Harry Lowell Ellerbrook, 75, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on March 11, 1937, in Indiana, to Mae Antell Ellerbrook and Lewis William Ellerbrook, and had been a resident of Beaumont since 1975. Harry was retired from being a chemist and later became a horticulturist for Al Cooks Nursery Eastex Freeway and Lucas where Home Depot is now located.
Harry grew up a chemist with a love of horticulture, biology, and life. After graduation from Louisiana State University with a major in chemistry, he went to work in the field of air and water pollution helping protect his horticulture and his biology using his chemistry. He was fun, outgoing, and goal oriented. Harry was president of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Orchid Society, Taxonomist for the Baton Rouge Men’s Garden Club, member of The American Chemical Association, the Methodist Church, and a great dad.
Then things began to unravel. The chemistry wasn’t so much fun, and so he turned to his first love, horticulture. Harry ran the Nursery and Garden Center. His physical health forced his retirement; he then started to raise tropical fish and created a garden of rare plants.
As his health further declined he had to give up those two hobbies leaving him with his daughter and her family, an old wife, and love.
Harry is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Rita Ellerbrook; daughter, Carolyn James and her husband, Russell, of Vidor; and grandsons, Jeremy Pilley and Travis Pilley.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Bill Ellerbrook.
A gathering of Mr. Ellerbrook’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 17, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 18, 2012, at Broussard’s, with entombment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Houston Audubon Society, 440 Wilchester Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77079.
Love lessens every pain, love leaves us new again, love leads to understanding and understanding leads back to love.
