sonny makin

Arthur Storey “Sonny” Makin III of Stowell passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017. Sonny was born January 20, 1943 to Mary Stephens Makin and Arthur Storey Makin II, in Birmingham Alabama.  During his youth, the family lived in Delaware and South Carolina before settling in Beaumont.

Sonny was a 1961 graduate of Beaumont High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Lamar University in 1971. The leadership and guidance Sonny was taught in the Boy Scouts set the path needed for him as he proudly served his country in the armed services.  Sonny joined the Marines in 1961 and from that time forward thru the rest of his life to anyone that asked him if he was a Marine he would respond “No, I am a Marine”.

Sonny was always on the go donating his time to multiple organizations which he was a member of or just a volunteer which included the YMBL and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He contributed to multiple organizations and charities, always wanting to give back to the youth and community. He was always on the go and loved to make multiple trips to the store or just to run errands for whoever needed them done.  Behind his rugged demeanor there was a loving, caring heart ready to help anyone in need.

Sonny loved to be outdoors playing a round of golf, hunting, riding along the beach or just sitting on the patio with a cold Miller Lite. He was a “Top Notch” bull rider and loved the sport.  He was a true “Cowboy” and absolutely loved watching a good John Wayne movie.  While on the rodeo circuit he made many lifelong friends and no matter when or where you ran into Sonny he was always wearing a hat.  

He worked for Winnie Welding Services for the last twenty-three years and to anyone that asked Chris what does your husband do, she would respond “He is an Entertainer!!!” He loved his job, “Entertaining” his customers and “His Winnie Welding Family”.   

My Big Brother! He was a brother to all. My Big Brother was larger than life!

Although I was taller, weighed more and was bigger…. I gave him shirts a size too large his entire life…. because in my mind he was bigger than the physical.

If half of his BS was true…. he lived a good life. My children loved their Uncle Sonny…. he was there when I wasn’t.

He made me a better man! He taught me many things.  He threw darts at me to teach me nerve and not to be afraid of pain!

I will miss My Big Brother so much. We, all of his brothers, will miss him.  A good life lived!

Ronny

I am writing this with a heavy heart because one of my best friends and most influential people in my life is now gone.  

Anybody that knows Sonny’s and my relationship can tell you it started out Rocky to say the least. We won’t talk about that, what we can talk about is the undying commitment he had for me and my Mother. 

Sonny never gave up on me and I gave him every reason to for the longest time but he never did. He was the main and foremost reason for the change I made in my life over the last eight years and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Scott Wilder

Survivors include his wife of twenty-seven years, Chris Makin of Stowell, Children Sarah Craigen and husband Chad of Fannett and Scott Wilder of Winnie. He was “Papaw Sonny” to grandchildren Garett Wilder, Brittlyn Craigen, Baileigh Craigen, Bradon Craigen, Trace Wilder and Rae’ Lynn Wilder.  He was “Bubba” to brother and sisters James R Makin and his wife Lynda Kay, Emily Steward and her husband Ronnie, Ginny Mott and Sandy Straub and her husband Rick.  He is also survived by his Mother in Law and Father in Law, Runt and Nell Loftin of Toledo Bend and numerous nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Sonny”; and many, many friends.

A gathering reception of Mr. Makin’s family and friends will begin at 3:00 p.m., with a celebration of his life at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Winnie-Stowell Community Building, 1301 Park Street, Winnie, Texas. A private committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium.

Donations may be made in Mr. Makin’s name to the American Cancer Society, #4 Bayou Brandt, Suite B, Beaumont, Texas 77704. Those who would prefer to send floral tributes, please send green plants.