The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Joe L. Raburn, 75, of Bridge City, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Aug. 3, at First Baptist Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be the Rev. Bob Boone. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church on Friday, Aug. 2, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.

Joe, son of G.E. Raburn and Maggie Sue Blackburn Raburn was born in Bells, TN. He grew up in Memphis, graduating from Humes High School, Christian Brothers University, and Memphis State University with a Masters of Engineering. He worked for Firestone for 19 years in Memphis, three years in Akron, OH., and three years in Kenya, Africa. After retirement, he moved to Orange, working for JM Huber and Petrocon Engineering before retiring a second time in 2009.

As a young man, Joe was a Scout Master, received the Silver Award in Scouting and was in the Order of the Arrow Indian Dance Team. Joe was a City Council Member of Bridge City, a member of the Master Gardeners club, an active member of First Baptist Church, and was President of the Golden Harvest Group, planning and driving the bus for all outings and trips.

Joe met the love of his life, Lou Raburn, and settled in Bridge City, where they shared a beautiful 22 years together. Joe was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren, his friends and his church family. He loved working with his flowers and plants as well as fishing.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, brother, Charles Raburn, sister, Mona Bumbaugh, and second wife Beverly Wynns Raburn.

Those left to cherish him are his wife, Lou Brister Raburn; children Mike (Carolyn) Raburn of Memphis, and Vickie Raburn Leachman of Asheville, NC. Step children Rae (Bart) Wynns Stimpson of Millington, TN, Harold (Patsy) Brister of Orange, Edwin (Brenda) Brister of Deer Park, Pam (Bobby) Vincent, and Debbie Brister of Bridge City; brother in law, Edward (Barbara) Lockwood, and Judy Shaw Meany (Mother of his children) of Greenwood, SC. Joe also leaves 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many, many friends.

Pallbearers will be, Matthew Leachman, Shane Brister, Troy Brister, Michael Price, Timmy Price, Nathan Sims, Derin Sims, and Bret Chipman.

Honorary pallbearers are Chase Leger, Lester Saucier, and the Adult 7 Sunday School Class.

Flowers will be appreciated and can be sent to First Baptist Church of Bridge City, 200 West Round Bunch Road, Bridge City, Texas 77611, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church in honor of Joe Raburn’s life.