Elmer Earl Gassiott

Elmer Earl Gassiott, born to Elmer Joseph Gassiott and Gussie Mae Deggs Gassiott, on August 22, 1940, was the fifth child of 13, born to the Polk County couple, living in Corrigan, Texas. Earl went to be with his Savior on September 1, 2014, after fighting a lengthy battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; a younger brother, David, an older brother Herbert Wayne; older sister Ethel Walker & husband, Harold; a younger sister, Barbara Harris. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Virginia Ann (Duff) Gassiott of Port Neches, two sons, Michael Ray Gassiott & wife, D’Anna; Kevin Earl Gassiott & wife, Amber; sister, Ilene Parker & husband, Corley of Conroe; sister, Annie Rocka of Corrigan; brother, Joe Gassiott & wife, Barbara of Waskom; sister, Linda Richmond & husband Tommy of Corrigan; brother, Nathan Gassiott of Corrigan; sister, Becky Bocanegra of Huntsville; and brother, Donald Gassiott of Corrigan.

Earl’s seven beloved grandchildren include Michael & D’Anna’s children; Brandon Lee, Quintin Michael & Ashton Elizabeth; Kevin & Amber’s children; Ricky, Victoria, Sierra and Dylan. Loved ones include a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a plethora of friends and neighbors who loved his sweet smile and helpful spirit.

Earl began a life dedicated to hard work at age 13 when he found a job at the country store, down the road from his home, making $.50 an hour. He worked in the family garden , tended farm animals, hunted wild game to help put food on the table and labored in the hay field. After graduating from Corrigan High School, he enlisted in the Army, serving his term in Korea. Other jobs included paper mill employee, bricklayer, and fire fighter at a Port Neches refinery, and retiring in 2000 after 34 years of service.

He and Virginia married on September 4, 1965 and he began a journey of love and care for his family and church. He became a Deacon at Seventh Street Baptist Church in Nederland and served his Lord, faithfully, throughout his life. He enjoyed meeting new fellow Deacons, helping with projects, visiting the sick, assisting those in need, coaching Awana students in memorizing passages of scripture, and most of all, worshiping God, with his church family.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 4, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland with Pastor Kevin “Kicker” McWilliams, officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Stryker Cemetery in Corrigan, Texas.