Floyd Walter “Walt” Rathbun

Floyd Walter “Walt” Rathbun, Jr., of Beaumont, died Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Christus Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth. He was born May 18, 1943, in Glen Dale, West Virginia, to Vaughn and Floyd Rathbun, Sr.

Walt served as a Colonel in the Army from 1962-68, as well as flying helicopters and training new pilots. Afterwards, he received his BS Degree in Space Technology.  In his career, Mr. Rathbun served in the Morgan City Police Department and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff Department. He retired from Gallatin Independent Schools in Tennessee in 2005 as an IT specialist. After moving to Texas in 2012, he volunteered at the Humane Society of Southeast Texas and was a member of the ASPCA Animal Emergency Rescue Team.

Walt and his wife enjoyed hosting foreign exchange students and shared their love with foster children, hosting over 50 exchange students and 25 foster children.

He is survived by his wife, Audine Rathbun of Beaumont; daughters, Victoria Rathbun of Shelbyville, Tennessee, Neki Rathbun of Louisiana; nephew, David Rathbun and wife, Mechelle, of Denham Springs, Louisiana.

Walt is preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Rathbun; parents, Floyd and Vaughn Rathbun; brother, Lewis Rathbun; and sister, Lenora Rathbun.

A gathering of Mr. Rathbun’s family and friends will be at 10:30 a.m., with his memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 12, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 1985 Louisiana Street, Nome, Texas.

Mr. Rathbun’s cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.