Al Dugan, 91, of Port Arthur, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on April 12, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, to Anna Gordon Dugan and Morris Dugan, Al spent his early years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended The Wharton School of Business before proudly serving in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Thule, Greenland.
Following his military service, Al began a career in retail management, a path that led him to Houston, Texas. It was there, at a Thanksgiving dinner in 1962, that he met the love of his life, Esterlyn Diamond. The connection was instant, and they instantly engaged on New Year’s Eve that same year.
Life’s journey took them to several cities and states before they eventually settled in Port Arthur, Texas, with their three children. Al joined the family business, Robert Diamond Hardware, working alongside his in-laws, Robert and Pearl Diamond, before taking over ownership.
Deeply committed to his community, Al served on numerous boards and committees, including two consecutive terms on the Port Arthur ISD School Board. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, holding various leadership positions during that time. He has also served on the Recovery Council of Southeast Texas for several years.
Since the 1970s, Al dedicated countless hours to KVLU Public Radio, serving on its board and hosting his beloved program, Dugan on Classics, for more than 30 years—a role that brought him great joy and fulfillment.
Al’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Esterlyn Diamond Dugan; daughters Bene’ Dugan Rutman and Ila Dugan Owers; son Seth Dugan and his wife Paige LeGros Dugan; grandchildren Jordan Rutman and significant other Meagan Cardenas, Sam Rutman, Micah Dugan, Bekah Dugan, Dina Owers, and Trudie Owers; also, his sister-in-law Fern Roos, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Anna Dugan; brother Harry Dugan; sister-in-law Mildred Dugan; in-laws Robert and Pearl Diamond; brother-in-law Stephen Roos; sister-in-law Lois Cochrane; and sons-in-law, Peter Owers and Dan Rutman.
A visitation will be held to honor the life and legacy of Al on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am to be held at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th Street, Groves, Texas. A graveside service will be immediately held after the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves, Texas.
Memorial contributions in Al’s honor may be made to:
· Temple Emanuel, 1120 Broadway, Beaumont, Texas 77701
· KVLU, PO Box 10064, Beaumont, Texas 77710
· Recovery Council of Southeast Texas, 4675 Washington Blvd., Beaumont, Texas 77707