The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Carmelo Joseph “C.J.” Saleme, 78, of Beaumont, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 15. He was born on June 4, 1934, in Beaumont, to Katherine Palermo and Thomas Saleme, and was the youngest of 10 children.

He attended South Park Schools and after graduating, he joined the United States Army to proudly serve in the Korean War. He was very proud to serve his country and loved to tell war stories to family and friends. In 1957, he married Linda Peyton and together they raised four great kids. C.J. was a salesman and truck driver, working for both Budweiser and Miller for many years and later retired from Normans Shoes due to ill health.

He loved selling popcorn at Baptist Hospital where he volunteered for several years with his wife. He was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. C.J. was a loving, generous man who never met a stranger and he truly loved the Lord.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Linda; son, Russell Saleme and his wife, Christi, of Nederland; daughters, Debbie Norris and her husband, John Sr., of Beaumont and Jennifer (Ginger) Skiles and her husband, Michael, of Vidor; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Sam Saleme of Beaumont; several nieces and nephews; and his two loving dogs, Duke and Queenie.

He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Kenneth Saleme.

A gathering of Mr. Saleme's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 18, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

His funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 19, at Broussard's, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Our family would like to thank Altus Cancer Center and Hospice and A Summer Place for their loving care during C.J.'s illness, and also a special thanks for Karen Williams, PA-C.

Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.