Leroy “Top” Poulson, 78, of Beaumont, died Friday, May 14, 2010, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth in Beaumont.

A native of Newell, Iowa, he was born on March 6, 1932, to Birgitte (Ankersen) Poulson and Jens N. Poulson.  Top was a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant with twenty-seven years of service in the United States Marine Corps.  President Lyndon Johnson presented him the Navy Cross, the second highest Navy decoration for extraordinary heroism, for action in the Republic of Vietnam. 

When his military career was complete, he became a Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor at French High School.  Later he served in the same position at West Brook High School.  He enjoyed teaching and working with young people so much, that he finished his college degree and became a Texas History teacher at Marshall Middle School.

He was active in the Legion of Valor, a distinguished veterans organization second only to the Medal of Honor Society in uniqueness, and Popasmoke, an association of Marine Corps combat helicopter pilots and crewmen. He enjoyed traveling and playing Yahtzee. 

Survivors include his wife of fifty-six years, Joan Poulson of Beaumont; daughters, Barbara Barry and her husband David of Orange, California, and Theresa Wynn and her husband Ted of Placerville, California; grandchildren, James Barry, Jannelle Barry, Chris Wynn, Bridgette Kant and her husband Evan, Keith Wynn, and Derek Wynn; great-granddaughter, Kaylin Wynn; and many numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Betty Hyslop, John Poulson, Anker Poulson and Thora Sorensen.

His funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 20, 2010, at Houston National Cemetery. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 3800 Fettler Park Drive #104, Dumfries, Virginia 22025 or to Nederland Christian Church. P.O. Box 1789, Nederland, Texas 77627.