Dennis “Peyank” J. Hebert

Dennis “Peyank” J. Hebert, 93, of Winnie, formerly of Port Arthur, passed peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly father, early Monday morning, November 6, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 5, 1924, in Port Arthur, to Lorena Chargois Hebert and Adolphe “Dub” Hebert.

Born and raised in Pear Ridge, not far from Kolb’s Crossing, he attended both Catholic and public schools. He was seventeen when WWII called, and he served in the calvary, guarding the shores, on horseback. Soon, he was transferred into the US Coast Guard, and found himself on the USCGC Bittersweet, in the Bering Sea, part of the crew of a weather ship. When his tour was complete, he returned to Port Arthur, and started working at Gulf Oil Corporation. He, along with a handful of returning veterans were allowed to complete their high school education, while working full time, at the refinery. He was a proud 1947 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. Somehow, he found time to be the town marshal of Pear Ridge and tagged along with the Jefferson county sheriff department. He even joined the Naval reserve upon returning from his WW II tour.

In 1950, he met and married Edith Mauldin Hebert. Six weeks after marrying, he was again called up to serve his country, for two years, for the Korean Conflict. He was in Korea, when he was injured and became a disabled veteran, recovering in Guam, before returning to Port Arthur, Edith and family life.

In 1985, he retired from Gulf Oil Corporation, after 42 1/2 years of service, working in operations, as area supervisor on the alkylation units.

After retirement, he began a hobby of gardening. Not the average small garden, more on the lines of a truck farm. He would give most of what he grew away, to benefits and fund raisers. When physical limitations prevented him from farming, he focused on feeding the birds. Everyone would hold their bread to give, so that the doves would have something to eat that day.

He loved cajun music, crawfish, boudain balls and even an occasional Bud Light. He enjoyed a good joke, and still spoke Cajun, when the time was right. He looked forward to an afternoon of Bubba Brown, and the Country store, for a chance to add to his stuffed animal collection. He was a proud Cajun, that delighted in telling family history stories, especially about New Iberia and Jean Lafitte’s second and third in command.

He was known by many titles, Peyank, D.J., Dennis, Running Bear, the bird man and even Mr. Green Onions. But the one he liked best was Dad. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Dennis is survived by daughters, Cindy Hebert, of Winnie; and Teri Sluss and her husband, Bob, of Wabash, Indiana; granddaughters, Monique Holmes, of Vidor and Scarlett Holmes Foster, of Houston; grandsons, Jack Wayne Russell and his wife, Angela, of Kennebunk, Maine; and Damon Holmes, of San Antonio; great-granddaughter, Makayla Holmes, of Vidor and Hayley Davis of Houston; brother, Horace J. Hebert and his wife, Billie, of Port Arthur; two nephews; three nieces; family friend, Lisa Ducher of Houston and many other friends and family members.

He was preceded in death by parents; wife of fifty-four years, Edith Mauldin Hebert; son, Roger J. Hebert; sister, Myrtle Hebert; brothers, Morris J. Hebert; Murphy P. Hebert; Melvin J. Hebert; Johnny W. Gaudet; nephews, Wayne Hebert, Paul Hebert, Glenn Hebert; and Donald Russell; and nieces, Jacquelyn Mauldin McKinney and Debbie Russell.

A special thanks to Dr. Boutte for the care given to Dad through the years and especially the last week of Dad’s life. She went above and beyond what was expected, and it is appreciated.

Memorial contributions for Mr. Hebert may be made to Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group, P.O. Box 12352, Beaumont, Texas 77726.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with his Rosary recited at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2017, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2017, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves.