicks, Ray Matthews and Mike George. Services are under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home in Orange.

Charles Frank Jonas, 92, of Bridge City, Texas died Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at his daughter’s home in Vidor. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 31, 2010, at First Baptist Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Bob Boone. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Buna, Texas. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Born on May 17, 1918, in Greeley, Colorado, Frank was the son of Mabel H. (Mason) and Franklin W. Jonas. He graduated from South Park High School in 1935 and then attended Lamar State College in Beaumont. Frank also served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. He was awarded the bronze star with four oak leaf clusters for Valor, and the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during The Battle Of The Bulge. He worked in the petroleum and refinery business for Gulf Oil in Port Arthur for 40 years. Frank loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He also loved his church and was a Godly man. Frank was preceded in death by his son, Jack M. Jonas; and brothers, S. Mason Jonas, Paul Allen Jonas, and grandson, Mason Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Edith Jonas; son, James F. Jonas of Nederland, Texas; and daughter, Susan Briggs and her husband, Jody of Vidor, Texas; 10 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.

John Arthur Sarth, Jr., 69, of Orange, died Sunday, July 25, 2010, at VA Hospital in Houston. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange with Reverend Marv Howland officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Orange. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Born in Port Arthur on December 5, 1940, Johnny was the son of John Arthur Sarth, Sr. and Ruby (Harris) Sarth. He served in the US Navy during 1958-1961. Johnny also worked as a mechanic for Eastern Airlines. Preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Sue Babington - Rendon, Johnny is survived by his son, Michael Auffurth of Port Neches; daughters, Julie Sarth and Nancy Sarth of Florida and Melissa Sarth of Texas. Also surviving are his nine grandchildren, Elizabeth Mulleni and Ashley Horne of Florida, Amy Babington, Riki Babington, Tamara Rendon, Jadelynn Touchette, Katie Touchette, Morgan Sarth and Stormy Sarth of Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Dalton Vercher, Chastanee Vercher, Chace Vercher, Presley Babington, Jack Babington, Barbra Babington and Kimberly Babington; and brother, George Zirlott of Orange. Serving as Pallbearers will be George Zirlott, Jr., Joseph Williamson, Juan Rendon, Michael Auffurth, Josh Cheatwood and Riki Babington.

Dennis E. Callens, of Orange, died at his home. Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2010, at St. Mary Cemetery in Orange. There will be no visitation. Born in Shelbyville, Dennis was the son of Edward Norman Callens and Betty Jean (Cline) Callens. He was a retired Boilermaker with the Boilermaker’s Union and had served in the National Guard. Preceded in death by his wife, Ann Marie Callens, Dennis is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Lewis of Mansfield, and Betty Ann Johnson of Onalaska; numerous nieces, nephews cousins; and special friends, Donnie Jackson and Mason Smith.

Melvin James Bartley, Sr., 73, of Mauriceville, went on to be with our Lord on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Christus Hospital – St. Elizabeth in Beaumont. A memorial service to remember his life will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at the Silver Oaks Baptist Church, 16460 F. M. 1442, Orange, Texas 77632 (in the Mauriceville community). Officiating will be Reverend Ed Rawls and Reverend Lee Thomas. The family will gather at the church at 10:00 A.M. to visit with friends. Born on August 14, 1936 in East Chicago, Indiana to his parents, Ralph Bartley and Stella Irene (Thomas) Bartley, he was a lifelong resident of the area, worked as a press and sheer operator for Levingston Shipbuilding Company in Orange and he retired from Trinity Industries in Beaumont. Mel was a veteran of the United States Navy during the Korean Era and he was a member of Silver Oaks Baptist Church in Mauriceville. Mel was a man who enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and working crossword puzzles. Mel enjoyed his occupation very much and he took absolute pride in his work. Preceding Mel in death are his parents, his son, Billie Bartley; his grandson, Jamie McKnight; his brother, Jack Bartley and his son-in-law, Edward McKnight. Those who will most cherish his memory are his loving wife of 54 years, June (Fairbanks) Bartley of Mauriceville; children, Melvin Bartley, Jr. and wife Marie of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Sue Ann McKnight Bartley of Lindale, Texas and Garry Bartley of Orange; his sisters, Marilyn Jackson and husband, Red and Lianne Brown and husband, Ron; his sister-in-law, Opal Bartley; his grandchildren, Josh Bartley and wife, Amanda, Rachel Bartley, Brandi Donnund, Courtney Bartley, Heather Keithsley and husband, Tim, Amy McKnight and ten great grandchildren. For those desiring memorial contributions, the family has requested that donations be made to the Building Fund at Silver Oaks Baptist Church, 16460 F. M. 1442, Orange, Texas 77632-0220. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home in Orange.

