Vincent “V.J” Joseph O’Shell passed away on his 86th birthday, May 10, 2013. Vincent was born in Beaumont, Texas, to Mitchell and Grace O’Shell. He attended St. Anthony High School and enlisted in the Merchant Marines at the age of seventeen and served in the South Pacific during World War II. At the conclusion of the war, he pursued his education and graduated from Baylor University. He continued his education at The University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and obtained his specialization in orthodontics from The University of Kansas City School of Dentistry.

V.J was a member of the Sabine District Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, The Tweed Orthodontic Society, the Southwestern Society of Orthodontics and a past president of the Texas Association of Orthodontics. It was his honor and a blessing that he was able to practice orthodontics for over fifty years with enthusiasm and dedication to his patients.

V.J. was passionate about baseball, exercising, music, photography, poetry, traveling, and sailing. Whether it was traveling, sailing with his loved ones, or attending a professional meeting, V.J. loved the time he spent with those closest to him.

But nothing compared to the love of his life for over seventy years, his beloved Dyckie. She was his entire world. His devotion to his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews was unending. His love for his family always came first and his favorite place in the world was home and to be surrounded by those he loved and those that loved him.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Annette Polite; mother, Grace Canizaro O’Shell; and father, Mitchell Vincent O’Shell.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-eight years, Dyckie; daughter, Cynthia Goehringer and her husband, Charlie, and their daughter, Marti, and son, Sosh; daughter, Doria Hanna and her husband, Jay, and their daughters, Kendall and Christine; son, Dr. Michael O’Shell and his wife, Christina, and their daughter, Allie, and son, Michael; his sister, Marja O’Shell; sister-in-law, Marie Keriotis; as well as his nieces, Christine Keriotis and Gracelyn Miller; and nephews, Joey Breaux and Jimmy Keriotis.

With a strong devotion to his work, devout Catholic faith and family, he was the greatest role model. He will be cherished and missed by all.

The family would like to thank Jane Redeaux, Clara “Sunshine O’Shell”, Buck Thomas, Larry Landry, Josh Price, Dr. John Fowler, Eloise Robinson, Dr. and Mrs. Al Brady and to the nurses and staff at Odyssey Hospice for their constant love, care, and support.

A gathering of Dr. O’Shell’s family and friends was held at 4:30 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 13, 2013, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont with entombment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. Serving as pallbearers are Greg Zummo, Mark Zummo, Pat Zummo, Frank Zummo, Danny Serio, Joey Breaux, Jim Keriotis, David Major, Marshall Slacter, Dr. Kamal Bitar and Dr. Charles Harrell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Anne Catholic School, 375 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702; The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, New York 10163-4777; or The University of Texas Dental Branch Building Fund, 7500 Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 77054.

The following is a tribute written by V.J. at the time of his father's death.  This tribute was also read the Rosary recited for V.J. by his son Michael.

My father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name

God has called you from this earth and nothing will ever be the same.

I know God’s kingdom must come for all, as it came for you,

But gee Daddy, you’ve left our lives so barren and blue.

His will had to be done, you did not have a choice, you had to go,

But my Lord and my God how we miss you so.

You gave us our daily bread, and more, so much more

A Smile, understanding, comfort in trials, all your love, yet

Your own burdens you never let us know the score.

You forgave those who trespassed against you, even though

you were distraught

That’s all right …you would say “Forgive them and be kind”

That is all you ever taught

God forgive you your trespasses, they couldn’t be more than a few

As far as we are concerned, there were not we ever knew.

The Lord said: “Lead us not unto temptation”

And so you lead us, according to His word, without doubt or hesitation

You delivered us from all evil your mind could comprehend

You were the perfect example of a father until the very end

And now though we ache for your smile and your voice,

Yours is the kingdom and the Power and the Glory of God by

your own choice

God’s calling you has left a lifelong void, but we know

you have gone ahead to prepare the way

Please pray and help us on our journey, so in heaven we may

            join you some distant day

                                                                        Amen

                                                                                    Your son,

                                                                                                VJ