Granville Louis Bland

Granville “Louis” Bland, 82, of Orangefield, Texas, passed away on May 31, 2024, at his home in Orangefield. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Father Ernie Carpio. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Orange.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2024, with a Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in Orange, Texas, on September 12, 1941, he was the son of Leo J. Bland, Sr. and Ruth Marie Steele Stenerson. Louis left behind a legacy filled with kindness, hard work, and love for his family and friends. He was the proud owner and operator of Bland’s Land Clearing since 1970. Louis was known as a jack of all trades - a problem solver who could fix anything that came his way. He was a loyal supporter of the Dallas Cowboys; his enthusiasm for football added excitement to many game days. Louis was also an outdoorsman at heart. He found joy in the moments he spent bass fishing, a pastime he shared with many friends, and it earned him many awards. His fishing buddies and fellow Woods and Water Bass Club members held a special place in his life, sharing laughter and friendship throughout their adventures.

Louis's love for his family was unparalleled. He cherished the holidays, especially Christmas, as they provided him with precious moments with his loved ones. He was a storyteller, often sharing tales from his life, and enjoyed dining out with his family. His wisdom and strength were a guiding light for his family, and he was always ready to offer sage advice and a helping hand. His commitment to his family and community was further demonstrated through his long-standing membership at St. Henry Catholic Church. Louis was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo J. Bland, Sr. and Ruth Marie Stenerson; and his brother, Leo J. Bland, Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of  nearly 60 years, Ella Mae Bland; his sons, Louis Dale Bland, Steven Bland and wife, Lisa, and Daniel Bland; his daughter, Lora Vater and husband, Ron; his grandchildren, Amber and Caleb Johnson, Hanna and Adam Meaux, Payton and Catherine Bland, Mary Bland, Emily Bland, Aaron Bland, Talon Bland, Cameron Guyote, Gavin Guyote, and Katie Guyote; his great-grandchildren, Gianna Ella Rose Meaux, Dominic Etenburn, and Corvin Johnson; his siblings, Dixie Mobley and husband, Carl of Columbus Ohio, and Leonard Bland and wife, Connie of Livingston, Texas; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Serving as pall bearers will be Payton Bland, Aaron Bland, Cameron Guyote, Gavin Guyote, Talon Bland, and Dominic Etenburn.