John Victor Lisotta, Sr., prominent Beaumont business owner, died on June 21, 2005 at the age of 71.  He was preceded in death by his son, John Victor Lisotta, Jr., and his daughter, Deborah Kay Lisotta.

John was born February 4, 1934, in Beaumont to Josephine and Carlo Lisotta, both of whom are deceased.  In 1954, he was state champion boxer, knocking his opponent out in twenty-seven seconds of the first round.  John began his career selling Bibles to put himself through college.  He soon became known throughout South Texas and parts of Louisiana as the “Bible Man”.  He was number one bible salesman in the nation for years.

In 1971, he started the first chain of mini storages in this area, and became known as the “sign man” for his famous sayings on his controversial sign by Lisotta Mini Storage on I-10.

Johnny loved to take his entire family on vacation each year, and did whatever he could to make sure his kids had fun.  If they weren’t on a cruise, they were in Mexico or some other sunny place since he wasn’t too crazy about being in a cold climate. He especially like cruises, because he could gamble while his kids were having fun doing their “thing”.  He loved to play Blackjack or “21”.  It is ironic that he died on the 21st day of the month.

Besides his family, the beach and his faithful labs, Black Jack and Cocoa, were the love of his life.  Every Thursday, he’d pack up his old gold and green pickup truck and his labs, and head for the beach.  He loved the smell of the salt air and loved to spend all of his spare time fishing in the bay.

From 1988 until the fall of 2004, Johnny fulfilled his passion for playing softball with a number of his friends. He was team sponsor and manager of “Lisottas”.

John will definitely be missed by his family and friends.

He leaves behind two daughters, Teresa Marie Lee and her husband Elgin and Tracie Lynn Doucet and her husband Wayne all of Lumberton; his son, Carl Frank Lisotta of Beaumont; five grandchildren, Chase Lynn Matt, Morgan Marie Matt, Alexis Marie Lee, Hunter Wayne Doucet and Natalie Lynn Doucet; two brothers, Tony Lisotta and wife Ruth Ann of Dallas and Danny Hammel of Beaumont; and his sister, Virginia Mae Funk of Pensacola, Florida.

A heartfelt “thank you” from the family to Dr. Gloria Zappia and her wonderful staff.  They went beyond just taking care of him, and he felt at home around all of them. To the lovely Hospice ladies who helped him throughout his last days.  We could not ask for anyone better.  Also, to Dr. Kansara, who our Dad only knew for a brief six months.  You touched our Dad’s heart in a very special way.  We thank you.

To his best friend since childhood, a big THANK YOU, Andrew Wenner. You were our Rock of Gibraltar.  All of our family appreciates everything you did for our Dad.  You are a true friend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 24, 2005 at St. Anthony Cathedral with burial to follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont.  Andrew Wenner, Brent Wester, Buddy Crutchfield, David White, Claude Brister, Sam Malley, Al Caldwell, Pete Shelton, Mike Campbell and R. C. Pickering will serve as pallbearers. A Christian Vigil was held 7:00 P.M. Thursday, June 23, 2005 at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to Julie and Ben Rogers Cancer Institute, 3555 Stagg Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77701; Boy’s Haven of America, P. O. 5815, Beaumont, Texas 77726 or Beaumont Police Department, P. O. Box 3827, Beaumont, Texas 77704.