Marion Dempsey Burch, 88, of Orange, Texas died Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation in Beaumont. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 26, 2010, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Jeff Bell of Calvary Baptist Church in Port Acres. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Orange. Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Sunday at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Born in Orange, Texas on August 18, 1921, Marion was the son of Gertie J. (Rosenbaum) and Mark T. Burch. He was a past member of the Cove ISD school board, a member of Cove Baptist Church, and he served in the United States Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertie and Mark; sisters, Myrtie Michael and Blanch Titus; first wife, Louise Burch; and second wife, Birdie Burch. Marion is survived by his wife, Idafaye Burch; son, James Burch and his wife, Beverly of Grenada, Mississippi; grandchildren, James Robert and Mike Burch; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Jeremy, Brittani, and Shelbi Burch, and Steve and Richard Bowers; seven great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Dennis Burch and his wife, Ruby. Serving as Pallbearers will be Randy Plant, Chuck Burch, Terrel Burch, Bubba Smith, Bill Brimm, Morgan Michael, Ted Atwood, John M. Atwood, and Bret Berner.

Cecil Drew “C.D.” Cole, 74, of Orange, passed away Saturday, July 24, 2010 at his residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange. Father Joseph P. Daleo will be the celebrant. Rite of committal will follow in Wilkinson Cemetery in Little Cypress. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Monday with a Christian wake to be held on Monday evening at Dorman Funeral Home in Orange. Born on April 29, 1936 in Merryville, Louisiana to his parents, Joseph Cole and Vera (Posey) Cole, he served his country in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper and a trainer and he was discharged in 1963 and came to Orange shortly thereafter. C.D. worked as a policeman in Orange and later as an Area Maintenance Supervisor for CITGO Petroleum Corporation in Lake Charles, where he was affectionately known as “Pop Cole” among his co-workers and he retired in 1992. After retirement he continued to work in various positions helping many others. C.D. also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching them play baseball and many other activities. He was a man who enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and he enjoyed deer hunting in his earlier years. C.D.’s family will treasure his love, kindness and understanding for his way of being there for others and the care he showed for them. C.D. is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Frankie Cole; his sisters, Beverly Fletcher and Peggy Smith and his brothers, Robert Cole and Bill Cole. Those who will most cherish his memory are his loving wife of 25 years, Sandra Cole of Orange; his daughters, Pat Cole of Tucson, Arizona and Beth Sonnier of Orange; his sons, Johnny Vayon and wife Deborah of Conroe, Texas and Randy Vayon and wife, Charmaine of Orangefield; his grandchildren, Courtney Sonnier, Tanna Vayon, Tyler Vayon, Jake Sonnier and Carlee Vayon. C.D. is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Doris Jeanne Craig Authement, 83, of Orange, died Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Park Manor in Houston. She was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas and lived in Beaumont before moving to Orange; Doris was born March 13, 1927, to Kathryn Dill Craig and Felix Adrain Craig. She taught ballroom dancing during the 1940’s through the 1960’s and owned her own dance studio in Orange. Doris and her husband James enjoyed traveling and lived in a variety of places such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Singapore. She also enjoyed writing novels, but most of all Doris loved raising her five children. Survivors include her children, Jerry Gatch of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tom Gatch and Dolly Covington both of Houston, Randy Authement of Boerne and Ricky Authement of Albuquerque, New Mexico; brother, James “Jim” Craig and his wife Dianne Craig of Beaumont; grandchildren, Craig Gatch of Kirkland, Washington, Rhonda Adams of Syracuse, Utah, Jesse Covington of Dallas, Katie Covington Cole of Beaumont, Skylar Authement and Dane Authement both of Albuquerque, New Mexico; great-grandson, Elijah Cole; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Authement; and her brother, Ross Craig. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery. A gathering of her family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at Broussard’s. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 7015, Beaumont, Texas 77726; the Dizzy Feet Foundation, 9560 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500, Beverly Hills, California 90212, to support and increase access to dance; or you may view their website at www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org/donate.php. Complete and updated information may be viewed at www.broussards1889.com

