Karl F. Duerr, Jr.
Karl F. Duerr, Jr., 85, of Beaumont, passed away suddenly at peace and made his earthly transition on January 6, 2023 at Christus – St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. He was born on January 13, 1937, in Brenham, Texas.
At a young age, Karl, known as “Sonny”, developed a drive and passion for learning how things worked and understood the true depths of commitment and perseverance to accomplish his goals which lasted his entire life. He was steady in his commitments, devotion and drive to those things he cared about especially his son.
After graduating from Hamshire High School as valedictorian in 1956 he went on to attend Texas A&M College and at that time was required to participate in military training. His focus was aviation. His goals at such a young age were stunted with the sudden shock of his Dad’s passing under tragic circumstances. Karl returned home and devoted many years to the care of his grief-stricken mother.
He immediately went to work with an extraordinary drive and passion back in the Winnie, Texas rice fields where he worked in his youth, then to Texas Gas (Glenn McCarthy Plant), and onto Firestone without a pause or a moments rest while supplementing income and support of his mother and a new family.
In 1966, Karl would land an operator position with Mobil Chemical. In the early 70’s he would also obtain his broker license and split time with both industries building a successful career in both petro-chemical with Mobil moving up through the ranks and his own real estate business and passion for land. Mobil saw his passion, skills and knowledge, which positioned him to lead many new start up plants. Karl was instrumental in the beginnings of Mobil’s polyethylene plant on Hwy 90 and other successful plants in U.S. cities and Germany. Karl’s skills, knowledge and “safety first” management style was appreciated by leadership and celebrated by his employees. He received the first OSHA Star award in Washington D. C. on behalf of Mobil Corporation in 1987. Karl ultimately retired from Mobil in 1999 after 33 years of service.
Retirement was a launch into his full-time passion for real estate with his son, and more projects in which he continued until his last day on earth. In his personal, as well as professional life he was known for being diligent, organized, conscientious, and a perfectionist. When he started a project you could be assured all bases were covered and everything was in line.
He was an avid hunter most of his life. All his hunting expeditions were well organized and planned with as much work as a full time career. While hunting was a passion in his early years, the last few decades he has often said, “I don’t hunt anymore, I just enjoy watching the beauty of all these amazing creatures we live with.”
Karl married the love of his life Wanda Golden at St John’s Lutheran Church in June of 1961. They built a new home in Vidor, with young children Peggy and Ernie in tow, and continued building a family life. Their pride and joy arrived in 1966, a son, Karl Douglas. That same year Karl would move from Firestone to Mobil. Although Karl and Wanda’s marriage was long and fruitful they ultimately parted ways. Their later years with grandchildren from their life together were joyful and special.
Karl loved helping people get motivated and feeling cared for, whether it be a non-profit project, serving on boards and collecting gifts for good causes or having pep talks with those struggling to get on their feet. Ultimately, he was a devoted dad to Douglas. He always said, “Son, you’ve got the very best of both of us; your mom and I. I’m so proud.” Everyone knew how absolutely proud he was of his son’s accomplishments. Following in his father’s footsteps, his son had a successful career in real estate, but was ultimately most proud when his son began writing, becoming an author and entered the seminary to became an ordained minister. He loved referring to his son as a Reverend or “preacher man” and beamed when he spoke of Doug.
He had a goofy sense of humor, and was very thoughtful in his later years. Often utilizing the Daily Word® Magazinefrom Unity as inspiration. He wrote numerous letters and cards to friends and family on a regular basis. He was very interested in his history and legacy and always appreciated the strength of character he received from his parents and that it continued into the next generation. He cherished every moment with so many beloved friends and the fury one’s too, Sophie and Lucy, and the organizations he served including The 100 Club of Southeast Texas, Beaumont Police Advisory Council, Mobil Retirees Club, Gift of Life, YMBL, Independent Cattleman’s Association and Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation.
He was a proud, straightforward and devoted man. To know him, you would agree. One of his most admired U.S. presidents was Franklin D. Roosevelt, (FDR) who wrote; “In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice…the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man.”
He is survived by his only child, Rev. Karl Douglas Duerr, special love and appreciation go to Troy Trevino (who he considered his “other boy”), Marion Owers, granddaughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of wonderful friends, all of whom he treasured, also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl Sr. and Anita; former wife, Wanda Golden Duerr; stepchildren, Peggy and Ernie; brother, Lloyd (Butch) Duerr; and sister, Delores.
Karl and his son strongly suggest in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in his name to The 100 Club of Southeast Texas, PO Box 3405, Beaumont, Texas 77704; Meals on Wheels, 4590 Concord, Beaumont, Texas 77703; or contributions sent to “Duerr Bench” c/o Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home 111 S. Marageret Ave, PO Box 69, Kirbyville, TX 75956 to help fund a family memorial bench.
A gathering of Mr. Duerr’s family and friends will be from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 13, 2023, at Broussard’s, with his graveside service to follow at 2:30 p.m., at Kirbyville Cemetery, Kirbyville.
