Dr. St. Romain was a prince among men. So many loved him and have him to thank. My parents knew his parents and knew "Chester" when he was 12 in Roscoe and wore overalls. What a surprise to find that he and my parents found themselves residents in Southeast Texas---far from the West Texas roots. He cared for me from the time I was eight. He came to our home to give shots or tend my little brother and Dad when asthma or allergic reactions affected them. He delivered my children and those of my siblings. He was part of us.

Cheerful nature; broad smile; kind; sly humor----these are all attributes of one of Nederland's most beloved and revered citizens. The family doctor who was a friend and made housecalls is a lost icon of Americana, but we were fortunate to witness that rarity in his practice. Dr. St. Romain epitomized "bedside manner." That wasn't a phrase for him. He lived it.
Chester was a loving family man, as was evident in his constant mention of "Roberta this and that" even as he practiced medicine each day on Franklin. In his apron when Rotary served ice cream to teachers or as he came through the front gate at football games, he continued to be in my life even in his retirement.
Profound sympathy to your family from the Morgans and Streetmans. He will be missed by so many, but I am sure he is at least a "greeter" in heaven spreading the sunshine only he could with a smile that never ended.
Thursday, January 13, 2011

My deepest sympathies to the entire St. Romain family. My first memories of Dr. St. Romain were the times he would make house calls to our home before we even started school. Then when we started St. Charles school I got to know the family as part of our "school family". So the Collins girls and the St. Romain girls have been friends for many years. Your dad was truly a gentle man with a caring touch, a listening ear and more than a healing message that was always delivered from the heart. During one of my darkest times, he looked me in the eye and told me that he was not talking to me as a patient but was talking to me the same way he would talk to one of his daughters. He was so sweet and so honest; just like a dad would be. I know you are hurting but know that your dad is reaping his reward today. He truly deserves to be sitting with the Lord and he will watch over you all forever. We will miss him.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011

My sincere condolensense on the passing of Dr. St. Romain. I saw him when Dr. Walters was not available. He was always a wonderful man. I have a vivid memory from the very early days of bluebirds when the fathers had to match the shoes to their daughter at a banquet. My stepfather stated that he'd look for the smallest and hope he was right, I remember that Dr. St. Romain said, well you have to remember I have 6 daughters which makes it tough for me, however, he was always there for each daughter. He was a very good doctor and an excellent father. I was also tear strucken by the video where my grandmother was the one presenting him with the Pilot Award. He was such a good physician, father and citizen, we will miss him. My prayers are with all of his family.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Dear Roberta and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Oh so many childhood memories of Chester. Without fail, I always required sutures during non-business hours and on weekends. Chester was there, even when he was not on-call. I watched my parents enjoy an unwavering friendship with Chester and Roberta over the course of many years and my family celebrated many life events around the St. Romain home. Chester was a wonderful man, a dedicated physician, and ultimately when I think of him, I think of a life well lived.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Dr. St. Romain was very new to his practice in Nederland when I became his patient. He always was there for me, even making house calls long after most doctors had stopped doing this. I'll always remember how gentle he was and what a fine man and doctor he was. I was truly blessed to have him as my physician for so many years. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed by so many.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011