Joe Ornel Dunbar

Joe Ornel Dunbar, 72, of Bridge City, passed away on July 11, 2021, in Beaumont.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 15, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Officiating will be Pastor Paul Zoch.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in Rotan, Texas, on January 2, 1949, he was the son of Lane Dunbar and Hazel (Rushing) Dunbar. Joe worked as a sand blaster and painter for many years. He enjoyed baseball, playing spades, and was also a member of a bowling league for many years. Joe was a big Astro’s fan and loved cooking for his family. He was known for his BBQ, world famous bread pudding, and French toast. Joe adored his family above all and never missed a moment to spend time with them. He was a loving father, and Pawpaw to his grandchildren and will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lane and Hazel Dunbar; son, Joe “Little Joe” Dunbar; grandson, Aaron Abshire; and siblings, Delane and Curtis Navarre, Carolyn Dupris, Ronnie and Peggy Dunbar, Kelly Dunbar, Sally Trahan, and Dale Dunbar.

He is survived by his children, Stacy Johnnie and significant other Mark Smith of Bridge City, Ruthie Nelson of Nederland, Curtis Dunbar and wife Brandy of the Woodlands, Jessica Mills and husband Jesse of Little Cypress, Brooklyn Clark and husband Justin of Buna, and Kiefer Dunbar of Bridge City; grandchildren, Tyler, Carly, Blayze, Gavin, Jaydan, Paxton, Dawsin, Levi, Charlotte, and Ruby Sue; great grandchild, Catayela; siblings Vickie Foreman and husband Tom of Orange and Tommy Dunbar of Bridge City; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon and Shane Crumpler and Heather Foote. A very special thank you to Kerri Vega, as well as the nurses at Harbor Hospice especially Kevin for the care and love they gave to Joe and his family during this difficult time.

Cremation will be under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home.

Joe’s final resting place will be at Mount Zion Cemetery in Fairfield, Texas.