J.W. (John Ward) Burgess. FHS Band and Belle's director, died after a sudden illness on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at Good Shepherd Medical Center, surrounded by his wife, Elwanda; daughters, Deborah Stuck of Denton, Texas, and Sharon Lundgren of Longview; and son, Gary Burgess of Houston. Mr. Burgess was born September 7, 1922, in Corsicana, Texas. He later moved to Longview with his parents and was a student at Pine Tree High School. Mr. Burgess served in the United States Army from 1940 to 1945, and was stationed in England and France. He not only fought in battle, but also played trumpet in the Army Band and was in the Bugle Corps. After the war, he met and married Miss Elwanda Pepper of Longview. Following his graduation from Stephen F. Austin University, Mr. Burgess spent the next 20 years as a high school band and orchestra teacher. In 1969, he changed careers and became a Senior Counselor for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission until his retirement. Helping his neighbors and his community was exemplified by his service on the board of the East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and his service as a Courtesy Counselor at Boyd House. Mr. Burgess was a member of Longview Christian Church and a longtime member of Bible Study Fellowship. His love of music and worship was so strong that he helped start a church choir when he was just 86 years old. Mr. Burgess is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Elwanda; and his children, Gary Burgess, Deborah and Paul Stuck, and Sharon and Rich Lundgren; sisters, Mary Ruth Neal of Longview, Dean Cooper of White Oak and Kathryn Craig of Grand Junction, Colorado; sister-in-law, Jimmie Keith of Longview; and loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He has nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was a well loved friend and neighbor to hundreds of people in the Gregg County area, and is a special friend of Bill W. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2012, in the Chapel of Welch Funeral Home, with Bob Sieh, Teaching Minister at Longview Christian Church, and Troy Bayne, Family Pastor at Longview Christian Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Chalk Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will include grandsons, Drew Lundgren and Thomas Stuck; grandsons-in-law, Harry Walker and Richie Hudson; and sons-in-law, Paul Stuck and Rich Lundgren. Memorials may be made to the East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, 708 Glencrest Lane, Longview, TX 75601. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today, February 14, 2012, at Welch Funeral home. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21. An online registry may be signed at www.news-journal.com, by clicking on the obituaries link.

Richard "Dick" Maurice Bess - '49 & Coach
July 9, 1931 - February 4, 2012 Richard “Dick” Maurice Bess, 80, Colmesneil, Texas, went to be with the Lord, February 4, 2012, at his home. He died from complications related to Parkinson‘s Disease. Dick was born July 9, 1931, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Mary Faye Wolfe Bess and Clarence Maurice Bess. His family later moved to Beaumont and he graduated in 1949 from French High School where he was an All-District football, baseball, and basketball player. He was named to the All-State basketball team and played in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star game. Dick attended Texas A&M University on a basketball/baseball scholarship and graduated in the Class of 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was designated a Distinguished Student. Dick also attended Sam Houston State University where he received a Master of Education degree and did additional graduate work in Guidance and Counseling. He served two years in the United States Air Force at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and was discharged as a First Lieutenant. After teaching for a short time in Tampa, he returned to Beaumont where he was a coach, teacher, and guidance counselor for thirty-five years in the Beaumont Independent School District. During that time, he served two years as president of the Beaumont Classroom Teachers Association. He retired in 1987 and moved to Colmesneil. Dick served as a deacon in Mount Carmel Baptist Church and later at First Baptist Church Colmesneil where he was recognized as Deacon Emeritus when he was unable to serve in a full time capacity. He served many years as the Legislative Chairman for the Tyler County Retired Teachers Association and also served on the Tyler County Tax Appraisal Board. Dick loved the Lord, traveling, sports, and most of all, his family. Before and after retirement, he and wife, Lucille, traveled extensively plus following all of the grandchildren in their activities no matter how far the distance. He has always been extremely proud of his children and grandchildren but especially when they all accepted Jesus as their Savior and then all completed their college or professional training. His family was his life. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Kirk Maurice Bess, Class of 1981 Texas A&M University; and one grandson, Richard Daniel Martin. He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Lucille Cocran Bess; one daughter, Karen Bess Martin and her husband, Mark; one son, Dr. Kyle Bess and his wife, Joy; daughter-in-law, Jan Bess Benton and her husband, Jack; grandchildren, Jacy Bess Bickham and her husband, Micah, Cody Michael Bess and his wife, Jessica, Matthew Maurice Bess and his wife, Stephanie, Laura Bess, Sarah Martin, and Emily Bess Ervin and her husband, Jared; great-grandchildren, Logan Andrew and Landen Richard Primrose, Owen Haley Bickham, and Lachlyn Elivia Bess; niece, Cindy Fredendall and her husband, Dana; sisters-in-law, Jane Wright and Sandy Bramer; and other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. We would like to express a deep and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Suresh Indupalli, Dr. George Groves, East Texas Home Health, Lakes Area Hospice, Luke and Ginny Calley, and Bill and Fran McAfee for their loving care and friendship to us during Dick‘s illness. A gathering of his family and friends will begin at 11:00 a.m., with his memorial service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Caney Creek Baptist Church, 1346 East Caney Loop, Chester. A family committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caney Creek Baptist Church, P.O. Box 32, Chester, Texas 75936, or The Association of Former Students, Class of 1953, 505 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840.

