Jesse Bertrand, 95, of Winnie, died Thursday, December 10, 2015. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Jesse was born on March 6, 1920, in Stowell, to Selina Romero Bertrand and John Bertrand, and was a lifelong resident of the Winnie-Stowell area.  

Mr. Bertrand was a wonderful example of what more men should be. 

He was a person whose devotion to his family was marked by gentle strength and guidance and whose love of life, sense of direction, and down–to-earth wisdom makes more sense to us now.  

Mr. Bertrand is survived by his wife, Lee Gaudet Bertrand, of Winnie; daughter, Gail Miller, of Winnie; step-sons, Jeffrey Gaudet and his wife, Nancy, of Crosby; and John Gaudet, of Liberty; grandchildren, Lori Shellhammer Bethea, Blaine Shellhammer and Dane Shellhammer, all of Hamshire; great-grandchildren, Bradley Bruce, Luke Leach, Colton LeBlanc and Kase Shellhammer; great-great-grandchildren, Bayleigh Bruce and Karris Bruce; numerous loving step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, J.C. Bertrand; wives, Elda Abshire Bertrand and June Braquet Bertrand; and sister, Lucille Hargraves. 

A Christian Vigil for Mr. Bertrand will be at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 13, 2015, with a gathering of family and friends to follow until 8:00 p.m., at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 14, 2015, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie. 

Many thanks for the compassionate care given by Harbor Hospice to Jesse, during his illness.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 21463, Beaumont, TX 77720 or to St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, TX 77665.