During this season of healing with added respect for those with health challenges and our aging population masks are recommended, but not required. We want you safe. Karl said “safety first.”
As a survivor of more than 13 years he knew this all too well. Please be mindful of personal space and greetings to keep everyone healthy and safe.
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- January 12, 2023
- 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- January 13, 2023
- 11:00 am
Graveside Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- January 13, 2023
- 2:30 pm
I’ve known Mr. Duerr since 2010. He has been the same kind man all these years. We have had many conversations about life, family, and our respective careers. He was like family and will be sorely missed. My prayers are with Rev. Doug Duerr in this time of bereavement.
I’m so grateful for our long friendship and I am so sorry for your loss, praying for healing during this difficult time for you and all the family… ♥️
Thank you. I appreciate your kindness and years of friendship.
Thank you for checking in and always being available to me.
We were in Hi school together. We were always friends and we shared many good times such as getting stuck on Highway 73 before it was completed. We girls stayed in the car giggling while Karl and two of our friends had to walk about a mile or so ,through the mud, wake up a man, who then had to go get his tractor out of his shed, and drive himself and the boys ( on the tractor)
to where we were in the stuck car, all the while getting us girls home before curfue. We had so many good laughs over that little episode as we did all through out the years. RIP my dear friend.
May cherished memories comfort you in they days, weeks, and months to come. May you carry your father’s love for eternity. Sharing prayers for you and all who know and love your father.
Doug…Your Dad my cousin always called us his dear cousins…we have great memories of Sonny because each time he came to Brenham he always came for a visit, we had a wonderful meal and would sit at the table and talk/talk. We are sad at his passing and I know you are sad too. We will miss his phone calls and letters and his special card he shared with us at Christmas. Please know that You are in our prayers for comfort.
Dear Doug, so sorry to hear of your beloved Dad’s passing. May your many precious memories bring you comfort. Prayers to you and your loved ones during this tender time. Blessings, Bernadette
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Thoughts and prayers with family and friends.
Doug, I was so very sorry to here about your sweet Dads passing.
I’ve known your father for years and as he retired and got older we saw each other a lot, and shared a laugh or two.
I always enjoyed seeing him coming though the OPP, and stopping by my desk, and hearing “hey pretty lady”, and grabbing coffee as he left.
Doug he was very proud of you and his face absolutely lit up every time he said your name!!
Prayers to you Troy and your sweet family.
I met Karl years ago when I worked for the bank. Then worked with him on the Beaumont Police Citizens Advisory Board. Prayers for the family. RIP sir….you will be missed.
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Karl over the past 14 years as his dental hygienist. We would have wonderful conversations about hunting and all sorts of other interesting things. I always looked forward to seeing him. He was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed.
Such a kind man, with such an amazing heart. He always had a smile for you, and a sweet hug. His passion for real estate & desire to educate himself was so inspiring. We attended classes as recently as just a few months ago. Rest easy, sweet Mr. Karl.
Carl leaves shoes that I am not sure anyone will be able to fill. He certainly will be missed in the Independent Cattle Association. If he believed in the organization he gave 300%. He had that very special personality where he could call you by name when he only met you once briefly! Such a kind and personable soul. See you one day my friend..
You know who you’re true friends are when challenging times arise. Karl was a true friend. Karl Duerr represented how a man of integrity and honor should live every single day of his life. Rest In Peace my friend. There are not many in this world like Karl Duerr. You will never be forgotten.
I am really going to miss my buddy Karl. He was one of the kindest, most thoughtful men I know. I and several other people who knew him tried to get him to slow down, but that just wasn’t to be. He seemed to want to live life all the way to the end, doing as much as he could. Soar with the angels now, Karl. I love you, sweet friend.
Thank you for your kindness and friendship. Your friendship has made a difference in dad‘s life. Blessings ????????
Thank you, Doug.
Mr. Duerr was not only a client but a friend of over 20 years. A big hearted man who truly cared for everyone, he will be missed greatly. I just saw him a couple of months ago when he stopped by my office to check in on us.. a soda, a cookie and a hug and he was on his way.. God Bless you Doug, he loved you much! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
You Gave me a big smile, I totally understand how he would stop by get a treat, cookie, hug and a good chat too! Thank you ????????
He will be missed, always enjoyed talking to him when he was in the Winnie area checking on his land. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Thank you!
Mr. Duerr will be missed. RIP many prayers
Thank you.
Hate to hear about Karl Passing.
He was a wonderful man, he loved our Community, BPD, 100Club .
Karl was always So Nice to me and everyone.
I will miss him and his wisdom.
Gods Peace To His Soul And Comfort To His Family, Friends, and Communinty..????????
My Condolences
Rodney
Karl was a co-worker at Mobil Chemical, a neighbor and a friend. He helped me to dispose of my father’s tools after he passed away. I really appreciated his help.
Rest in the loving arms of our Savior my dearest friend. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Karl was an awesome man who cared greatly for others. I had so much respect for him and it always made my day getting to visit with him. One of the best.