Lionel “Butch” Arsement Jr.
Lionel “Butch” Arsement Jr., son of Lionel Joseph Arsement Sr. and Evelyn Mae Wagner, passed away peacefully on the night of November 17th, 2025, at Baylor St. Luke’s Hospital, after putting up a good, stubborn fight against a failing heart for two full weeks. He was 79 years old, born on Christmas Eve of 1945, a fitting arrival for a man who brought warmth, humor, and an unmistakable spark into every room he entered.
Butch is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carolyn Arsement, who faithfully stood by his side through every adventure, every challenge, and every joke he insisted on repeating. He also leaves behind his daughter, Michelle Gillette and her husband, Chuck, and son, Brent Arsement and his wife, Stacie—each of whom carries a piece of his quick wit and generous heart. He is further survived by his sister, Judy Radcliff, and her husband, Pat, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and his cherished Rockin’ A family.
His love lives on in his grandchildren:
Tara Graham (husband Derek), Brendan Gillette, Jakob Arsement (wife Grace), Zackery Arsement (wife Kera), and Sarah Klussmann (husband Thomas).
And in his great-grandchildren:
Tristan Pierson, Kane Graham, Jenson Gillette, Atlas Graham, Samuel Arsement, Charlie Klussmann, Mercy Arsement, and one on the way. Each of whom brought him immeasurable joy—and provided plenty of fresh material for his stories.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Dian Vickers and Jeanelle Street.
A proud member of the Nederland High School Class of 1964, Butch spent his life working hard, dreaming big, and feeding both stomachs and spirits. He was the former owner of Price and Company, and later opened Rockin’ A Café, his version of a “retirement” plan. There, he shared his love of food with the community, greeting patrons with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything—often making his rounds just to swap stories, check on folks, and deliver a punchline or two. Customers quickly became friends, and friends often became family.
Butch was a man of many interests and even more opinions. He loved tending to his cattle, cheering for his racehorses, placing a friendly sports bet (or a not-so-friendly one, depending on the score), scrolling TikTok with surprising proficiency for someone his age, and dominating solitaire like it was an Olympic sport. Through it all, he remained a loving provider—full of stories, jokes, wisdom, and a generosity that touched countless lives.
To know Butch was to be blessed by his kindness, his laughter, and his way of making everyone feel like they belonged at his table. His legacy is one of love, family, hard work, and the kind of humor that could lift even the heaviest hearts.
He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished by the many people whose lives he brightened.
A graveside service for the family will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, 618 Block Street, Port Neches.
All are invited to a Celebration of Life following at 4:00 pm at Rockin’ A Café, 3520 West Cardinal Drive, Beaumont.
Celebration of Life
Rockin’ A Café
- 3520, West Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77705,
- November 23, 2025
- 4:00 pm
Met Carolyn when she had her flower shop years ago. Did not know Butch until I ate at Rock’n A and so happy to see her and meet Butch. We try our best to eat there weekly and Butch was always greeting folks if not tied up in the kitchen. So sorry for your loss Carolyn. Our prayers are with you and your family members. He certainly will be missed.
I met Butch when I was a salesman calling on Price & Company. He was always friendly, kind, and caring. .A really good man.
Butch was my boss at Price and Company when it was on Houston Avenue in Port Arthur. Mr &Mrs Price was both still alive, worked with Judy also. Loved going eat at restaurant he will be greatly missed RIP Butch! Linda Prioux
Loved Butch and thoroughly enjoyed every visit with him including playing golf together back in the day.
Condolences, peace, and love to the whole Arsement family.
Rest in peace my friend!
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother,Judy. My condolences to you and his family.
My father Cedric stout worked for price and company for many years when owned by walter price family and Butch! He and Butch were like father and son.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. He was a wonderful man
This one is such a tough loss for all of us at ExxonMobil. Butch was so loved by us and we felt loved by him. He saved the day so many times catering our events, no matter how big or small or last minute. He always came through. I will miss not getting to hear “Hey Baby” anymore from him. ❤️
Butch was our hero!!! A self made man that was successful and helped our area in so many ways. We ate in his restaurant so many times that we knew him like family and we will miss him forever. His hobbies alone would wear most men out and his work energy was endless. One of a kind amazing man. Condolences to his great family and employees.
Butch was a character and will be missed. Rockin’A was in the rotation for our Thursday Lunch Bunch. Always enjoyed the chicken fried steak plus the other sides. We always wonder why he did not charge for rice so we asked him one day. He looked at us like we were crazy and said something like this, “Cajuns do not charge for rice, it is in the Cajun Bible.”
RIP Butch,
Bill, Chip, David, Kacy, Pat, and Terry, the Thursday Lunch Bunch
Butch was a member of our 3 man golf group for over 20 years. He was always in good spirits (except for that occasional rotten shot). Good times at the Beaumont Country Club and our many golf trips. He was a character like I’ve never seen before and will be sorely missed!
Thoughts and prayers to Carolyn and all the Family
People like Mr. Butch make the world a better place!
Thank you for your kindness!
You are so missed!
We ate at Rockin A about 3 weeks ago. My husband knew Butch and he stopped at our table and visited for at least 15 minutes. They had many laughs as they reminisced. Our deepest sympathy for all of the family.
My sincere condolences for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. I have fond remembrance of Butch and I know that you will miss him terribly. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
This world has lost a great man!
Heaven’s gain!
Sincere condolences to Carolyn, Judy and Butch’s whole family!
