William Morris “Bill” Van, 86, of Bridge City, died on December 27th, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Christus Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. He passed surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, and grandchildren.
Bill was born on November 19th, 1939 in Sulphur, Louisiana to Doris and Harold Van where he attended Sulphur High School, graduating in 1957. Shortly after high school, Bill joined the United States Navy, was stationed in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, and met his wife Pat. The two moved back to start their family in Bridge City, Texas, where they remained married for 65 years and were parted only by death.
Bill dedicated each of his days in Texas to his three loves: Family, Community, and Golf.
He served his community of Bridge City as a Municipal Judge and school board member for nearly two decades. He worked for Chevron in Orange until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, which he helped remodel during the mid 1980s. He also helped many families rebuild their homes after Hurricane Ike.
Bill was happiest around his family, but the golf course was a close second. Bill played thousands of rounds, drank thousands of post match Budweisers, had two hole-in-ones, received stitches in his forehead after being hit with a golf ball on two separate occasions, and has met countless friends through the sport. His family would like to extend their deepest thanks to all of those who shared this love for golf alongside Bill. You all filled his final decades with more joy than you know.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Doris Van and brother, Carl Van. He is survived by his wife Pat Van, brother Ron Van and wife Liz, two daughters Melanie Broussard and companion Greg, Katherine Smith and husband Jimmy, 4 grandchildren Stephen Broussard and wife Crystal, Morgan Edwards and husband Jacob, Colin Smith and wife Rita, and Justin Smith. He had 5 great grandchildren, Jade Edwards, Caden Broussard, Skyler Broussard, Aubryn Edwards, and Shelby Broussard. To these, and to so many others, Bill will be remembered as “Pop”. Pop was loving and dependable. He never missed a grandkid’s game, t-ball through varsity. He never missed an opportunity to let them know how much he loved them. He was never seen around his family without a smile. His love was selfless, given freely, and filled with joy; the perfect example of Christian love.
A private family service will be held to honor Bill’s life.