Joseph Herbert “Herb” Courville, 78, of Beaumont, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2015, suddenly at his home. He was born in Mowata, Louisiana, on September 4, 1936, to Estelle and Walter Courville.
French was his first language and began learning English when he started first grade. As a child Herb moved around a lot in the nearby parish’s as his family worked the area’s cotton and rice fields to make a living. After High School he served in the Air Force SAC Division – kept the B-series bombers flying during the conflicts of that time. He was honorably discharged in January of 1962. During this time while stationed at Altus, Oklahoma, Air Force Base, he met Dorthy Ann Wooley and they were married in 1958.
Herb, Ann, and their sons, Michael Wayne, born in 1959, and James Ray, born in 1961, moved to the Beaumont area in 1965, where they remained until his death. He was employed by Industrial Towel and Uniform and soon became Service Manager in which he served the position until retirement. The company later changed to Cintas.
After arriving in Beaumont, he soon began getting involved in various civic and community organization such as the Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Club, and Lion’s Club. Herb contributed and lead the efforts of the Lion’s Club, Christmas Tree Fund raising activities – unloading trees from rail cars, distributing to lots all over the city, and contributing time in selling the trees.
He joined the YMBL in 1970 and began contributing to the community in many ways by leading the: Special Olympics, ‘78; Ty Terrell Track Meet, ‘80; Third Vice President and YMBL Ladies Night, ‘81; First Vice President and Championship Rodeo, ‘82; President, ‘83; Past President and Fairground Improvements, ’84; Fair Chairman, ’86; Member of YMBL Key Men - Vice President, 2002 and 2004; Office of President, 2005; and Office of Past President, 2006. Herb continued serving the community after retirement from Cintas with involvement and leadership in the YMBL, Cooks 2 Dozen + and the Men of Jude of St Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Beaumont.
Later in life he maintained a long time and loving relationship with Marie Richard. They provided each other friendship, love, support, and all the constructive criticism that Marie needed. Herb also became her interior decorator. He enjoyed life, his family and friends, and laughter. Herb was a bit mischievous at times especially if it would initiate some fun or complaining on the referee calls during any Dallas Cowboy game. He enjoyed golf and actually taught his son, Mike, how to play the game, although very badly.
Herb was fiercely patriotic; he always wore the flag on his person any time he wore a coat or it was appropriate. He maintained and kept a flag flying at his home and his house was filled with patriotic décor. (flags, Bald eagles, ect..)
Herb remained true to his Cajun heritage including displaying in his home, a hand painted painting of his Louisiana childhood home (which he commissioned), Cajun poems, and various Cajun artifacts.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Courville and his wife, Peggy, of Winnie and Jimmy Courville, of Austin; granddaughter, Christine Courville; and great-granddaughter, Isabelle Anaya, both of Tyler; sister, Loretta Bordes and her husband, Pat, of Rayne, Louisiana; longtime loving companion, Marie Richard; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A gathering of Mr. Courville’s family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., with his Christian Vigil to follow at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2015, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. A family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