Taken off facebook:
My brother, Gary Etie, class of '68, passed away Sunday morning. Anyone wishing wishing to have more information may contact me... Roy Lynn Etie Myers

Coach Lindsey
Dudley Lindsey age 92, born June 6, 1919 died in Austin, Texas on February 2, 2012 after a long healthy life. He was born in Travis County, to Felix and May Penelope Lindsey. He spent most of his youth in Dripping, Springs Texas. Dudley graduated from Johnson City high school. He proudly served in the Navy during World War II. After returning from the war he married Maxine Monroe of Topeka, Kansas on October 17, 1944. He attended Southwest Texas State University on a basketball scholarship. He lettered for three years and served as the team captain. He later received his Master's Degree from the University of Houston. He lived in Beaumont, Texas for many years, where he worked for the Beaumont ISD. He coached French High School men's basketball for 13 years and ended his coaching career with a 309-99 win-loss record, never having a losing season. After his coaching career he assumed different positions within Beaumont ISD administration, he later became the director of adult education for Southeast Texas. He retired in 1983 and then in 1990 moved to Austin, Texas. He maintained his health and belief in physical fitness by walking his dog, Bear and enjoying the shores of Lake Travis. He was a beloved husband, father and papa. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and devotion to his family. Survivors include his wife -Maxine Lindsey, daughter- Sandy Cooper & husband Dale Cooper, son- Delmer Lindsey, and his grandson- Kelly Cooper. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Dripping Springs, Texas on Monday February 6, 2012 at 1:00 in the afternoon with burial following at the Phillips Cemetery in Dripping Springs, Texas overlooking his childhood family farm. Relatives and friends are welcome for visitation at the Harrell Funeral Home, located at 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, Texas on Sunday, February 5 between 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. Suggested memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars at: http://www.vfw.org/Contribute/ Special thanks to his many friends in the Travis View Loop community! Harrell Funeral Home 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, TX 78745 512-443-1366 Published in The Beaumont Enterprise on February 5, 2012

Bobbie Jean Bailleaux -- class unknown
Funeral services for Bobbie Jean Bailleaux, 74, of Beaumont will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Chapel. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Monday, January 23, 2012 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Bailleaux was born on June 24, 1937 in Carthage, Texas to the late Henry Ray and Clara (Jeffress) Rowe and passed away on January 21, 2012 at her residence in Beaumont. A graduate of French High School, she was a retired receptionist for Gulf Coast Electric and a member of Faith Christian Center in Silsbee. She cherished time with her family and enjoyed reading and jigsaw puzzles. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Rachel Bailleaux of Mauriceville; sister, Geraldine Coker Carnley of Lumberton; and two granddaughters, Heather and Heidi. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Kim Anthony Bailleaux; niece, Molly Coker; and nephew, David Coker. Published in The Beaumont Enterprise on January 23, 2012

Lois Janette Revia Allemore '62
Funeral services for Lois Janette Revia Allemore, 68, of Lumberton, wwere held Thursday, January 12, 2012, at R.S. Farmer Funeral Home, with interment following in Cunningham Cemetery. Visitation will begin 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at the funeral home. Known as MiMi to her grandkids, she went to be with the Lord on January 9, 2012. Born on November 8, 1943, in Beaumont, Tx., she resided in Lumberton with her husband of 46 years, A.L. Allemore. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Emma Revia. She is survived by her husband, A.L. Allemore; daughter, Janci and son-in- law, Bret Ogden of Beaumont; grandchildren, Brittany and Brandon; son, Brian and daughter-in-law, Tania Allemeore and mother-in-law, Hattie Allemore. Lois has numerous other family members and friends and will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Some times I list parents of alumni that have passed away, because we all grew up knowing each others parents.... Well ya'll didn't get to know my dad, mom and dad divorced before we moved to Bmt.
And doing the web site I sometime neglete "me". I lost my step - brother, Gene, On Oct. 31 2011, and sadly lost my dad Nov. 18th, 2011. Though you didn't know him, I wanted to list his obit..

R.D. Segree was born Oct. 24, 1921 in Franklin County. He passed away peacefully at his home in Carrabelle, Fl. on Friday, Nov. 18 at the age of 90. R.D. was a lifetime resident of Franklin County. He worked in the seafood business and was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a graduate of Carrabelle High School. And was loved by everyone he met. He leaves behind his wife, Celia Segree, of Carrabelle; children Maribeth Segree, of Beaumont, Texas, Pegi Segree Andrews, of Jackson, Miss., and Walton Wayne Segree, of Hemphill, Texas; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory and stories of his time on the water. Among the many memories his family will always remember are the times on his shrimp boats, but mostly on the “The Flaming Star” (named after Elvis’ song), and fondly remembered as the “Rusty Bucket.” R.D. was preceded in death by three children, Vickie Jo Perry, Gene Wilson and Andrew Michael Segree. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the United Baptist Church in Eastpoint, with Rev. Bobby Shiver and Rev. Vince Grayson officiating. At his request, R.D. will be cremated and his ashes spread in the Gulf of Mexico, which was where he spent much of his life as a commercial shrimper. The family wishes to thank Rev. Bobby Shiver and the ladies at United Baptist Church for the luncheon after the service. Kelley Funeral Home, in Apalachicola, Fl. handled all arrangements

