Wilmer "Zu" Viator

“ And then, in the dawn I saw him. He whom my heart loveth so. I found him, held him and told him I never could let him go.”

“Zu” Wilmer Viator, 84, of Port Arthur, passed away Monday, September 16, 2013 at the Dubuis Hospital in Port Arthur. Born February 4, 1929 in Port Arthur to the late Sillia and Elie Viator, Zu lived in Port Arthur all of his life. Zu graduated in 1947 from St. Mary High School in Port Arthur. He retired as a field engineer from Texaco Port Arthur in 1986 with 40 years of service. Zu umpired baseball around the area, and joined the Knights of Columbus in 1947, serving in Council 1304, and 3195 where he served as the Financial Secretary before joining Council 2461 in Port Neches. He also served his country in the Texas National Guard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Port Arthur on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Father David Placette celebrant. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland on Friday, September 20, 2013 with a Rosary being recited at 6:00 p.m.

Zu was preceded in death by his wife and the mother of his children, Dolores “Pudd” Viator, and son, Bradley “Brad” Viator. He is survived by his wife Joyce Viator of Port Arthur; three daughters, Jodie Gouthier and her husband Rodney of Port Neches, Karen Beeler of San Antonio, and Beth Viator of Houston; two sons, Len Viator and his wife Nanette of Beaumont, and Kevin Viator and his wife Detra of San Antonio; one sister, Jo Ann Daspit of Groves; also eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Details and guest registry available at Melancons.org.