Clyde Defrates, Jr.
Clyde Defrates, Jr. was born October 10, 1925, to Clyde and Alma Rothman Defrates in Port Arthur, Texas. He passed away peacefully December 16, 2025, in his apartment in Houston.
Clyde was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Arthur, on October 25, 1925. He was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran and St. John’s Lutheran Church, both in Beaumont.
Clyde graduated early from Thomas Jefferson in Port Arthur so he could enlist in the US Army. In February 1944, he joined the 8th Army Air Corps as a ball turret (belly) gunner on a B17. He was based in England and flew 33 missions over Germany on the Mississippi Miss. He and his entire crew returned safely from each of those missions, including missions over Berlin.
After the war in 1949, Clyde married Marilyn Kieschnick. They were married for 61 years.
After getting married, Clyde started his studies using the GI Bill. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1954 with a degree in Civil Engineering.
The family settled in Groves later moving to Beaumont while he worked for the Texas Highway Department. He retired from there in 1980 and began a second career with a contract engineering and construction company.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, bingo, puzzles, and watching his family grow. He loved his family deeply and enjoyed every opportunity to share time with them. Clyde will be remembered for his witty humor, growing bluebonnets, his faith, and always wanting to win at cards and dominos.
For his 100th birthday in October, he had two big celebrations with family and friends at Parkway Place. For this achievement, he received honors from the State of Texas as well as the United States Congress.
He is survived by his children, Kathy Flynn and husband, Patrick; Janet Dunlap and husband, Ernest; and Gregory Defrates and wife, Dina; his grandchildren, Bryan and wife, Amanda; Kevin; Angela and husband, John; Jessica; and Katelyn and husband, Austin; and great-grandchildren, Julia and Jack.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy; and his wife, Marilyn Kieschnick.
Memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Children’s Center, 4330 Crow Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706, or a charity of one’s choice.
A gathering of Mr. Defrates’ family and friends will be from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Haven of Rest Cemetery, 3851 US-90, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Winnie
- 134, Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- December 19, 2025
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Graveside Service
Haven of Rest Cemetery
- 13851, U.S. 90, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- December 19, 2025
- 2:00 pm
Now that some time has passed, I wanted to say a formal public farewell to the last of the “Greatest Generation” in my family. Uncle Clyde personified that generation and leaves those behind with a legacy of integrity and character that we can only hope to live up to in part. To my dear cousins, I send love and support in the weeks, months and years to come.
Sad to hear of Mr. Defrates passing.
A kind, quiet soul with a smile always to greet us. He and Mrs. Marilyn were kinda our pew partners at Redeemer.
Mr. Clyde it was a true honor to work with such a wonderful person. Your spirit will always shine bright like the stars in the sky. You will be missed dearly. I LOVE YOU FOREVER ♥️♥️♥️♥️ Rest In Paradise
My friend you will truly be missed. I’ll miss our puzzle times, taking you to bingo.I’ll miss kissing your forehead before I left you at night. I’ll miss telling you I love you and then you would tell me ” you got to love me because you keep coming back to take care of me”. I’ll miss you telling everyone if they stayed to long ” I’ll see you next time”. I would be laughing so hard and thinking is he really putting us out. Papa bear you are resting now . Your puzzle is completed now. Rest on my friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how much your dad meant to Evelyn and Lou. My sympathy to you and your family. I still have the birds he made for us. I was glad I had the honor of meeting your dad. Take care of yourselves at this difficult time.
Dear Jan, Ernie and family! It’s never easy to say good-bye to a beloved parent, but we know so many beautiful memories of “Dad” will give you comfort in the days ahead. May you feel joy through those memories and the peace that passes all understanding from our Lord and Savior! God bless you and your entire family. Love and hugs, Sande and John ❤️
He definitely got the full ride.
Mr. Clyde had a wonderful full life. A blessing he made it to 100! Wow! What a wonderful gentlemen!
Karen & Kent Womack