Wallace Joseph Barbay

1934 ∼ 2019

Wallace Joseph Barbay passed away peacefully on December 5, 2019, after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born on November 8, 1934, in Port Arthur, Texas and was the second child of seven children, by Roy and Ruth Barbay. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. He loved his family very much and will be immensely missed. Wallace graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in 1953 and began working at the Gulf Oil Refinery just as his father and grandfather did. At the refinery, he was affectionately known as Comrade. Many years later, his son began his career at the Gulf Oil Refinery, which made four consecutive generations. He met the love of his life, Dorothy Johnson, and married her in June of 1957 at St. James Catholic Church. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. He loved his wife, Dot, who stayed by his side during sickness and in health. Wallace loved sailing, history, hot rodding, kayaking, scuba diving, intelligent conversations, and, being a Barbay, of course loved watching the weather. He treasured time with his son, Mark Barbay, his wife, Phyllis Enright and his grand-dog, Ginger, at the lake. Wallace loved his daughter, Julie Borque and her husband, Brian Borque, and had resided in Sugar Land with them for three and a half years when his disease had progressed. Wallace absolutely adored his two grandsons and was beyond proud of them. Wallace was a huge believer in education and even though he was unable to complete college during his youth, he was an intelligent man who had high expectations of his two children and his two grandchildren. His oldest grandson, Kyle Borque, M.D. and his wife Emily Borque, reside in Houston, Texas. His youngest grandson, who is his namesake, Craig Joseph Borque, also resides in Houston, Texas. Wallace was able to attend both of their college graduations from Texas A & M University and The University of Texas at Austin. He is also survived by his brothers Dutch Barbay, Doug Barbay and Michael Barbay and his sister Beverly LaFleur. His is predeceased by his parents, Roy and Ruth Barbay, his brother, Roy Barbay, Jr., and his sister, Mary Sonnier. The family is extremely grateful to Juana Stanley, his caregiver, who lovingly cared for him for the last few years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Elizabeths Catholic Church Building Fund in Port Neches, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches with Reverend Shane Baxter officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches.

Condolences

Levingston Funeral Home November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Wallace Joseph Barbay August 4, 2020
Wallace Joseph Barbay
Anonymous July 7, 2020
Mrs. Barbay, Sorry for your loss, My heart goes out to you and your family, Mark, may the lessons he gave you last a lifetime. A childhood neighborhood friend
Anonymous December 15, 2019
At PAYC we called him Popeye. Quite a great conversationalists and sailor. He will be missed.
Anonymous December 12, 2019
My deepest sympathies to you and your family for Wallace's passing. He was one of the most interesting people I knew. I will always remember my time with him in the refinery and with the family outside the refinery. Always hold on to the memory of the good times you had. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Anonymous December 11, 2019
Dearest Dot and family , we are so sorry to hear of Wallace's passing. We know that he is with the Lord and at peace . we want you to know that we love you and we are praying for you in the upcoming days without him
Anonymous December 9, 2019
Dot, I'm so very sorry to hear of Wallace's death. You and Comrade were some of our best neighbors when Charles (deceased) & I lived on Hampton Lane all those years. May our Lord bless and hold you in His hand during this sad time. All my love to you & Julie and family during this sad time.
Anonymous December 9, 2019
Dot, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Went all through school with Wallace great memories. Annette George
Anonymous December 9, 2019
Dot you know Wallace was a good man worked with him alot we got along I good take his B/S with a grain of salt he wilm be truly missed by me .
Anonymous December 9, 2019
RIP...WALLACE...MISS YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR
Anonymous December 8, 2019
Comrade was one of the most interesting people I ever met anywhere. I loved being around him in the refinery because there was never a dull moment and he had an opinion and information on any subject that came up. I left the refinery 17 years ago.....Comrade is one of the people I thought about often. I am sorry for your loss and know the hole he left in your hearts is a large one, but one that has to be filled with great memories.
Anonymous December 7, 2019
I worked with Wallace, "Comrade" for years at Gulf. We had many conversations about everything you could imagine. He was a great soul and friend. I'm sorry for your loss. Retired Fire Chief Chevron/Phillips
Anonymous December 7, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We hope you find peace and comfort remembering the good memories of his life and relationships with his family and friends.
Anonymous December 7, 2019
Dearest Dot and Mark, this is Miss Dianne. So sorry to hear of your dad's demise. I remember you all well. Please pass my condolences on to your loved ones. You were a precious family and you a precious student, Mark! May you keep your sweet and precious memories close to your hearts forever. Sincerely, Dianne T. Hollier
Anonymous December 7, 2019
Dorothy and family, My deepest regrets and sympathy on Wallace's passing. I first met Wallace when I came to Port Arthur Refinery in 1991. I found him to be a quite expansive person. We had many conversations and civilized arguments which in the end helped me tremendously in my job and the refinery succeed in more ways then he probably realized. I remember him fondly to this day. I am most thankful for having known him and hope that, in time, your thoughts of him will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.