Bobbie Lynn Stuart, 90, of Silsbee, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 in Zavalla. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, September 8 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee with burial following at R.S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery, also in Silsbee. A native and lifelong resident of Silsbee, she was worked as a cashier. Survivor include her sons, Carl Stuart and wife Terri of Silsbee and Randy Stuart and wife Terri of Zavalla; sister, Joyce Buckner of Silsbee; and ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Deborah Dee Sanford Smith, 48, of Silsbee, TX will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Freedom Fellowship, 8137 FM 418, Silsbee TX with burial following at R. S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery (Resthaven) in Silsbee. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m. before the service. Mrs. Smith was ushered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 10:30 pm September 7, 2017. She was faithful and obedient on her journey! Deborah was a lifelong resident of Silsbee although she lived several years in Kenya, Africa as a missionary. She devoted her life to sharing Jesus with others. Deborah loved her family and people all over the world. She was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Silsbee Tigers! She was also a published author and made the best seller list of faith based books on Amazon. Nothing in the world made her prouder than her husband and children. She was overwhelmed with joy about the pending arrival of her grandson, Nolan. Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her parents, Sleepy and Mattie Baker Sanford. Survivors include her husband, Jerry Don Smith of Silsbee; daughter Haeley Batman and husband Joel and expecting grandson, Nolan of Silsbee, daughter Arden Smith of Silsbee, daughters Faith Kabuku, Cynthia Dee Smith and Trista N’jeri Smith of Kenya. Deborah has three brothers, Ricky Sanford of Sam Rayburn, Alan Sanford and wife Joanne of Silsbee, Roy Sanford of Sam Rayburn, and honorary brother Carl Ferrell of Silsbee. She has numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Frank B. Griffin, 88, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017. A graveside service was at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday, September 13) at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Kountze. Survivors include his sister, Margie Morgan of Diboll.

Etta Virginia Landry, 77, of Silsbee, passed away Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Riceland Hospice in Beaumont. Funeral service was Sunday, September 10 at North End United Pentecostal Church in Evadale with burial following in Morse Cemetery in Buna. Born in Baker, she was a longtime resident of Silsbee and had worked many years as a care giver before retiring. Survivors include her sons, Ronan “Ron” Landry and wife Mona and Mark Landry and wife Sherry, all of Silsbee and Terry D. Landry and wife Stacy of San Antonio; brothers, David Eugene Griffis of Silsbee and Howard Griffis of Buna; sisters, Barbara Elliott of Pineland, Averine Pennington of Simonton, and Retha L. Smith of Evadale; and 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren

Bobbie Lynn Stuart, 90, of Silsbee, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 in Zavalla. Funeral service was Friday, September 8 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee with burial following at R.S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery, also in Silsbee. A native and longtime resident of Silsbee, she worked as a cashier. Survivors include her sons, Carl Stuart and wife Terri of Silsbee and Randy Stuart and wife Terri of Zavalla; sister, Joyce Buckner of Silsbee; and ten grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Cheryl Ann Stevens, 60, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017. Funeral service was Monday, September 11 at Lumberton Family Funeral Home in Lumberton with burial following at Seaman’s Cemetery in Chester. Born in Beaumont, she spent her career at Lumberton Independent School District. Survivors include her daughter, Stephanie Plake and husband Patrick of Lumberton; son, Sean Stevens of Lumberton; brother, Roger Barker and wife Becky of Lufkin; sister, Kathy Beasley of North Carolina; and one granddaughter.

Rickey Lee Broom, Sr., 61, of Silsbee, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, September 15 at Shady Grove’s Church with burial following in Shady Grove’s Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s Mortuary in Silsbee. Born in Woodville, he worked at Walmart as a tire technician. Survivors include his wife, Bertha Broom of Silsbee; sons, Joseph Baird of Nederland and Ricky Broom Jr. and wife Joanna of Corpus Christi; daughter, Sonya Baird of Trinity; sisters, Jenny Wilkerson of Zavalla, Rose Stewart of Woodville, and Margie Riley and husband Jerry of Kountze; and brothers, Billy Jack Broom and wife Karen of Longview, Tommy Broom, Oscar Broom and Phillip Broom and wife Kathy, all of Woodville, Gary Bob Broom and wife Ann of Louisiana and James Broom and wife Pauline of Jasper.

