Vernon Clarence Broyles, 94, of Nederland, died Saturday, July 16, 2016. He was born on September 19, 1921, in Port Arthur, to Theresa Agatha Libersat Broyles and Clarence Leonard Broyles.
Vernon was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corps. He was employed at the Gulf Oil refinery for over 43 years, first as a pipe-fitter, then as engineer and as supervisor in the power and steam generation department.
Vernon loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and teaching his children and grandchildren to appreciate God’s natural world. He took his family on camping trips across the United States, and after retirement, he and Ruby traveled in their RV, visiting natural wonders and historic places. He also loved wildflowers and roses and was an active member of the Golden Triangle Rosarians.
Vernon served as Deacon at First Baptist Church, Groves, Texas, First Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and was an active member of First Baptist Church, Nederland.
Survivors include his children, Steve and Eileen Broyles Sherrill of Spring Hill, Tennessee; Clifford and Josalyn Broyles of Nederland; Gary and Kathy Broyles Richardson of Hemphill; and K.C. and Karen Broyles of League City; grandchildren, Alyssa Maddox of Nashville, Tennessee, Brock Richardson of Bridge City, Bethany Mason of Nashville, Tennessee; Meghan Lockwood of Austell, Georgia, David Broyles of Austin, Katie Heebner of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Kimberly Broyles of League City; great-grandchildren, Ayden Richardson, Asher Richardson, Madeline Mason, Grady Mason, Katie Lockwood, Emma Lockwood, Evelyn Maddox, Charlotte Maddox, and Kora Heebner.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Hope Smith Broyles; brother, Elmer Broyles; and sister, Della Mae Kelly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Mr. Broyles may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
A gathering of Mr. Broyles’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 22, 2016, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
