Fred “Buddy” Widner, Jr., 74, of Beaumont, died Thursday, January 15, 2009 in Beaumont.  A native of Zavalla and resident of Beaumont since he was six years old, Buddy was a retired Analyst with AT&T.  He was a United States Army veteran having served during the Korean War. Buddy was an avid outdoorsman and has taught his passion of love for the outdoors to his children forever.  He was deeply loved by all his family.

His parents, Gertie and Fred Widner, Sr. preceded him in death.

Survivors include his loving wife, JoAnn Widner of Beaumont; sons, Ricky Haley, Joel Haley and Andy Widner and his wife Melissa all of Beaumont; daughters, Beth Howland and her husband Michael of Kountze and Amy Widner of Vidor; grandchildren, Wayne Haley, Bret Howland, Drew Widner and Baylee Widner; great grandchildren, Edward Wayne Haley II and Alexis Gale Haley; and sisters, Jeanette Douglas and her husband Reggie, Velma Lynn Hartt and her husband Barry, and Nancy Kay Smith and her husband Mickey

A graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Barge Cemetery in Zavalla under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pinewood Baptist Church, 212 Commercial Drive, Sour Lake, Texas 77659.