Donald Theodore Boumans passed away July 10, 2011, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, at the age of 86.

Don was born in Broussard, Louisiana on March 3, 1925. Don served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart.  After graduating from University of Southwest Louisiana with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, Don worked for Goodrich-Gulf Inc. as plant manager and retired after thirty-eight years in 1991 as Vice President of the Rubber Division.

Don is survived by his wife, Syble Boumans; son, Ted Boumans; daughter, Nancy Boumans Lamson and her husband, Chris; step-son, Dan Reed and his wife, Billie; step-daughter, Deborah Weitzel and her husband, John; grandchildren, Christopher and Andrew Lamson, and Donald and Hunter Boumans, step-granddaughters, Eileen Malain and her husband, Jim, Ann Redden and her husband, Randy, and Leigh Rea; step-grandson, Heath Pellegrin and his wife, Jaelyn; and four step-great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Herman Boumans; mother, Leonie Boumans; first wife, Willa Boumans; three brothers; and three sisters.

Don was a very unselfish, affectionate person who gave freely of his time and talents to benefit the larger community and to make the world a better place.  This he did through his actions and example.  Don has made generous donations to numerous charitable organizations through the years. He founded the Plant Managers Association for the Golden Triangle Industrial Area.  He was a member of the Southeast Texas Plant Managers Association and the Association of Chemical Industry of Texas.  Don served on the boards of Mid Jefferson Hospital and Hughen School and he was Chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.  He served as both President and Chair of the Junior Achievement of the Golden Triangle.  The Don Boumans Leadership Award is a tribute to his vital endeavors on behalf of Junior Achievement.  Don has served as President of the Port Neches-Groves Rotary Club, President of the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce and Chair of both the local chapter and Region VI of the Texas Association of Business.  In 1983 Don was awarded the Texas Association of Business Life Member 1st Award.  He has served as Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Business Roundtable since June 1, 1991. 

The Jefferson County Commissioners Court recognized his many accomplishments on the occasion of his 85th birthday on March 3, 2010.  In June of 2011 the State of Texas and Jefferson County issued proclamations honoring Don for his long record of outstanding service to the people of Jefferson County.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 14, 2011, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont with Reverend Tino Barrera of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church and Reverend Monsignor Dan Malain of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church officiating.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  A gathering of his family and friends will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a Eulogy at 7:00 p.m. and a Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at Broussard’s.

The family would like to recognize the exceptional medical care and compassion given by the staff of Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, with a special thanks to Dr. Tammy Hanson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Junior Achievement, 505 Milam, Suite 700, Beaumont, Texas 77701 care of Cindy or Patty or to Southern Crescent Technical College in memory of Schyla Avery or Atlanta Ballet in memory of Destiny Stinchcomb, 3195 Dowlen Road, Suite 101 or Suite 416, Beaumont, Texas 77706.  These scholarships are in memory of Pat Avery’s family who tragically perished in a recent house fire. More information about these scholarships can be obtained by calling Regina Rogers’ office and speaking with Brittany at 409-892-8792.