Terrence Tex Bushnell

Terrence Donovan "Tex" Bushnell, died Monday, January 9, 2012. He was born December 28, 1934 in Port Arthur, Texas to Allie Odom Bushnell and Lawrence Donovan Bushnell. Tex graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in June of 1953, where he earned honors as All District in baseball and football, and was Grand Duke of his graduating class. After graduation he attended Texas A&M on a baseball scholarship, and also attend Lamar University. He graduated from Northeast Missouri State in Kirksville, MO with a degree in Zoology and minors in Chemistry and English. He also attended Kirksville Missouri College of Osteopathy, and the University of Houston School of Law. During two summers he was on the professional baseball team House of David, based in Benton Harbor, Michigan where he played as a pitcher and outfielder traveling throughout the United States, working with Satchel Paige and many other notable baseball players. He began his teaching career at Bridge City High School following in his mother's footsteps where he taught chemistry, English and coached baseball. From there he went to Stephen F. Austin High School and taught chemistry, biology and coached football, baseball and basketball, he also taught chemistry at T.J. High School. He then went to Port Neches-Groves High School where he taught chemistry and biology before taking on the Distributive Education Program. He retired from Port Neches-Groves in 1998 after serving there for 30 years. During those years he was president of the Pioneer Park Little League. Tex was a dedicated Texas A&M Aggie, Dallas Cowboys and Astros fan. He served on the Board of the Community Retirement Home, was a member of the Texas State Teacher's Association, a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Port Arthur, charter member of the CavOilcade Float Committee, charter member of the Port Arthur Mardi Gras, charter member of the Breakfast Lions Club of Port Arthur, and charter member of the Jefferson County Mediators Association. He was also a member of the Second Saturday Night Dinner Club and the Commodores. He was an animal lover, especially cats he adopted and cared for during his life. He enjoyed taking car trips throughout the United States and Canada, playing poker at the Beaumont Club with longtime pals, and attending various social events he was involved in. He was also a proud father and grandfather. Tex was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jeff Bushnell. He is survived by his son, Michael Bushnell of Minneapolis, MN; daughters, Terri Lyn Yanta and husband, Conrad of Port Neches, TX, Tracey Perron of Port Neches, TX, Robin Rhea Roberts of California; nine grandchildren, Donovan, Jacquelyn, Alexandra, Ashton, Addison, Kelsey, Tanner, Kyleigh, and Talon. He is also survived by his best friend and the love of his life, Lurl Andrus and his Siamese cat, Leo. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2012 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with Dr. Jesse Brannen, Dr. Rick Erwin and Reverend Byron Jarratt officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Albert Culver, Joe Robertson, Tanner Perron, Adam Thibodeaux, Conrad Yanta, and John Anderson. Honorary Pallbeares will be Don Goza, Ed Green, Johnny Sehon, Charles Wales, Charlie Wienbaum, Pete Yates, Donovan Bushnell, Addison Yanta, Richard Bushnell, and Ronnie LeBlanc. Friends wishing may send memorial contributions to the Community Retirement Home of Port Arthur or charity of choice.