Joseph Herbert “Herb” Courville,
78, of Beaumont, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2015, suddenly at his home. He
was born in Mowata, Louisiana, on September 4, 1936, to Estelle and Walter
Courville.
French was his first language and
began learning English when he started first grade. As a child Herb moved
around a lot in the nearby parish’s as his family worked the area’s cotton and
rice fields to make a living. After High School he served in the Air Force SAC
Division – kept the B-series bombers flying during the conflicts of that time. He
was honorably discharged in January of 1962. During this
time while stationed at Altus, Oklahoma, Air Force Base, he met Dorthy Ann
Wooley and they were married in 1958.
Herb, Ann, and their sons, Michael
Wayne, born in 1959, and James Ray, born in 1961, moved to the Beaumont area in
1965, where they remained until his death. He was employed by Industrial Towel
and Uniform and soon became Service Manager in which he served the position
until retirement. The company later
changed to Cintas.
After arriving in Beaumont, he soon
began getting involved in various civic and community organization such as the
Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Club, and Lion’s Club. Herb contributed and lead
the efforts of the Lion’s Club, Christmas Tree Fund raising activities –
unloading trees from rail cars, distributing to lots all over the city, and
contributing time in selling the trees.
He joined the YMBL in 1970 and
began contributing to the community in many ways by leading the: Special
Olympics, ‘78; Ty Terrell Track Meet, ‘80;
Third Vice President and YMBL Ladies
Night, ‘81; First Vice President and Championship Rodeo, ‘82; President, ‘83; Past President and Fairground
Improvements, ’84; Fair Chairman, ’86; Member of YMBL Key Men - Vice President, 2002 and 2004; Office of
President, 2005; and Office of Past President, 2006. Herb continued serving the
community after retirement from Cintas with involvement and leadership in the
YMBL, Cooks 2 Dozen + and the Men of Jude of St Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church,
Beaumont.
Later in life he maintained a long
time and loving relationship with Marie Richard. They provided each other
friendship, love, support, and all the constructive criticism that Marie
needed. Herb also became her interior decorator. He enjoyed life, his family
and friends, and laughter. Herb was a bit mischievous at times especially if it
would initiate some fun or complaining on the referee calls during any Dallas
Cowboy game. He enjoyed golf and actually taught his son, Mike, how to play the
game, although very badly.
Herb was fiercely patriotic; he
always wore the flag on his person any time he wore a coat or it was
appropriate. He maintained and kept a flag flying at his home and his house was
filled with patriotic décor. (flags, Bald eagles, ect..)
Herb remained true to his Cajun
heritage including displaying in his home, a hand painted painting of his
Louisiana childhood home (which he commissioned), Cajun poems, and various Cajun
artifacts.
He is survived by his sons, Michael
Courville and his wife, Peggy, of Winnie and Jimmy Courville, of Austin;
granddaughter, Christine Courville; and great-granddaughter, Isabelle Anaya,
both of Tyler; sister, Loretta Bordes and her husband, Pat, of Rayne,
Louisiana; longtime loving companion, Marie Richard; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
A gathering of Mr. Courville’s
family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., with his Christian Vigil to follow
at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive,
Beaumont. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 10,
2015, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. A
family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys
Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
|