Cleland Frank LaRue

Cleland Frank LaRue, 98, was born in Lovelady, Texas on October 6, 1917 and died August 10, 2016, at his home in Port Neches, Texas surrounded by his loving family. He shared many memories of his life growing up and farming in Lovelady, Texas. He retired from Pure Oil/Unocal, where he worked as a boilermaker for 32 years. He enjoyed watching all professional sports, reading, and studying maps (his favorite way to travel). He was an avid rabbit and deer hunter, and his hunting dogs brought him great joy. In fact, he jokingly attributed his "long life" to his love of animals and nature, and "running his dogs in the woods" for so many years. Even though he was a man of few words he loved being surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, Reba (Jackie) LaRue, his parents, Ben and Earle Barnes LaRue, and brothers, Henry, Barker, and Barnard LaRue. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Cross and husband Tom of Nederland; sons, Sammy LaRue and wife Sharon, Larry LaRue and wife Debbie, and Barry LaRue all of Port Neches; grandchildren, Dana LaRue, Lance LaRue and wife Michelle, great grandchildren, Kate and Sam LaRue, brothers, Irving (Red) LaRue of Montgomery and Charles LaRue of Crockett. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Levingston Funeral home in Port Neches with Dr. Clay Faulk and Pastor Kenneth Woolf officiating. Entombment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2106 at the funeral home. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Gentiva Hospice, and especially to Jan, Sharon, Karen, Chasity, and Phyllis for their thoughtful care and kindness.