Charles Everette Kelley Jr., 80, of Lumberton passed away Monday, September 4, 2017. Funeral service was Monday, September 11 at Lumberton Family Funeral Home in Lumberton with burial following in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Kelley; son, Robert Kelley; daughter, Kristie Kelley and husband Christopher Frye; and brother, Larry Kelley and wife Wanda.

Homer Day Jr., 82, of Buna, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. Funeral service was at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, September 13) at Central Baptist Church in Buna with burial following at Morse Cemetery, also in Buna under the direction of Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee. Born in Buna, he had lived there the past 60 years and was a retired ironworker out of Local 125. He was also a United States Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Lou Ella LaFleur Day of Buna; son, Jeff Day and wife Cathy of Dayton; daughter, Kathy Chapman and husband Tracy of Austin; and three grandchildren.

David Lee Lentz Sr, 58, of Sour Lake, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017 in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. A native of the United Kingdom, he was an engineer for many years and currently working for Global Steel Dust in the Zinc Industry. Memorial services to celebrate the life of David will be held at a later date. Survivors include his mother, Fay Summers Wilde of New Brighton, PA; wife, Melissa Lentz of Sour Lake; sons, David Lee Lentz Jr of Ambridge, PA, Donn M Lentz and wife Trista of Monaca, PA, William Foster and wife Jennifer of Lumberton; daughters, De Ann Jackson of Kountze, Serena Foster of Beaumont, Kathleen Foster of Sour Lake; brothers, William Lentz, Thomas Lentz, Richard Lentz all of Rochester, PA; sisters Marry Cummings of New Brighton, PA, Donna Berry of Ohio; and eight grandchildren.

Edward Puntes, 73, of Silsbee, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2017. He died peacefully at his home with family at his side. He was born on March 3, 1944, in Beaumont, to Alice DeHart Puntes and Robert Harris Puntes, Jr. Edward proudly served his country in the United States Army and retired after more than thirty years of service as a mechanic from DuPont-Beaumont. Edward was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, and brother. Edward found great pleasure in the woods hunting bird, deer, and hogs or you might find him at the lakes fishing. His other enjoyment was football. Not only did Edward enjoy his years on the Silsbee Tigers football team, rarely was there a game that he was not in the stands supporting and cheering them on. His favorite hobby was spending time with his grandchildren. Generosity was one of his strong traits and his kindhearted personality was extended to everyone he met. He was always willing to lend that helping hand. He was family oriented, dependable, and his jovial laughter and outgoing personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Debbie; daughters, Holly Puntes and Ricky Capo and Amber Meredith and her husband, Shawn; sons, Clay Puntes and his wife, Valery and Ty Gibson and his wife, Sara; grandchildren, Shelby and Sidney Puntes, Bryson and Jaxon Meredith, Averie Garris, and Madison Gibson; siblings, Bobby Puntes and his wife, Cheryl; Mary Moss and her husband, Buford; Albert Puntes and his wife, Lucy; and Alicia Holder and her husband, G.L.; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Sarah Lee Puntes A gathering of Edward’s family and friends was from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His funeral service was 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at Freedom Fellowship Church, 8137 FM 418, Silsbee, with his interment to follow at Frank’s Branch Cemetery, Fred. Complete and updated information may be found at broussards1889.com.

A memorial service for Malcolm Weir 'Sonny' Pierce, 85, of Pearland will be 10:00 am Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee. Mr. Pierce passed away August 31, 2017 at his residence. Sonny was born in Beaumont, TX January 1, 1932 to Travis Franklin and Mary Thelma Rhyne Pierce. He was a self employed truck driver until retirement and proudly served his country in the US Army. Mr. Pierce is preceded in death by his parents; son Delbert Pierce Sr, daughter-in-law Pam Pierce, and sister Claudia Bennett. Sonny also outlived wives, Velie Pierce, the mother of his children, Sylvia Pierce and Zada Pierce. Left behind to cherish his memory are sons Malcolm Pierce of Oakdale PA and Joe Pierce and wife Stacey of Coldspring, TX; daughter Renee Atmar and husband Ben of Pearland; brothers Wayne Pierce of Logan UT and Gerald Pierce of Maydelle TX; sister Barbara Andrews of Sacramento CA; nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Sonny was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor him may be made to any organization for Hurricane Harvey victims or to a GOFUNDME account for Denna Nelson of Vidor, a relative of Mr. Pierce who lost everything in the flood.

