Paul Dudley Behrens

Paul Dudley Behrens of Beaumont passed away on August 15, 2023, in Beaumont, Texas, just shy of his 100^th birthday. He was born on August 28, 1923, in San Saba, Texas, to Fritz Henry Behrens and Mayme McNair Behrens.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert “Bob” Behrens; his loving wife of seventy years, Maurine Ener Behrens of Beaumont; and their daughter, Barbara Galloway of Hemphill. He is survived by their other two children: Beth Christal of Buda and Paul “P.D.” Behrens Jr. and his wife, Tanya, of Beaumont. Paul was known as “Daddy Paul” to his seven grandchildren: Stacy Johnson and her husband, Edward; Marc Christal and his wife, Jessica; Shelby Lopez and her husband, Ram; Brady Behrens and his wife, Janaye; Samantha Templeton and her husband, Josh; Shay Galloway and his wife, Cheyenne; Sophie Galloway; and twelve great-grandchildren: Grayson Johnson, Parker and Vivienne Christal, Emory, Ramsey, and Brenham Lopez, Paul, Sarabeth, Grant, and Lucy Behrens, Gabriel and Samuel Templeton. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Paul’s father was a horseman who raised their family on various ranches throughout Central Texas. Paul graduated from Arlington Heights high school in Fort Worth, Texas at the age of fifteen. After joining the Navy, Paul’s exceptional mind was recognized by selection for the V-12 Navy College Training Program. He was sent to Rice University and later the University of Texas, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Paul was a proud graduate of UT. He was often seen wearing burnt orange and he loved to tell a good Aggie joke, despite having two children and three grandchildren attend Texas A&M. Paul remained in the Naval Reserve for twenty years. Paul’s career led him to Magnolia Petroleum Company, which later became the Mobil Oil Beaumont Refinery. He was very well respected there and retired after thirty-five years. After being setup on a date to play Bridge with Maurine Ener, Paul’s life was forever changed. He had met his match in wit and wisdom in Maurine. Paul somehow convinced Maurine to marry him in 1952, and they went on to celebrate seventy wonderful years together. Maurine, who he affectionately referred to as “Maudie,” was his better half. She did what she could to refine him but did not prevent him from playing the “drugstore blues” when slurping the bottom of a milkshake. Paul and Maurine raised their three children together in Beaumont. When the children were grown, they enjoyed traveling the country with friends, participating in a Bridge Club, and growing flowers. Paul had much success growing camelias and he loved to cut his prize blooms for Maurine to enjoy. Paul could always be found wearing his khaki slacks and penny loafers, even when mowing the lawn. He read every line of every newspaper and especially enjoyed the “funnies” section. Paul loved to tell stories and did so with impressive detail. Anyone who listened to his stories or received driving directions from him got a glimpse at his incredible memory. Paul was a longtime active member at Wesley United Methodist Church in Beaumont, where he served on many boards and was a proud member and leader of the “Kitchen Class.” Paul was a loyal fan of the Houston Astros baseball team. Our family hopes that the gates of Heaven look something like overlooking a major league baseball field for our beloved Daddy Paul.

Words cannot express our gratitude for one special angel, Carolina Batista, who went above and beyond for Paul and Maurine in their final years to see that their every need was met. Carolina personally invested herself and her time to care for them up until their final days. She had a way of meeting their vulnerability with love and respect and will always be considered part of the Behrens’ Family. The family is also grateful for the care provided by Dr. Pranav Bhatt and staff, especially Carol and Kathy. Nurse practitioner Amy Quinn has been a lifeline and we have appreciated her knowledge and availability through the years. We would like to thank the Calder Woods staff who helped create a safe and loving home away from home for Paul and Maurine. During Paul’s final year, many wonderful caregivers stepped in to help care for him. Concepcion “Connie” Chow provided exceptional care and showed the family so much compassion in Paul’s final days. The family is also so grateful for the care provided by: Crystal Hoskins, Ariana Batista, Leonora Batista. Summar Owens, and Andrea Bru.

A gathering of Mr. Behrens’ family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Paul’s name can be made to Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 or a charity of your choice.