John Alfred DeRoche, Jr.

John Alfred DeRoche, Jr.
John Alfred “Al” DeRoche, Jr., 95, passed away on October 1, 2023, in Beaumont, Texas.

Visitation will be Friday, October 6, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Methodist Church in Bridge City, Texas.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Methodist Church in Bridge City, Texas. Reverend Mark Bunch will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont, Texas.

Al was born in Lafayette, Louisiana to John Alfred DeRoche Sr. and Vivian Lucille (Guidry) DeRoche on April 5, 1928. Al lived in Port Arthur and Groves for 66 years, where he attended Port Neches Groves High School and St. James Catholic School, and graduated at the age of 16. After graduating, he joined the United States Navy and spent four years serving his country. Al later worked as a pipefitter for Gulf Oil and retired in 1984, after 35 years. Just a short time before retiring, he moved to Nederland, where he married his love, Helen DeRoche. Al was a faithful member of St. Paul Methodist Church, and was a big fan of all sports, but he especially loved the Dallas Cowboys. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John A. DeRoche Sr. and Vivian Lucille (Guidry) DeRoche; his daughter, Theresa Nannette Hayles; his son, David Earl DeRoche; his daughter-in-law, Donna Mitchell; his brother, Floyd DeRoche; and his former wife, Esther Weatherford DeRoche.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Helen DeRoche; his daughter, Mary Deborah “Debbie” Kurts; his son, Steven DeRoche; his stepson, Carey Lynn Mitchell; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to St. Paul Methodist Church in Bridge City, Texas at www.stpaulfamily.com .