Paul Hampton

Paul Raoul Hampton, of Nederland, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the age of 90. He was born January 25, 1933, in Port Arthur, to Dorothy Marie Hampton and James Parker Hampton. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur and later Lamar Tech and Northwestern State College, before being drafted into the Army in 1953. He served as an Army Corporal in the 142nd Quartermaster battalion in Korea, earning the Korean Service Medal, the UN Service Medal and the National Defense Service Metal.

He began his career at Gulf States Utilities and retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation in 1996 where he worked as a computer analyst. He was admired and valued for his impressive intellect and his dedicated work ethic. He rarely missed a day of work, but if he did, you could find him on the East Bay fishing with his buddy, Phelan.

Paul was a loving husband. He and his wife Mary Frances attended high school together and although they dated, they parted ways after graduation. Fifty years later they reunited at a class reunion and fell in love all over again. They married in 2001 and combined their families. Paul was a loving father to his children and large extended family. He liked nothing more than entertaining his family at his home and Mary’s spaghetti. As a talented carpenter, he lovingly crafted many keepsakes for his family. Paul’s passions included fishing, golf and eating cake donuts.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Leone Hampton; daughters, Christie Coats; Tammy Salenga and husband, Richie; Kaylene Ray; Becky Ray; Julie Lowe and husband, Keith. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Guilbeaux; half-brother, Steve Hampton; grandchildren, Jason; Jordon; Jeffrey; Jarrod; Melody and Cameron Coats; Brandon and Brent Salenga; Brittney Womack and husband, Chad; Latoya Mendez; Erica Dossett and husband, Dustin; Stevie Ray; Whitney Lee and husband, Steven; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by sons, Christopher Steve Hampton and Randy Paul Hampton; brother-in-law, Larry Guilbeaux; and nephew, Brad Guilbeaux.

The Hampton family extends its sincere gratitude to Three Oaks Hospice and Mid-Jefferson Extended Care Hospital for their tireless and loving care of this special man.

A gathering of Mr. Hampton’s family and friends will be 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 22, 2023, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 211 Hardy Avenue, Nederland, with his interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Hampton’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.