Lawrence Otis “ L. O. ” Block, age 80, passed away Sunday, August 29, 2004 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont following heart surgery. To his family and friends, he was Otis. Otis was born on a family farm, the present-day location of Oak Bluff Memorial Park, in Port Neches on January 8, 1924.
In 1935, the block family moved to Nederland where he resided until 1952 when Mr. Block and his family moved to Buna to operate a dairy farm. After retirement from the dairy business, Mr. Block operated L. O. Block Construction. He maintained a fleet of dump trucks and participated in the construction of many Southeast Texas overpasses and hurricane levees.
While a student at Nederland High School, World War II began. Too young to join the Navy, Mr. Block joined the merchant marine. He served his country there until he was able to join the United States Navy. He was a member of the U. S. Navy ntil the end of the war. In 2001, as a World War II Veteran, Mr. Block proudly accepted his high school diploma of graduation from the Nederland Independent School District,
Upon retirement, Mr. Block and his wife traveled throughout the world and, in their motor home, visited every corner of the United States and Canada. They found many places in our country to love and enjoy. After many years “on the road,” the Blocks found that oine special place – Yuma, Arizona. For the last 13 years, the Blocks maintained two homes, six months in Buna, Texas and six months in Yuma, Arizona,
Mr. Block was an accomplished guitarist and was well-known to area bluegrass enthusiasts. There was nothing he enjoyed more than sitting around with good friends and “pickin”.
Mr. Block is survived by his wife of 62 years, Idabelle (Myrt); two daughters, Carolyn Reneau and husband, Danny of Buna, Texas, Kathy Eitel and husband, Dean of Omaha, Arkansas. He is also survived by six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Other survivors include two sisters, Mary Lou Tullos of Houston, Alta Grey Fletcher of Nederland and one brother, W. T. Block of Nederland. Being a Block, he is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins more numerous to count.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Reneau, Keith Reneau, Ted Eitel, John Crenshaw, Rex Fletcher, Bill Block and Dusty Kerns and Ray Glover.
A gathering of family and friends was from 5-8 pm, Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at Broussard’s Mortuary 50512th. St. Nederland, TX. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at Broussard’s Chapel in Nederland with Reverend David Foster and Reverend Lenora Wagliorda officiating. Immediately following the service, Otis will return to the family farm, Oak Bluff Memorial Park, in Port Neches for burial.
