Neil Hazlip died November 21, 2005 at his home in LaBelle after a long battle with leukemia. Born November 23, 1917 in Crow, Oklahoma, he and his wife Lucille moved from Amarillo to Beaumont in 1939. Together, they developed and advanced the business forms industry in Southeast Texas and founded Gulf Coast Business Forms in 1961.
He was a founding member of Northwood Christian Church, was active in BPM, and was a 32nd degree Mason. Other interests included fishing, gardening, developing his land, and enjoying his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-two years, Lucille Durrett Hazlip, and his son, Roger Hazlip of Beaumont. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Albert and Anna Hazlip; sisters, Carol Hazlip Mehrens and Shirley Hazlip Stallard all of Oklahoma; and brother Otis Hazlip of Colorado.
He is survived by brothers, Oscar Hazlip and Bill Hazlip, and sister, Betty Hazlip Manley all of Oklahoma; three daughters, Lynne Hazlip of LaBelle, Helen Hazlip Rutherford and husband Earl of Beaumont, and Mary Hazlip Matthews and husband Jay of Bellville, Texas; and daughter-in-law, Karen Hazlip Linn. He also leaves nine grandchildren, James Butler and wife Nancy of LaBelle, Sharon Briggs and husband Jay of Lumberton, Carlton Butler and wife Polly of Beaumont, Bill Hazlip and wife Linda of Cleveland, Ohio, Mark Hazlip and wife Jill of Conroe, Matthew Hazlip and wife Cathy of Balwin, Missouri, Lonnie Hazlip and wife Nancy of Cleveland, Ohio, Pam Johnson and husband Jeff of Rockwell, North Carolina, and Paul McDonald of Austin. He is also survived by sixteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hazlip and his family would like to thank the many friends and family who called and visited during his illness. Special thanks to Southern Care Hospice for their untiring, heartfelt support and care, and also to Bethany Christian Church of Houston for sending a crew of caring members to help clear the fallen trees and debris from his home after Hurricane Rita…a real relief during his final days.
A private family gathering to celebrate Mr. Hazlip’s life will be held on what would have been his 88th birthday, November 23, 2005. An additional memorial service is pending. Arrangements are under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers or other traditional remembrances, the family suggests donations to Southern Care Hospice, 275 N 18th, Beaumont, Texas 77707; Salvation Army, 2350 IH-10 East, Beaumont, Texas 77703 or the charity of choice.
