Joel O'Neal Soileau

1933 ∼ 2014

Joel O'Neal Soileau, 81, of Port Neches, Texas died Friday, November 14, 2014 at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas. Joel was born on June 19, 1933 to Ariel and Melicia Soileau in Ville Platte, Louisiana. After graduating high school and one year at Hinds Junior College in Raymond, Mississippi, Joel served two years in the Marine Corps. In 1956 Joel entered Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. He then moved to Port Neches with his wife, Freddie where he had a very successful coaching career at Thomas Edison Jr. High, Thomas Jefferson High School, Vidor High School, Hebert High School, and West Brook High School. He retired in 1999 after forty years of coaching. Joel is survived by his wife of 57 years, Freddie Boyd Soileau of Port Neches, Texas; daughter, Diane May and husband Vic of Port Neches, Texas; two granddaughters, Lauren Abbott and husband Kyle of Port Neches, Texas; Victoria May and fiance' Cxadi Angus of Lake Jackson, Texas. He is also survived by sisters, Jeanette Polson and husband Buddy of Many, Louisiana; Geneva Limoges and husband Jim of Ville Platte, Louisiana. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 17, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Port Neches with Dr. David Mahfouz officiating under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home Port Neches. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until time of service 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2014 at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund PO Box 36, Port Neches, Texas 77651.

Condolences

Levingston Funeral Home November 2, 2021
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Joel O'Neal Soileau August 4, 2020
Joel O'Neal Soileau
Anonymous November 18, 2014
sorry to hear of Joel's passing. Coached with him for several years. Really great guy my condolences to the family. coach tyner
Anonymous November 17, 2014
My older brother Tom played for Coach in the 60's and I had the honor of playing for him in 1970 in the midst of his great winning streak. Next to my father, Coach had the biggest influence on my approach to sports and life. Mike Getz is absolutely correct, Coach prepared us thoroughly. We were not the most talented of his teams (at least I sure wasn't) but he got the best out of us and he got us to care for the team and each other. One quick story: we were playing Woodrow Wilson with the score tied at 0-0 in the 4th quarter. We were on the goal line ready to take the lead when I jumped offside costing us 5 yards. All I could think about is that I personally may have cost Coach his winning streak. Fortunately we scored on the next play, won the game 7-0 and the streak continued. Coming off the field after the touchdown, Coach came over to me and calmly and quietly said " You almost cost us a touchdown...don't do it again"... and I didn't. It was not about him or his record he always made it about what is best for the team. My brothers, Tom and Brit, join me is expressing our appreciation for Coach's life and our condolences.
Anonymous November 16, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. We will truly miss visiting Coach on his front porch. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Anonymous November 15, 2014
We are both so very sorry to hear of Joel's death. His life influenced many people, us included. He always had a sincere smile and hug when we saw him. Our sincere condolences to you Freddie and Diane as well as the rest of his family
Anonymous November 15, 2014
Our thoughts & prayers are with you today & always. May God wrap his arms around all of you and know that you are loved. Your friends & neighbors, Wallace & Dot Barbay
Anonymous November 15, 2014
I had tremendous respect for Coach Joel Soileau. He was our coach at Edison Junior High and followed us over to Thomas Jefferson. He had us prepared and motivated to win. I will always remember him sitting at the front of the bus when we were going to an away game, smoking his pipe. (He could not do that today). Coach should have been given the head coaching postiion at TJ and PAISD let a good one get away from them. My condolences to the family.