You all will be in our prayers as you all adjust to life without this great man.
Sincerely,
Mary Anne and Ed Bellow
Prayers for Carolyn and family. Butch will be greatly missed, Dad and I had a lot of great times with Butch and his racehorses. Dad thought the world of Butch.
Carolyn, Michelle, and Brent, we are so sorry to hear about BUTCH. I feel like we are family. You and your family are in our THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. We spent many years in 4-H and THE FAIR. WE LOVE THIS BEAUTIFUL FAMILY .RIP SWEET BUTCH😇🌹🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
One of the finest men I’ve ever known, Butch will be sorely missed. He touched many lives including my own. I will always cherish our 40 year friendship and the countless stories and tall tales that went with them. Look out heaven you’ve got your hands full!
For Judy- I cannot imagine how it feels to be the only one left of your loving & extra special nuclear family. Beyond lonesome I assume, as only others in your position can understand. You and your extended family are in my heart.
Butch was a longtime friend. I was a sales rep for Nabisco and called on him when he owned Price’s Cash & Carry. I opened up ABC Discount Rentals and he Rockin A Cafe. We worked countless jobs together. My heart is broken. My prayers are with all of the family and employees.
Carolyn it was so good seeing you a few weeks ago. Im so srry for your loss you and your family are in my prayers please call me when u have time… pris Lejeune
I am so sad to hear of Butch’s passing. Just loved him – he was one of the good guys. Always a pleasure to work with him on events. He was always honest, fair and made some darn good food! Sending condolences and prayers for peace and comfort to Carolyn and the entire family (including the Rock’n A family). Rest in Peace my friend!
Mr. Butch was a person you always wanted to converse with. He was kind, generous, funny, and just the perfect gentleman. I will miss his “hey baby” when he knew who was on the other end of a phone call – I called to get a quote or place an order.
His daughter was as beautiful and kind as her dad.
Sending prayers and love to his family from my family.
I am saying prayer for all family and friends. Butch was a great guy and I always enjoyed our conversations about horses. God has a special helper in heaven now.
Butch always had such a good spirit and kind words. Never, ever met a stranger. I will miss his “Hey baby” reply to my phone call when ordering lots of meals. My heart breaks for his family.
Carolyn, Michelle, Brent and family,
I am so sad to hear this news of Butch.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judi Benoit
I can’t remember when I didn’t know Butch. He not only was a classmate but also a Sunday school classmate. His parents taught the Sunday school class at one point in time, and they held the best parties for us at their beautiful home. Butch was everything that others have mentioned, and he learned it from his sweet loving family.
Praying for your strength to carry on without Butch. So very loved by all who knew him.
Our condolences to the family.
I am so sorry to hear this! Prayers for all his family! ❤️
Mr. Butch will be missed sorely. Seems like my whole career is wrapped with Butch’s retirement place. He never turned us down, shut the doors or was too busy to provide warm meals and breakfast for all of us at ExxonMobil. I met Janelle and was her best Knitting buddy many years before Butch. But this whole family is a special one. You are missed and will be missed each day.
Butch was a great Guy. As one of the members of Nederland 1964, he was always involved in our reunions and made everyone feel at home! He will be missed by all his class members and many others! My prayers and love to Carolyn and his family! He’ll always be in our hearts!
Our prayers and sympathy to Carolyn and family.
Such a sweet man and you could taste the love in his food. Used him many times for business caterings. Such an awesome man. RIP Butch.
I can write a book about this guy Mr Butch. So kind hearted down to earth and caring for everyone that walked through those doors at Rockin A cafe. I was blessed with the opportunity of meeting Mr Butch when I booked and planned my sister’s wedding at the Rockin A venue and let me say I couldn’t have worked with a better person than Mr Butch. To his family, my sincere heartfelt and deepest condolences to you all but know this , “To be absent from the world is to be present with the Lord. Rest now Mr Butch, your labor is over.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🩷🩷🩷
My condolences and prayers are with his family. He was a great man and will truly be missed.
Sending prayers and condolences for Ms. Carolyn and the family of Butch. He was a shining star to so many people and will be remembered as a great man. Anytime I would call his cell with a last minute lunch delivery, he would say “what you need baby girl”. Rest easy my friend!
Was so blessed to have known him. Will be forever thankful to have gotten to know him and join his family. Such a hard working man.
Going to miss ya Butch What a great man, neighbor and friend RIP
So many people are going to be missing this guy. Me for one. The world just doesn’t feel right without him in it. Memories of him will live on in our hearts Little brother, you should have stayed forever. ❤️✝️💔
Rest peacefully Butch. You will be truly missed by all. I’m blessed to have met you while still living in Texas.
Positive thoughts and prayers to the entire family
So sorry for the loss of Butch. He was a one of a kind. He was always so generous and helped our Bmt Bkfst Lions Club many many times. We will miss his smiling face and booming personality. Prayers for the family. Peace be with each one of you.
I was saddened to read about Mr. Butch. He was a man of love, happiness and straight-forward. I met him and his wife years ago when I worked for a linen company. His food was amazing and Ms. Carolyn’s cinnamon rolls well they were not for those on diets or had diabetes.
Praying for Ms. Carolyn and family. Mr. Butch you will be missed.
Butch was a great friend of Billy’s. Loved to play golf with him. God bless!
Carolyn and family, our hearts and prayers are with you always. Thanks so much for sharing Butch with us through the years, we love you all. Such a ray of light he shined on the world.