Garry Allen Offerman, 52, of Beaumont, died Saturday, August, 2, 2008. Garry was born in 1955 in Pinckneyville, Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in the Administrative of Justice and the nickname “Fuzzy.” He then completed the Lawyer’s Assistants Program with Honors at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Subsequently, he moved to Texas and attended Texas Tech University School of Law from 1982 to 1984. While at Texas Tech, he was Notes Editor of the Texas Tech Law Review from 1983 to 1984. After being admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1984, Garry Offerman settled in Beaumont and practiced law for over twenty years.
Outside of work, Garry actively participated in the YMBL, the Fishing Rodeo, the Beaumont Yacht Club, St. Jude Catholic Church, Harley Owners Group and other organizations and events.
Garry was a free spirit. He inspired his friends and family to venture beyond conventional norms. He made friends wherever he went. Nothing, whether a storm at a camp site or a delayed flight, could prevent Garry from making the best of a situation.
On November 20, 1976, Garry vowed to be Betty Ann Smith’s companion in life, promising to provide her with all the love, respect, freedom, encouragement, and help necessary to develop fully as the person she is today. Garry remained true to his promise to love his wife until the day he passed away. He included her in his spontaneous lifestyle through rides on his motorcycle and a recent surprise birthday vacation to New York City.
As a father, he supported and encouraged the individual passions of his daughters: Angela, Julie, and Genna; and he proudly welcomed Matthew Hoover into the family as Angela’s fiancé and his son. He fathered his daughters under the principle that everyday should be lived to its fullest.
He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Offerman. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his three daughters, Angela, Julie, and Genna; his mother, Elsie; his two sisters, Norma Jean Lowman and her friend Raymond and Sharlyn Gunter and her husband Don; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2008 at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the church with a Christian Vigil to be held at 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to CASA, 2449 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702; Garth House, Mickey Mehaffy Children’s Advocacy, 1895 McFaddin, Beaumont, Texas 77701; Boys Haven of America, P.O. Box 5815, Beaumont, Texas 77726; or Girls Haven, 3380 Fannin, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
