Obituaries

LORETTA RENEE’ WILKINS

Loretta Renee’ Wilkins, a lifelong resident of Vidor, Texas, passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and “Lolo” to her cherished grandchildren.

JULIE DEE DUGAS DECEMBER 13, 1969 — FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Julie Dee Dugas, 55, of Vidor, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas. A longtime resident of Vidor, Julie was a proud graduate of Orangefield High School. She found joy in the simple moments of life, especially when surrounded by her beloved grandchildren.

CHERYL LYNN SMITH MARCH 8, 1978 — FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Cheryl Lynn Smith, 46, of Newton, TX, passed away on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at Mid-Jefferson Extended Care Hospital in Beaumont, TX.A native of Beaumont, Cheryl was raised in Vidor and was a proud graduate of Vidor High School, Class of 1996.

VALERIE ANN PRASNICKI AUGUST 15, 1969 — MARCH 4, 2025

TX, Jessica Phillips and husband Bradley of Vidor, TX, Tyler Mugleston and wife Jaime of Vidor, TX, and Kylie Mugleston of Port Neches, TX; and her cherished grandchildren: Hunter and Rylee Trenck, Blake and Luca Phillips, and Avery Mugleston.

CATHRYN “CATHY” MARIE WARD

Cathryn “Cathy” Marie Ward, 74, of Vidor, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025. Born and raised in Beaumont, TX, she later became a longtime resident of Vidor.

GLENDA ROBBIE CHAMPAGNE

Glenda Robbie Champagne, a longtime resident of Beaumont who spent the last decade in Vidor, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on February 21, 2025, at Vidor Health and Rehab. Glenda dedicated over 40 years of her life to working for Gulf States Utility before retiring.

ELSIE CARRIE DUKE JULY 19, 1939 — FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Elsie C. Duke, 85, of Vidor, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 24, 2025.A native of Massachusetts, Elsie’s journey led her to Texas, where she built a life filled with love, devotion, and unwavering care for her family. She married the love of her life, Larry Duke Sr.

RONALD GLENN MERRELL

Ronald Glenn Merrell, 79, of Vidor, passed away on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, at Gilbert’s House Assisted Living in Beaumont. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force before building a lifelong career as a lineman with Southwestern Bell, retiring after more than 25 years of service.

CLEMENT BEDELL (C.B.) SIMMONS

Clement Bedell Simmons (C.B.) of Vidor, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home on February 20, 2025 at the age of 90 years old. He was born on November 21, 1934 in DeRidder, Louisiana to Travis and Eugenie Bailey Simmons. C.B. never met a stranger.