John Woodrow Storey

John Woodrow Storey, 96, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away March 27, 2012, at Whispering Oaks Lodge in Lumberton, Texas. He was born May 2, 1915, in Oberlin, Louisiana to the late Martin and Celestine Sonnier Storey and was the last surviving sibling of 10 children. After graduating from Oberlin High School, he attended Louisiana College in Pineville but dropped out after two years to travel the country and enlisted in the U. S. Army Reserves for two years in the late 193039s. He operated a laundry with his wife briefly in Lake Charles, LA, then moved to Port Arthur, Texas in 1940. Shortly after moving to Port Arthur, he went to work for Texaco, eventually becoming a night foreman. He helped start refineries for Texaco in Cuba and was there when Fidel Castro came to power. Another refinery was started in Wales. After retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, travelling Hawaii, Alaska, among other places, and working with stain glass, and gardening.A graveside service will be held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Phil Sigman officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Melancon39s Funeral Home in Nederland.John is preceded in death by his parents wife of 62 years, Eunice Smith Storey grandson, Gregory W. Storey and grandsoninlaw, Jay W. Reagan. He is survived by 2 sons, Dr. John W. Storey, Jr. and wife, Gail of Port Neches and Gary W. Storey and wife, Clara of Anchorage, AK 2 daughters, Doris S. Guerrero and husband, Sal of Beaumont and Norma S. Blenderman and husband, Louis of Spring 12 grandchildren 19 greatgrandchildren 4 greatgreatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.Memorials may be given to Central Baptist Church in Port Arthur or a charity of your choice.