He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather.  Out of all these titles, he excelled at being a grandfather and a great-grandfather.  Dalton and Tia can attest to this more than anyone. They knew him to be kind and loving and always concerned about what was going on in their lives. He attended their games when he was able and was so proud of their accomplishments and good grades. He enjoyed being with their friends and was always there when they needed him. He loved them beyond reason. 

He made a difference in their lives; a difference they will carry with them always.  They will always remember him with fond memories and will carry him in their hearts forever.  They will tell their children and grandchildren about their relationship with him because it’s a one-of-a-kind.

He was always there when I needed him.  He reminded me of my own father; strong and stubborn.  There was a misconception about dad, however.  I wish I had seen it earlier with him and my own father.  They were extremely complex men, not easy to share their feelings with you, to show their vulnerable side and I wish I had pushed a little harder to get to know that side of him.  He was special to me and I think I was just as special to him.  He would ask for me when Denny wouldn’t respond as he felt he should.  I find this amusing, but he knew I had defended him on more than one occasion.

He’s in heaven now; without pain, and getting answers to those complex questions we all have about the afterlife.  Dad was always there for us to lean on, but now Jesus is letting him know it’s okay to lean on Him.  He doesn’t have to be the strong one any longer.

Of all the things he would want to be remembered for would be his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather.  He went to the ends of the earth for his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they love him dearly -- as did we all.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, Betty Marie Wagstaff Stroud; son, Dennis L. Stroud and his wife Donna of Beaumont; daughter, Judy Smith of Virginia; grandchildren, Donald Stroud, Ronald Stroud, Patricia Williams and her husband Jeff Williams, and Dawn Stroud Clary and her husband Shawn M. Clary; and great grandchildren, Ashley Stroud, Mikayla Williams, Dalton Logan Clary and Tia Alexandria Nicholson. 

Mr. Stroud’s service was under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704.

A special thank you to Trisha and Shirley and all the folks at Odyssey Healthcare of Beaumont for their support, kindness and their love during a very difficult period in our lives.