If you stand still, look up to the Heavens and hear the angels singing, they are celebrating the arrival of Laurence Earl McMakin, Jr. His life on earth began January 27, 1929, and ended April 30, 2013. An only child of Gertrude Idella Etie McMakin and Laurence Earl McMakin, Sr., he has joined them and other relatives and friends in this celebration. And what a celebration that must be!
Those of us left behind will miss him and remember him as the BEST of the best. Everyone that knew him will speak of his intelligence, kindness, honesty, fairness, whit, and devotion to his jobs at Mobil Chemical and the love that he had for his wife and family.
Laurence grew up in Houston, Texas, graduated from Lamar High School, went on to the University of Texas and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1957. The first job he held was with Foster Wheeler Engineering where he met Joyce Rhodes of Woodville, Texas. They were married in 1954 and returned to University of Texas where he earned his Masters in 1957 and Doctorate in 1961 at which time he took a position in Texas City with Amoco moving to Mobile Chemical (Beaumont) in 1962. This job took him to many foreign countries, eventually being transferred to Melbourne, Australia, then to the New York office and back to Beaumont in 1975. He retired in 1994 from the Houston headquarters.
He spent his vacations traveling with his family to most every country in the world and settling down as the “equipment manager” for the Lamar Men’s golf team from 1995 to 2006. He then drove miles to watch the Arkansas Razorback golf team tournaments. That’s what he loved to do!
He had a few nicknames: Son, Little Laurence, Larry, Ace, Doctor McMakin, Dad, Pops, Pop Pop, and Doc – And he answered to all.
He also served as President of the West End Little League and managed the Melbourne Swim in Australia in 1972. He loved his family, UT football, and golf. He was instrumental in helping establish McMakin Pharmacy.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Joyce; son, Arthur Douglas McMakin and his wife, Brenda Allred McMakin; their children, Caroline Klein Gear and her husband, George William Gear; and their son, Cameron Rogers Gear; Charley Rogers Klein, Arthur Douglas McMakin II “Art”, and Madalyn Lanell McMakin, all of Beaumont, Texas; daughter, Laura Ann Wagner and her husband, Wes Hamilton Wagner, of Midland; their children, Russell Ogden Wagner of Kerrville, Travis Blanton Wagner of Fort Worth, and Lauren Elizabeth Wagner of Midland, Texas; son, Bradley Earl McMakin and his wife, Tonia Norwood McMakin; and their son, Matthew Earl McMakin of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Being an only child, he adopted his wife’s family as his and they adopted him. Therefore, he is also survived by George and Dixie Jarrott of Woodville; and their children, Julie and Cody. Nieces and nephews Janie, Ed, Rick, Melinda, and Carol J.; children of deceased brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Sally Rhodes; and his “third son”, Brian White and his wife, Tanya Niblett White.
A gathering of Laurence’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 2, 2013, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2013, at Broussard’s with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706, Lamar Institute of Technology Foundation, P.O. Box 10085, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or the charity of one’s choice.
