Russell “Rusty” James Gautreaux, 60, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. He was born on February 26, 1955, to Alice Jewel Broussard and Nathaniel Toby Gautreaux, Jr., in Port Arthur, and was a United States Navy veteran.

Rusty had a heart of gold and was family oriented. He enjoyed fishing, playing poker, and having family BBQ’s. He was a medic and EMS instructor for several private companies. Rusty volunteered his time as a firefighter with the Bevil Oaks Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Captain.

Survivors include his wife and best friend, Donna Gautreaux; children, Stephanie Laverdiere of Baraboo, Wisconsin and Bryan Daniel LaPlante of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; sisters, Helen Bearden of Beaumont and Elizabeth Dale and her husband, Larry, of Lumberton; grandchildren, Sonja, Aliyah, Logan, and Riley; step-son, Jason Williams of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Russell “Little Rusty” James Gautreaux, Jr.; and one sister, Judy Todd.

A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, July 12, 2015, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bevil Oaks Volunteer Fire Department, 13550 River Oaks Boulevard, Beaumont, Texas 77713; or the Baptist Cancer Center, 3555 Stagg Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77701.