Obituaries

LEONARD JOSEPH SONGE III

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Leonard Joseph Songe III, aged 75, of Vidor, Texas, passed away on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, at his residence. Born in Beaumont, TX, Leonard was a dedicated resident of Vidor for much of his life. Leonard cherished spending time with his beloved family. He was a devoted husband to Brenda Songe for 31 years and a loving father to Leonard Joseph Songe IV of Vidor, TX, Tracy Nichole Wiggins of Groves, TX, Raymond Lamar Songe of Vidor, TX, Rachel Jalyce Britnell of Orange, TX, , Justin Lee Songe of Vidor, TX, and William Andrew Dougherty of Vidor, TX. He found immense joy in his role as a grandfather, leaving behind 13 grandchildren who were the light of his life. Leonard is survived by his siblings, Merl Hegele of Lufkin, TX, , Delta Daughrity of Jefferson, TX, , Sandra Hodge of Beaumont, TX, and Harry Songe Sr. of Crosby, TX.

RANDALL KEY KOCH JR.

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Randall Key Koch Jr., 45, passed away on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, at Walter Reed Army Institution in Silver Spring, Maryland. Randall proudly served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, specializing as a Health Service Systems Manager (70D) and Cybersecurity Project Manager with the Defense Health Agency in Falls Church, VA. Beyond his military service, Randall was known for his passion for woodworking, trap shooting, and playing the guitar. He had a talent for working on various projects to keep his mind occupied, whether it was gaming or spending quality time with his family. Randall was a devoted husband to his wife of 24 years, Sarah Koch, and a loving father to his children, Cadence and Randall “Triston” Key Koch III. He is survived by his father Randall “Randy” Key Koch Sr. of Brookeland, TX, mother, Connie, and stepfather Ken Gengo of Vidor, TX, and brother Juston Koch of Vidor, TX.

ROBERT LOUIS JOSEY

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Robert Louis Josey a beloved member of the Vidor community, peacefully passed away on Monday, March 4th, 2024, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. He was 77 years old. Robert was a devout Christian who was raised in the Baptist faith. He dedicated 31 years of his life to Mobil Oil, retiring in 2001. An avid gardener, Robert found joy in nurturing plants and watching them thrive. He also had a passion for fishing and hunting, often spending peaceful days in nature. He cherished moments spent with his family, and was known as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years Betty Josey of Vidor, TX, two sons, Blaine Josey of Beaumont, TX, and Kevin Josey of Vidor, TX. He is also survived by his sister, JoAnn Cross of Beaumont, TX, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

JAMES EDGAR DOWNS JR.

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James Edgar Downs Jr., 71, native of Southeast Texas, and presently of New Braunfels, unexpectedly passed on to his new life Sunday, March 3, 2024. James was born to James Edgar Downs Sr.

JAMES MCCABE

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In cherished memory of James McCabe, who entered this world on April 17, 1962, and lived a life filled with love and adventure until his passing at the age of 61. James was a beloved figure known for his industrious spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand. Whether he was fixing machinery or indulging in his passion for cooking, James approached every task with dedication and skill. He found solace in simple pleasures, like mowing the grass and sipping coffee while admiring the countryside. His love for music, delicious cooking, and caring nature endeared him to all who knew him. James leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Janice Meche McCabe, his children Andrew Allison, Raymond McCabe, and Shalina Long, his 8 grandchildren, as well as his 3 great-grandchildren.

PATRICIA ANN MELANSON RILEY

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Patricia Ann Melanson Riley, 79, passed away on Friday, March 8th, 2024, at her home in Kountze. Raised in Rose City, Patricia recently made Kountze her home. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beaumont. Known for her compassionate nature, Patricia’s main pastime was caring for others. She found immense joy in spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor. A service in Patricia’s honor will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church at a later date. Patricia is survived by her children: Greg Melanson of Vidor, TX; Chris Hale of Woodlands, TX; Dannis Melanson of Ardmore, OK; Glen Melanson of Vidor, TX; and Jack Anthony Riley of Allentown, PA, brother, James Reeves of Beaumont, TX, sister-in-law Jo Alice Hodges of Conroe, TX, along with 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

TAMMI STARK

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Tammi Stark, a beloved Orange community member, passed away on January 30, 2024, aged 51. A lifelong resident, Tammi exuded joy and warmth, touching many lives with her infectious spirit. She worked at O.C.A.R.C., leaving a lasting impact with her beautiful engravings. Dancing brought her immense joy, reflecting her vibrant soul. She found solace in cane pole fishing and had a special love for babies, caring for them tenderly. Predeceased by her grandparents, uncle, aunt, and cousin, Tammi is survived by her devoted parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and numerous relatives. Let us cherish Tammi’s memory, embracing the love, acceptance, and happiness she embodied. May her legacy inspire us all.

CHARLOTTE HALE

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Charlotte Gayle Belt Hale, 71, of Navasota passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Woodville, Texas to Rex and Corrie Belt, she graduated from Colmesneil High School in 1970.

RAYMOND “RAY” CARL BUTTS

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Raymond “Ray” Carl Butts, 71, a beloved resident of Vidor, Texas, passed away on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Ray found immense joy in spending time with his family. Whether it was sharing stories, creating cherished memories, or simply being present, he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His family was his greatest source of happiness and pride. Ray had a passion for fishing, finding solace and joy in the tranquil waters. It was on these fishing expeditions that he found peace amidst the serenity of nature, forming lasting memories that he cherished dearly. Ray leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Bonnie Butts of Vidor, TX; his son, Daniel Zinn of Vidor, TX; his sister, Loretta Luquette of Nacogdoches, TX; his brother, Lawrence Butts of Lorena, TX; as well as four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

TAYLOR ANN HOLMES

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Taylor Ann Holmes, born August 20, 2003 in Beaumont, Texas. Taylor Ann went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 29, 2024. From her birth, she shined as bright as the brightest moon we have ever seen. All that knew Taylor, loved her. Those blessed to receive her friendship, trust and love, knew they had a special bond, unlike any other. Taylor’s short life was full of dance. With just her iPad, she trained herself to be a one person choreographer, photographer, performer and video editor. Of course, when her little sister came along, Taylor had another performer to train and encourage. Taylor had the ability to learn whatever she pursued. Taylor is survived by her Mom Tiffany Gayle Holmes, Dad Kirk Allen Holmes, sister Kaylee Gayle Holmes, all of Vidor, sister Lacey Marie Hernandez, grandmother Connie Holmes, of Groves, great grandparents William (Bill) and Gayle Emfinger of Vidor, Last but not least, her sweetheart Braydon Leger of Vidor. Taylor was loved by all her family and friends, she will be missed always and forever.