Merle Diane Duke McGonegel, 96, of Beaumont, died on Sunday, November 30, 2008 at an assisted living facility in Bevil Oaks. She was born September 9, 1912 to Major and Alva Westerfield Duke in Fouke, Arkansas. She attended Central Baptist Women’s College (now Central Baptist College) in Conway, Arkansas and was married in 1931 to Edwin Frank McGonegel, also an Arkansas native.
A survivor of infant polio, Merle will be remembered for her independent spirit, her tenacity to overcome obstacles, and her love for international travel. This love for international travel and Mexico, in particular, motivated her to establish her own travel agency, Mexican Train Ride in the Sky/Cameo Travel, where she specialized in assisting clients with adventure travel planning to some of her favorite destinations. She was a part owner of Automatic Pump and Equipment Co., Inc., in Beaumont, as well as several other business interests, including several in Mexico.
Merle was a member of several professional organizations, including the Sales and Marketing Executive Club of Southeast Texas and Lamar University’s International Club. She was also a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Beaumont.
Survivors include her daughters, Delores McGonegel Moye and her husband Ronald “Ronnie” of Beaumont, Susan McGonegel Stith and her husband Dean of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Robin Moye Howard and her husband David of Dallas, Karol Moye Glaspy of McAllen, Spencer Stith and his wife Leslie of Liberty, Missouri, Dana Stith Harding and her husband Michael of Platte City, Missouri; nephew, James Wilborn of Tyler; niece, Ann McGonegel Faithful of Austin; and great grandchildren, Landrum Howard, Graceanne Howard, Jacob Harding, Samuel Harding, Emmanuelle Stith, and Hope Harding.
She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-nine years, Frank in 1990; her granddaughter, Linda Moye; and her sister, Margie Duke Wilborn.
Her family joins in expressing their gratefulness to her caretakers, Linda McGraw, Doris Willis, Mary James, and Mary Franklin. “They are the most wonderful caretakers that our mom could ever have had. We will forever be indebted to them and they will always hold a special place in our hearts. They are truly ‘angels’.”
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2008 at Broussard’s, 1605 N Major Drive, Beaumont. A private interment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Julie and Ben Rogers Cancer Institute of Beaumont, 3555 Stagg Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
