Craig Dentler Pemberton
Craig Dentler Pemberton, 74, of Sour Lake, died Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He was born December 14, 1949 in Houston, Texas, to Eloise Dentler and Charles Pemberton.
Neighborhood mischief, summer little- league, vacations at his grandmother’s bay house, countless hunting trips with his dad and later with his two boys provided memories for a lifetime.
Craig’s family moved to Beaumont, Texas when he was young. He often shared memories of growing up on 21st Street – this is also where he met his good friend, Kyle Yeates, who introduced him to baseball. Over the years Craig became a troublesome southpaw to his opponents; a talent that enabled him to walk on at Louisiana State University. Too many LSU baseball stories to count.
Aside from baseball, his passions included dove hunting, the Spanish language and spending time with friends and family. After a decade owning and operating a customs brokerage business in Brownsville, Texas, he moved his family back to his hometown, Beaumont.
Back in Beaumont, Craig found himself giving his boys a similar childhood to his own with afternoons spent dove hunting and little league teams.
In 2010 Craig became a grandfather. He embraced the role by spoiling his granddaughter with gifts, working in Spanish vocabulary during conversations and keeping tabs on her academic and athletic achievements. He married Cindy Sigur later in life, noting her as the “love of his life”. He cherished his lifelong friends and jumped at the opportunity to have lunches with Steve Peyton, John Reimers, Casey Matthews, and Steve Watson.
Craig retired a Spanish teacher, closing out his life immersed in Spanish, with a dove field always minutes away, and next door to his beloved LSU. Though he battled a crippling disease, he chose to never disclose his illness – instead maintaining the focus on the moment and time he had with each person.
Craig’s story has a happy ending. He managed to make each chapter of his life better than the one before. He died in the comfort of his own home with family at his bedside, while knowing that his legacy will live on through the values he instilled in his sons.
Those that knew Craig will remember him as an amazing athlete, quick witted, and most importantly always kind.
Survivors include his wife, Cindy Pemberton; sons, Travis Pemberton and his wife, Amanda Buie, and Peyton Pemberton; sister, Paige Windham; stepsons, Ryan Sigur and his wife, Melinda; and Matthew Sigur and his wife, Jessica; grandchildren, Simi Pemberton, Bentley Sigur, Wyatt Sigur, and Harper Sigur.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Morris Windham; nephew, Parker Windham.
His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Played softball with Craig in Brownsville. Very good Athlete and a really good guy. RIP old friend and my condolences to the family. Randy Davis
A true friend to many of us at LSU. A crafty left- hander who threw strikes. We made some great memories in Baton Rouge.
RIP “Coombs”
Your friend,
Doc
Craig was the ultimate nice guy. Loved by everyone on his LSU baseball teams. A brilliant ‘lefty’ that was very successful in the competitive SEC! What a great friend and person. We will miss you Craig,
Mike & Marla Nunally
Rest in peace, Craig.
Sending my sincerest sympathy to all of Craig’s family.
A salute tomy buddy,Craig on our 64 year friendship!
From Sept 1960 at Longfellow Elementary School, to riding our bikes to the Gaylynn Theater, toCarnation ice cream parlor,to Splidletop Little League.
On to Austin Junior High, discovering girls,to Beaumont High School days, road trips to the beach(authorized & not authorized by ourparents).
On to college, being in each others weddings, having kids then grandkids, to solving”the woes of the World” at Sertino’s over lunch.
Thanks for your friendship & the memories !
Your Bud, John Reimers
Truly a good guy. We have lost one of the best.
Fair winds and a following sea to you sir, it was my honor to know you…
Rest in peace longtime friend. You didn’t mention his love of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Almost everyday at lunch I remember him eating them throughout schools in Beaumont.
Billy and I were so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. We had many good times in Blanco at Charlie and Mom’s lavender farm. Craig and Billy shared many baseball stories and how they played on opposing teams. He was always so much fun to be around. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Dionne & Billy Fontenot
My heart is truly heavy hearing of Craig’s passing. My prayers are with his family and friends. I met Craig in grade school and he was my first “true love”. I cherish the memories of riding my bike to his house on 21st St. And playing like kids did back then. And many wonderful memories with Craig throughout our early life. He will always be in my heart.
Sincere sympathy to Cindy and family and to Paige. May God keep you and comfort you at this time.Sandy & Joseph
Rest in Peace my dear friend. You will always be remembered for your kindness and beautiful smile. 🙏🏻💙
May you Rest in Peace, Craig!
We enjoyed many good times with you & your family when ya’ll lived in Brownsville!
I’ll always remember your beautiful smile and how kind you were. My heart goes out to your family and friends. You left us too soon.