Lew Cary “Poncho” Russell, Jr.

Lew Cary “Poncho” Russell, Jr. (Pawpaw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren) went home to be with his Savior Jesus Christ and his beloved wife, Patti, on Friday, December 3, 2021. Born on August 24, 1930, to Lew Cary Russell, Sr. and Rose Catherine Hebert Russell, Poncho was the oldest of five children and was a proud resident of Beaumont, Texas, almost his entire life.

Poncho attended St Anthony High School and Lamar University, where he played football and basketball. He held fond memories of football season at Lamar and reunions with the team over the years. During the Korean War, Poncho was a Navy Corpsman and met his wife Patti, then a nursing student, at a surgery they were both present for at Hotel Dieu. They were married in Eunice, Louisiana in 1954 and started their life together in Beaumont where they had three children, Cary, Lisa and Leah. Poncho was a successful insurance agent, helping many people throughout his long career.

Poncho was a huge sports fan, especially of his Dallas Cowboys. It was a safe bet that the television on Shelly Drive would always be tuned into a football game or that night’s episode of Wheel of Fortune, which Poncho never missed. He also enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casino and was known to have a lucky streak more often than not. He was a devoted father and grandfather, attending all of his children and grandchildren’s sporting and dance events. He and Patti were also very involved at St Anthony Cathedral Basilica, where Poncho was a lector and Eucharistic minister. He was an active supporter of his alma mater, helping to found the St Anthony Cathedral Basilica School Foundation.

Poncho is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Patti. He is survived by his children, Lew Cary Russell III and his wife, Mary; Lisa Teague and her husband, Baron; and Leah Russell; grandchildren, Lew Cary Russell IV and his wife, Holly; Cory Russell and his wife, CiCi; Victoria Teague and her husband, Bryan; Mackenzie Teague; and Elizabeth Teague; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Lew, Malley, and GiGi; and sisters, Betty Sue “Susie” Russell and Catherine “Teeny” Zoch.

A gathering of Mr. and Mrs. Russell’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Their Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School Foundation, 850 Forsythe, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event, you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.