Lawrence Aubrey Lyda, 84, of Beaumont, died Monday, August 18, 2014, at Christus Hospital – St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on April 1, 1930, in Wizard Wells, Texas, to Etta Morrow Lyda and Benjamin Lyda, and had been a longtime resident of Beaumont. Lawrence was a seaman in the Merchant Marine for many years, and he loved to travel the world.

He is survived by his wife, Etta Lyda of Beaumont; brothers, Dorman Lyda of Wisconsin, Jervil Lyda of Arkansas, and Jeff Lyda of Nederland; sister, Betty Green of Arkansas; sons, Dan Distefano of Warren, Mark Distefano and Matt Distefano both of Port Arthur; and daughters, Deborah Scott of Kerville, Mary Distefano of Sulphur, Louisiana, Molly Orihuela of Beaumont, and Ann Distefano of Houston.

A memorial service for Mr. Lyda will be at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.