Emmanuel Edward DeFrates, 64, of Port Arthur, died Friday, February 25, 2011, at Dubuis Hospital of Port Arthur. He was born September 20, 1946, to Leona Stewart and Orland DeFrates in Chicago, Illinois.
Emmanuel was an avid sports fan, basketball coach, teacher, talented fisherman and an award winning chef. He was a graduate of Western Illinois University. He was extremely proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Emmanuel will be remembered as a wonderful father, brother and uncle.
He is survived by his son, Chad DeFrates and his wife Jenifer of Killeen; daughter, Megan DeFrates of Port Arthur; brothers, Orland DeFrates, Jr. of Port Arthur and Charles DeFrates of Branson, Missouri; sisters, Cheri Olson of Tampa, Florida, Sandra Smith of Ft. Madison, Iowa, and Debbie Clelland of Taylorville, Illinois; and nephew, Richard DeFrates of Groves.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Orland DeFrates, Sr. and Leona DeFrates; and brothers, Richard and Carl.