Orlen Ray Williams, 87, of Buna, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. A native of Gist, Tx, he was an active member in his church and an avid hunter. Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 19 at Buna United Pentecostal Church under the direction of Farmer Funeral Home with interment at Antioch Cemetery also in Buna. Survivors include his wife Opal Williams of Buna; daughters, Brenda Williams of Buna and Carolyn Wilson of Huntington; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

At age 83, Myra Nell Wedgeworth passed from this life at 3:07 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017, due to natural causes, surrounded by family. She was born in Silsbee, Texas, on August 11, 1934. She attended Silsbee High School, and was married to Robert Wedgeworth on March 2, 1952. Myra was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. A minister’s wife of 65 years, she served as a pastor’s wife in the cities of Trinity, Vidor and Clute, Texas. She and Robert worked at Texas Bible College in Houston, where they founded and then managed the Pentecostal Book Store for 25 years. As an accomplished musician, singer and speaker, she ministered in countless church services from tent revivals to conferences. She was an enthusiastic and successful leader while serving with her husband in the Sunday School and Singles departments of the Texas District United Pentecostal Church International. She was an avid collector of Precious Moments figurines, and an artist who enjoyed painting landscapes and making beautiful porcelain dolls, as well as other crafts, in her spare time. She was a most gracious hostess and life of the party at social events and family celebrations. She will be missed by all. Myra is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Myra McKinney, brothers Percy, Phillip and Albert McKinney; sisters Edna Denson, Edith Strickland, and Martha Booth. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Robert Lee Wedgeworth; brothers Martin and Milton “Pete” McKinney, and Pete’s wife Jan; sons Robert Wayne and wife, Georgette; Robert Earl “Boots” and wife Janis; Michael Roy and wife, Ginger; twelve grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. There will be a celebration of Myra’s life at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee, Texas, with Rev. Nathan Hargrave officiating on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Public visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at R. S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery, immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Myra’s favorite charity, Tupelo Children’s Mansion, at www.mansionkids.org.

Funeral services for Lillie Frances Prine Patterson, 81, of Silsbee were at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Farmer Funeral Home with interment following in Morse Cemetery in Buna. Visitation was from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Patterson passed away at her residence September 11, 2017. Frances was born in Evadale January 26, 1936 to John Burr and Rachel Rosie Bell Stephens Prine. She worked as a clerk for Sears before retiring. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters Della Mae Sylvester and Lucille Whitsitt and son-in-law Johnny McBryde. Left behind to cherish her memories are her longtime companion Lester Hall of Silsbee; son Garland D “Buddy” Gallander and wife Barbara of Stephensville KY; daughter Judy Ann McBryde of Evadale; brothers J.W. Prine of Gulfport MS and James Prine of Broaddus; sisters Lee Belle White of Broaddus and Myrene Nichols of Vidor; grandchildren Julie Ann Alexander, Cheryl Lynn Pate, John Trevor McBryde, Grant Gallander and Travis Gallander; great grandchildren Deven Murphy, Heather Murphy, Jayme Irvin, Evan Pate, Ryan Pate, Avery Gallander, Jack Gallander and Deon Gallander and great, great grandson Gatlen Gallander. Frances was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ellen Deitche, 80, of Kountze, died Tuesday, September 12, 2017. She was born in Plainfield, New Jersey. Graveside service was Friday, September 15 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s Mortuary in Silsbee. Survivors include her children, Colleen Puckitt and husband Rick of Kountze and Chris Deitche and wife Kim of Hockley; and three grandchildren.