Marcus Bowman, 81, of Lumberton, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at his residence He was born in McComb Mississippi and raised in Galveston, he graduated in 1949 from Ball High School in Galveston and taught at French High School from 1956 to 1964. He has lived in the Lumberton area since 1969. From helping create the Lumberton Municipal Utility District to opening the first insurance agency in Lumberton; from coaching Raiders football to being the “Voice of the Raiders” for 20 years to serving on the LISD school board and was on in the Lions Club for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances Dennis Bowman of Lumberton; daughters, Cindy Garrison Woodall and husband Billy of Nome, Marcia Spears and husband Mark of Lumberton; grandchildren, Marc Garrison and wife Kayti of Camp Pendelton, Casey Spears; niece, Rose Marie Leisner and husband Bobby of Evergreen; and nephew, Mac Phillips and wife Helen also of Evergreen. Marcus is preceded in death by his mother and father, Marcus and Bessie Bowman; and sister, Marie Phillips.

Archie D. Rogers, Jr., 86, of Beaumont, went to be with his beloved wife, Lois in Heaven Tuesday, November 8, 2011. A native and lifelong resident of Beaumont, he was born December 19, 1924, to Ida Mae Ross and Archie D. Rogers, Sr. He was educated in the Beaumont City Schools from first grade at Junker Elementary School through Dick Dowling Junior High School and graduated from Beaumont High School in May of 1942. He married Lois Mildred Cobb on August 22, 1947, and they had three sons and six grandsons. He served as an artilleryman in the 6th Infantry Division in the South Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II for two and one-half years in New Guinea and the Philippines. Archie graduated from Lamar Junior College in May 1948 with an Associate of Arts certificate and continued his education graduating in 1949 from The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas with a Bachelor Science Degree and a Masters of Education degree in 1963. He taught physics and chemistry among other subjects at French High School from 1949 until 1966. He became Director of Business Services for the old Beaumont Independent School District and served in that capacity from 1966 until 1984 when he retired. As a young lad, he served as Junior Councilor in the Frank P. Decker chapter of the DeMolays. He was also a member of the Downtown Optimist club serving in various capacities during the 1960's and 1970's. He served on the Board of Trustees of Schlesinger's for a number of years, serving as Chairman among other positions on the Board. He was a Deacon with Calder Baptist Church and a teacher for the Men's Bible Class for many years. He had a great love for growing things like flowers, vegetable gardening and Bonsai. For about twenty years, he planted hundreds of tulip bulbs for the show they would exhibit in the early spring, brightening the yard and the neighborhood. Folks would slowly drive by to look at the show and many would stop and ask about the flowers. He also had a love for Bonsai, the Japanese art of growing trees in pots with the resulting minituring of the plant. At various times he would have as many Bonsai he could crowd in the small backyard benches he built to accommodate his hobby. Sometimes he would have hundreds of little trees in pots, lovingly repotted at the proper time. Each tree would have a history that he would carefully keep, noting the care given and the result of the care. He was also interested in the history of his family and as a result wrote a book about his family. He and his wife, Lois, traveled to most of the great libraries of our nation to investigate the histories of their families. Survivors include sons, A. Douglas Rogers and his wife, Donna of Orange, Gregory H. Rogers of Vidor, and Gary A. Rogers and his wife, Nada of China; grandsons, Daric Rogers and his wife, Andrea of Dallas, James Rogers and his wife, Heather of Beaumont, Daniel Doyen and his wife, Katie of Midland, Deven Doyen and his wife, Brianne of Kingsland, Ross Rogers of China, and Ryan Rogers of China; and great grandchildren, Bailey Rogers and Deacon Rogers of Beaumont, Casen Doyen of Kingsland, and two more on the way. His memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2011, at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 N. 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas. Published in The Beaumont Enterprise on November 25, 2011

Darla Ellen Mack Case Class of '70
Darla, who was born in Beaumont, TX and was a resident of Port Barre died on Sunday, November 06, 2011 at her residence. She is survived by a son, John Clayton Bond and wife Lauri; daughter, Alicia Danielle Case and boyfriend Danny Smolik; brothers, Albert Craig Mack and Rodney Bruce Mack; sister-in-law, Stephanie Mack; two step grandchildren, Jordan S. Quebedeaux and Sheree B. Quebedeaux; one step great grandchild, Maddox Luke Quebedeaux. She is also survived by her loving canine companion, Daisy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Mildred Leoffler Mack; brother, Willie Mack and a niece, Tracy Mack. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Beaumont, Texas.