Billy C. Duperier, a lifelong resident of Beaumont, lost his courageous battle with prostate cancer on April 24, 2009 in his 90th year.
Born November 7, 1919, Billy was a graduate of Beaumont High School and worked over forty-four years for Mobil Oil Company and enjoyed a wonderful retirement after leaving in 1982. During his years at Mobil, he served five years in the Navy during World War II on the Battleship Massachusetts and obtained the highest ranking for a non-commissioned person.
Billy will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend and his joy of gardening and celebrating life will be passed on for many generations. As his body began to fail, his mind stayed sharp and his sense of humor never wavered.
As a devoted husband to Evelyn Smith Duperier, they celebrated sixty-three years together and have fond memories of their many travels, visits with family, and their lake house at Toledo Bend. Billy is also survived by his daughter, Dianne Duperier of Beaumont; son, W. Craig Duperier and his wife Sharon of Weimar, Texas; grandsons, Dan Middleton of Durango, Colorado, Pat Hickman and family of Austin, Josh Hickman and family of Plano, and Roland Guthrie of Houston; sister, Earline Walton of Mesquite; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph E. Duperier and Jack L. Duperier.
Memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2009 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 N. Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas with visitation to follow his service.
The family would like to give special thanks to Angel Home Health Care and Odyssey Health Care/Hospice for helping during this transition. Heartfelt thanks also to the many members of Wesley United Methodist Church for their prayers, cards, visits, and meals. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Peter Erhard, Maurice Garrett, Red Mattison, Marion Durke, Gordon Alpha, A.J. Clubb, Bubba Lane, and all the members of the “Grumpy Ole Men” bible class at Wesley United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 N. Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 5144, Beaumont, Texas 77726.
