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.
Condolences
Chris Riggs
April 2, 2012
Gary,Sorry to hear about your father, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Clara.Chris and Kristy Riggs
Mike Janssens
March 30, 2012
Gary: So sorry for your loss. You and your family will be Kay and Is prayers. I wish we could see you but will will be Louisiana. Your Parrien
Frankie Priest Jeter
March 30, 2012
JW Doris and families, please accept my condolences in the loss of your father. I didnt know him, but my father, Henry quotBuckquot quotFather Priestquot Priest probably did, working together at Texaco. Someone told me when my parents died that Heaven was closer because they were there, and Ive always felt that to be so. Doris, I remember you from Woodrow Wilson when we were friends before I moved to Groves in the 9th grade. I pray that our Lord will give your family peace in your loss.
Karen Wells
March 30, 2012
Gary, Norma and family Our love, prayers, and thoughts are with you at this sad time. It has been a long time since I have seen any of you but I do think of you. The Wells Family, John, Karen, Charles, Elizabeth Claire