Alex “Joe” Joseph Stelly, 90, of Beaumont, died Monday, October 12, 2015 in his home. He was born in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, on September 17, 1925, the fourth of seven children, to Elmire Bertrand Stelly and Ora Stelly.
Joe was a United States Army Veteran, serving in the Philippines. Upon discharge in 1946, he went to barber school in Houston and practiced his trade in Honey Island, Batson and finally reached South Park, Beaumont, where he stayed for more than sixty years.
While in Beaumont Joe rented a room with the Francis family for more than twenty years – so many that their grandchildren thought he was family.
A lifelong Catholic, Joe was a founding member of Assumption Parish. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus Council 5035 and Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Joe attended daily Mass until unable to do so.
He was a sports enthusiast and being a barber in front of South Park Schools, he made many friends, both student and community who have remained true to him to this day.
In 1965, Joe married Marie Falco with whom they had three children – a son, Alex Jr., and twin girls, Janet and Nancy. His family became his life. His gardening provided food for them and the neighborhood. Joe’s satsumas each year were legendary.
His last years of retirement were physically difficult but he kept busy gardening and mowing (his very favorite pastime).
Joe leaves behind his wife of fifty years, Marie; son, Alex Jr., and his wife Devin; daughters, Nancy Gonzalez of Beaumont, and Janet Stelly of Austin; grandchildren, Madison, Joey and Savannah Stelly, and Tyler and Hunter Gonzalez, all of Beaumont; and sister, Lily Mae Duhon of Arlington.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Anita Tomlinson, Ades Emery, Melba Oliva; and brothers, Relis, Eli and Leo Stelly.
A Rosary for Mr. Stelly will be recited at 6:00 p.m., followed by a time for remembrances, Thursday, October 15, 2015, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 16, 2015, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Joe Stelly South Park Scholarship, in care of Lamar University, P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710.
