Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin

Austin W. "Goose" Gonsoulin Austin W. "Goose" Gonsoulin, 76, of Beaumont, passed away Monday, September 8, 2014 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. He was born on June 7, 1938 in Port Arthur, Texas to Gilman Joseph Gonsoulin and Audrey Newsome Gonsoulin. Goose was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur where he was a star football player, winning numerous awards and setting many records. He attended Baylor College of Business in Waco, playing football and serving as team captain until he was drafted by the NFL both his junior and senior years. He was one of the original Denver Broncos, #23, playing at safety their first season in 1960. Goose still holds the Bronco record for most interceptions in a season with 11, second in team history in total interceptions with 43, and tied for first in the NFL for most picks in a single game. He was a two time First Team All Pro and six time Pro Bowler and also named to the second team AFL All Time Team. He was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame inaugural class in 1984. Goose was known for his generosity and compassion for giving back to his community. He was the first in this area to start NFL Punt, Pass and Kick for kids and was an active spokesperson for Julie Rogers "Gift of Life" program for prostate cancer. He participated in the Bob Hope Celebrity Golf Tournaments, was instrumental in organizing the Bum Phillips Golf Tournaments to raise money benefiting the Hughen School in Port Arthur and was recognized as Texas State Man of the Year for hosting charity golf tournaments. He served on the board of directors of The Hughen School, Business Round Table and several local banks. Goose was inducted into the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. He was an NFL Alumni Association member and Ring of Fame ring holder. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with Reverend John Hughes, Reverend Rosemary Dubois and Mr. Keith Rost officiating. A military graveside will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park for recognition of his service in the United States Army. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Goose is survived by the love of his life, wife, Nickie Gonsoulin of Beaumont, daughter, Angela Gonsoulin Lyday and husband, Steven of Mont Belvieu, son, Greg Gonsoulin of Nederland, four grandchildren, Alexa Lyday, Tyler Lyday, Logan Lyday, and Austin Gonsoulin, sister, Verna Crumpler of Magnolia and several nieces and nephews. Friends wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to: Julie Rogers "Gift of Life" Program, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, TX. 77706 or the charity of your choice.