Richard Vernon Way, Sr.

Richard Vernon Way, Sr., 75, of Nederland, died Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Christus Dubuis Hospital of Beaumont. He was born August 27, 1945, in Beacon, New York to Margie Evelyn Blair Way and Vernon Earl Way.

Richard may be gone, but his sarcasm, sense of humor and trademark stubbornness will never be forgotten. Famously opinionated, quick-witted, and funny, Richard could tell an inappropriate joke at the most inappropriately perfect time.

He attended Beacon High School and graduated in 1963. Richard also attended Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was a lifetime member of Beacon Engine Company #1.

Richard wore many hats—he was an entrepreneur, owning Wash on Wheels and he also worked for H& R Block as District Manager before he retired. In his younger years, he worked for his brother John, delivering milk, although he wasn’t particularly fond of this job in the cold New York winters.

He despised diet Pepsi, know-it-alls who talk too much, telemarketers (who sometimes got more than they bargained for when they called), leaves in his swimming pool, and being told what to do.

But he had many loves, too.  He loved his wife, Elaine fiercely, and always put her first. He also dearly loved his children and grandchildren, who he spoiled rotten every chance he could. He took extreme pride in all seven of his grandchildren who in turn, adored their grandfather. They were the apple of his eye, and he bragged on them anytime he could to anyone that would listen.

He also loved casino trips, smoking meat on his pit for family and friends, his mom’s apple roll, Roy Orbosin, and sitting on the front porch. He shared his love of the Beatles by teaching his youngest grandchildren at a very early age all the words to ‘Rocky Racoon.’

Richard never held back his opinion, and always told you the truth, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. He was extremely generous, even up to a few days before he passed, when he adamantly told his children he wanted to buy lunch for the staff at Christus Dubuis Hospital, because he greatly appreciated them, as do his wife and children.

He handled most of life’s hardships with grace, humor, a shrug of the shoulders and insurmountable strength. He believed in hard work and taught this to his children. He showed his family how much he loved them not necessarily by saying it, but by being there for anything we ever needed, no matter what it required of him. His feistiness and stubbornness served him well throughout his life. Even in his last days, he was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many friends, neighbors, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Way, of Nederland; Richard Way, Jr., of Beaumont; John Way II and wife, Darlene, of Mont Belvieu; and Angela Fanette and husband, Darin, of Nederland; grandchildren, Lauren Fanette; Anthony Fanette; Andrew Fanette; Natalie Way; John Robert Way; Joseph Way; and Jacob Way; brother, John Way; sisters, Carol Sneyd, Midge May, and Rhonda Wroblewski; and friend, Rick Lee.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Margie and Vernon Way; and son, Joseph Angelo Way.

Cremation arrangements for Mr. Way will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.