Denise M. Cormier, 47, of Vidor passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at her resident. She was a native Georgia; born on August 10, 1962 to parents JoAnn (Jackson) Cormier and Farrier Cormier. She had lived the last two years in the Vidor area. She was kind and giving person; she was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend who will be missed dearly by all. She is preceded in death by her mother, JoAnn Cormier. She is survived by her father, Farrier Cormier of Orange; sister, Tracy Cormier of Orange; sons, Wayne Joyce of Atlanta, GA, twins, Stephen Craig and Greg Alan Cormier; nieces, Triche Walker, Brandy Hornsby; friend, Tina Garcia of Austin; nephew, Kevin Hewgley, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 11 am at American Housing Apartments 205 Vidor Drive Vidor, TX 77662. Cremation under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home.

Mrs. Neva N. Aven, 89, of Orange passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. She was a native of Seymore, Texas; born on March 1, 1921 to parents William B. Tanton and Emma S. Milner. She had lived in Orange area for 65 plus years and was a member of Ninth and Elm Church of Christ. She retired from Weingarten’s as a cashier after 20 years of employment. Her joy in life was reading and cooking on Sunday. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emma Tanton; husband, R.E. “Ray” Aven Sr.; sister, Mozzelle Sartin; brothers, Joe Tanton, W.B. “Dub” Tanton, Buford Tanton and her great grandson, Riley Hickey. She is survived by her sons, R.E. “Bobby” Aven Jr. and wife Nina of West Orange, TX, Billy Aven and wife Kathy of West Orange, TX, Bert Aven and wife Mary of Sulphur, LA, Tommy Aven and wife Vicki of Pearland, TX; sister, Mildred Hinton of Arbala, TX; sister-in-law, Virginia Tanton of Sulphur Springs, TX; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 23, 2010 from 5 pm until 9 pm at Dorman Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 2 pm at the funeral home, with Barry Jones Minister Ninth and Elm Church of Christ and Travis Aven of Sulphur Springs, TX officiating. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park.

Kathy Williams Primm, 58, of Orange, Texas died Saturday, July 17, 2010, at her home. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Danny Brack of Calvary Christian Center. Burial will follow at Wilkinson Cemetery in Orange. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Born in Orange, Texas on April 7, 1952, Kathy was the daughter of Margaret Christine (Avant) and Lewis H. Williams. She worked as a registered nurse at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Christine Williams. Kathy is survived by her husband, Reginald Primm; father, Lewis H. “Willie” Williams; step-mother, Nadine Williams; sons, Rob Primm of Orange, Chad Primm of Bridge City; grandchildren, Morgan and Pepper Primm of Orange, Hannah and Drue Primm of Bridge City; and brother, Bill Williams of Katy.

Robert E. Baker Sr. 70, of Zavalla passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, TX. He was native of Troop, Texas; born on February 23, 1940 to parents Robert Lee Baker and Lorene Pruitt Baker. He had lived in the Gist Community until he moved to Zavalla in 2002. He retired from DuPont Sabine River Works after 43 years of employment as a welder. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, and working with his hands. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Baker; uncle, Rip Crew; aunt, Agnes Crew; cousin, Walter Crew. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, LeAnn Campbell Baker of Zavalla; mother, Lorene Baker of Minneola, TX; daughter, Donna Glende of Orange; son, Robert E. Baker Jr. and wife Lorie Wiergate, TX; sisters, Connie Broom and husband Gerald of Lindale, TX, Bobbie Maywall and husband Phillip of Tullahoma, TN; grandchildren, Jeff Glende and wife Alayce, Morgan Becker and husband Grant, Lorette Baker, Josie Baker; great granddaughter, Mattison Glende and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2010 from 5 pm until 9 pm at Dorman Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 19, 2010 at 10 am at the funeral home, with Rev. Barry Bradley officiating. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park.