Douglas James Barbay, 83, of Nederland, Texas, passed away gently in God’s embrace at home, with his cherished family by his side.
Born on March 17, 1942, in Port Arthur, Texas to Ruth and Roy L. Barbay Sr., Douglas grew up in the Catholic faith. He graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in 1960, where he met and married the love of his life, Judy Myers. Inseparable from the beginning, Douglas and Judy built a life together in Groves, Texas before settling in Nederland. Their 63-year marriage was woven with moments of happiness and hardship, love and light, fidelity and deep faith.
After high School Douglas served in the National Guard. Douglas retired from Huntsman Chemical, in Port Neches, Texas where he worked in operations. A devoted member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Douglas was passionate about history. Born on St. Patrick’s Day, he took on the shamrock as his emblem, making the day always a special celebration for the family. He took great pleasure in cutting his grass and ensuring his yard was neat and well-manicured. Vacations at Lake Sam Rayburn and the beach is where they made family a lifetime of memories. Above all, he loved to take his boat and go fishing! His family will miss his playful mischievousness and his cackly laugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy L. and Ruth Barbay, brothers, Roy Barbay Jr., Wallace Barbay and wife Dorothy, Clifford Barbay and wife Phyllis, sister Mary Sonnier.
Douglas is survived by his devoted wife, Judith Barbay, son, Kirk Barbay, and wife Sheri, of LaBelle, Texas, daughters, Wendy Strange, and husband Troy, of Buna, Texas, Lori Rogers and husband, Philip of LaBelle, Texas, son, Brent Barbay and fiancé Lorraine Lacour of Lumberton, eight grandchildren, Chase, Alaina, Beau, Chelsea, Brett, Hannah, Payton, Morgan and eight great-grandchildren, Wren, Riley, Wyatt, Parker, Evangeline, Truett, Tori and Mei. He is also survived by his brother Michael Barbay of Crosby, Texas, sister Beverly LaFluer of Nederland, Texas, brother-in-law, W.J. Sonnier of Tyler, Texas and a host of most loving nieces, nephews and friends.
A gathering of family and friends will on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 5-8 p.m., at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas, with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m.
Funeral Service will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Nederland, 211 Hardy Avenue, Nederland, Texas, on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with burial following at Memory Gardens in Nederland.
The Family would like to acknowledge that there are Angels among us in the form of caretakers. Surely, Barbara Overton was sent to us by God in our hour of need. We are eternally grateful. A very special thank you also to Harbor Hospice and their caring, dedicated staff.
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.