Funeral for Mattie Minton, 87, of Nacogdoches, was at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2017, at Laird Funeral Home, with Bro. Brent Crosswhite officiating. Miss Minton died on Monday, September 11, 2017, in Nacogdoches. She was born on December 26, 1929 in Nacogdoches. Visitation was held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Laird Funeral Home. Miss Minton was born and raised in Nacogdoches and graduated from Nacogdoches High School. After attending Massey Business College, she moved to Houston and worked in the business office at Havertey’s Furniture Store for ten years. She was then hired by Exxon Mobil, where she worked as an accountant for 30 years until her retirement. Her favorite pastimes were reading, embroidery, and traveling. In the early 1960’s, she had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii, hence beginning her zest to visit new places. Over the years, she was fortunate enough to be a part of countless traveling tours and saw many parts of the country. She was always ready to be on the go. Vacations with her sisters and brothers and their families were especially memorable. “Aunt Mattie” as most called her, was the designated “entertainer” and never failed to bring snacks and activities for the kids, including making paper dolls, magnetic board games, and reading books to make the miles pass quickly. Having no children of her own, she was especially fond of her nieces and nephews with whom she shared her love of reading by gifting books by her favorite authors as well as her love of travel by bringing fun souvenirs back from her adventures. She never missed a birthday, graduation, wedding, or any other milestone in their lives. The memories they made will forever be cherished. Throughout her life, she was a devoted church member who found joy in befriending and serving the older generation of the church congregation. She was faithful in picking them up and taking them to services, events, and socials. She also enjoyed taking them to her favorite Mexican food restaurants. Miss Minton was a special lady to many people and her legacy of love will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Pallbearers for Mrs. Minton were Jonathan Minton, Dale Wolfe, Chris Kirby, Scott Whitehead, Caleb Roark, and Benjamin Roark. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Minton, Terry Minton, and Sherwood Whitehead. She is survived by her sister, Helen Jean Minton Whitehead and husband, Sherwood Whitehead of Nacogdoches; sisters in law: Vida Minton of Texas City, and Ann Minton of Clinton, Mississippi; nieces and nephews: Sherri Cox, Larry Minton, Terry Minton, Kristi Roark and Scott Whitehead; and numerous great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter Hulen Minton, and Carrie Grace Souther Minton; brothers: Walter Hulen Minton, John William Minton, Paul Edward Minton, and Joseph Fred Minton; sister Patricia Ann Minton; sister in law, Blanca Minton; and her niece, Glenda Christie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Apostolic Lighthouse Missions Fund, 1801 Durst St. Nacogdoches, Texas 75964. The family of Miss Minton is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences and to sign an online register please visit www.lairdfh.net.

JoNell Felps, 74, of Fred, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at her home. Funeral service was Saturday, September 16 at Broussard’s Mortuary in Silsbee with burial following at Baker-Bell Cemetery in Fred. Born in Buna, she was a homemaker. Survivors include her daughters, Lana Drake, Kim Lout and husband Rusty, Tana Carruth and husband Rossi and Stephanie Tressler and husband Billy; and seven grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.

O.U. Jenkins, 64, of Silsbee, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2017 in Houston. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 30 at First Baptist Church in Silsbee with burial following at Kirby Cemetery under the direction of J.B. Coleman Memorial Mortuary, also in Silsbee. A native and longtime resident of Silsbee, he was a mechanic. Survivors include his sisters, Nadine Ford and Pandora Cutwright, both of Silsbee; and brothers, Jessie Jenkins Jr. of Brenham, Larry Holman of Beaumont and Lester Jenkins of Buna.

Ernest Paul Gauthier, Jr., 76, of Silsbee, Texas, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. Memorial service, under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home, was held at Dorman Funeral Home, in Orange, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017; Lay Pastor Bryant Champagne of Cowboy Church officiating. Visitation for family and friends was held at Dorman Funeral Home on Saturday, September 23, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Ernest was born on Saturday, October 26, 1940, in Franklin, Louisiana, to Lucille Gary and Ernest "Pete" Gauthier Sr. In 1941, Ernest became a resident of Orange, Texas, where he lived for the next 47 years. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic High School. Ernest was a hardworking man who made a career as a process operator for 33 years at Bayer before retiring in 2001. Ernest was not a man to sit around, so from the time he retired until 2015, he worked on and off as a car salesman at Cowboy's in Silsbee, Texas. Ernest enjoyed talking and never ever met a stranger. He truly found happiness in finding someone to sit down and listen to all his stories he loved to tell. Ernest was the true definition of a genuine soul that was everyone's friend and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. He loved to be spontaneous and adventurous and enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing and old cars. Ernest also served in the National Guard Reserve. Ernest was a husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, who will be missed by all those who knew him. Preceding Ernest in death are his parents, Lucille and Ernest “Pete” Gauthier Sr. Those who will cherish Ernest's memory most are his loving wife of 32 years, Vickie Gauthier of Silsbee, Texas and her children, Kellie and her husband James and son, Chad and his wife Kari; Ernest’s daughters, Paige and Sara and husband David; 9 grandchildren; sister, Geraldine and her husband Virge; brother, Mike and his wife Kathy; sister, Judie Fields; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.