Glen A. French, 78, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, August 8, 2012, after a long battle with kidney failure. He died peacefully with his loving wife of fifty-six years, Doris, by his side.
He was born on February 21, 1934, in Panhandle, Texas, to Alean French and Woodrow Wilson French, and had been a lifelong resident of the Beaumont area.
Woodrow and Alean moved to Beaumont in the early 1940’s. Glen attended French High School and graduated in 1951. He married Doris Rose Etheredge, the best thing that EVER happened to him, on August 11, 1956. Glen was the love of Doris’ life. They both attended North End Baptist Church when they were younger and are still members today.
Glen received his Bachelor of Science degree from East Texas Baptist University, his Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, his Master of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin University, and later went on to receive his Doctorate of Education from North Texas State University. Glen spent his entire career in public education dedicating much of that time to improving early childhood education. When he wasn’t working, Glen was either spending time with his family or playing golf. He loved the game and loved making people laugh. Glen will be missed by so many.
Glen is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Doris; sons, Mike French of Austin; Mark French and his wife, Beth, of Nacogdoches; and Todd French and his wife, Brandy, of Houston; sister, Betty Jo Best of Fort Worth; brothers, Jim French and his wife, Betty, of Friendswood; and Jack French and his wife, Janet, of Arlington; seven grandchildren, Drew, Collin and his wife, Lydia, Logan, Dylan, Saydie, Taylor, and Leighton; and two great-grandchildren, Braden and Parker.
A gathering of Mr. French’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 10, 2012, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Texas PGA, Junior Golf Program, 21064 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, Texas 77373, or to North End Baptist Church, 5115 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
We have so many people to thank for their kindness, support, and care during Glen's illness; we would like to particularly thank Nikki Gipson, Geri Reid, Cheryl Guillory, and Brandon Durio. Without their care and true loyalty to Glen and Doris we don't know how we could have weathered the past year without their help. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
