Sam “The Ice Man” Debes

March 27, 1958 - June 24, 2025

Sam “The Ice Man” Debes, 67, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, June 24, 2025. He was born on March 27, 1958, in Beaumont, to Betty Jean Walker and Wallace Debes, Sr.

Survivors include his wife, Nan Debes; children, Sam Debes III and his fiancée, Lauren Bush; and Stephen “Adam” Debes; mother, Betty Jean Debes; siblings, James Debes and Joanie Debes Hermann and her husband, Duwayne; nieces and nephews, Jason Hermann and his wife, Nickole; Misty Zatopek and her husband, Allen; and Allison Bernard and her husband, Derrick.

Sam was a loving and devoted husband, father, and family man, whose unwavering commitment to caring for his loved ones was the cornerstone of his life. His deep faith and dedication extended to St. Michael’s Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, where he was an active and cherished member, as well as to the Beaumont community, which he served with generosity and kindness. A lifelong participant in the Boy Scouts, Sam found joy in mentoring young scouts, imparting values of leadership, service, and resilience. In his spare time, he was an avid carpenter, crafting with care and precision, and a true jack of all trades, skilled in many fields of work, always ready to lend a hand.

He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Wallace Debes, Jr.

Memorial contributions for Mr. Debes may be made to St. Michael’s Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 680 North 12th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.

A gathering of Mr. Debes’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Trisagion at 7:00 p.m., Monday June 30, 2025, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 680 North 15th Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, with his interment to follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Beaumont.

Video

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
  • 690, N 15th St, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
  • June 30, 2025
  • 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Trisagion

St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
  • 690, N 15th St, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
  • June 30, 2025
  • 7:00 pm

Funeral Service

St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
  • 690, N 15th St, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
  • July 1, 2025
  • 11:00 am

Interment

St. Michael Orthodox Cemetery
  • 2450, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,

Comments (18)

    Cody Sekaly says:

    Sam was a very good and kind man. I have great memories of him from my earliest years. Blessings to him and his family. Memory eternal.

    Carolyn King says:

    Sam and I went to high school together but before that we went to the same grade school. I still remember he and I being paired up to walk in the “Easter Bonnet Parade “ together in 2nd grade. He was q great guy and will surely be missed by many. My prayers go out to all of his family.

    Slena Graves says:

    I just saw this and just shocked. My prayers and thoughts go out to Nan and his family and to his mother Betty. May his memory be eternal. He was a wonderful person

    Lori Lagios says:

    Sam Debes was my cousin and we grew up together. Some of my best memories were with Sam and his brothers and sister. He was a fine person and a good husband and loving father. He loved his Orthodox faith and was a tirelessly worker for his Church. He will be missed! May his Memory be Eternal!

    Lori Lagios says:

    Sam Debes was my cousin and we grew up together. Some of my best memories were with Sam and his brothers and sister. He was fine person and a good husband and loving father. He loved his Orthodox faith and was a tirelessly worker for his Church. He will be missed! May his Memory be
    Eternal!

    Ruth sonnier says:

    Betty, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. 💕

    Brenda Wright says:

    My deepest condolences to the family…keeping you all in my prayers….

    Daniel Wilson says:

    I grew up with Sam Debes’ children, Adam and Sam. Mr. Debes was a great man. I have many memories of him from church and Boy Scouts. He was my Sunday school teacher when I was a child. I also remember seeing him on camping trips and during summer camp. I am very saddened by the loss of Mr. Debes, but I know that he is in a much better place now, with our creator. His family is in my prayers. I pray that God will comfort them and keep them safe during this time of mourning.

    Angie Lavergne says:

    Such a kind, friendly man and great family. So very sorry Adam, Nan and Sam. So hard, but he’s with you- always.

    Lauren Case says:

    I met Mr. Debes back in my junior year of high school at Westbrook High School. He and Mrs. Debes helped with the high school bands uniforms at that time.

    Mr. Debes was the sweetest guy and always had a smile on his face no matter what. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

    Fr. Faniel and Elfriede Daly says:

    Dear Adam, Fr Dan and I just saw your
    Message on Facebook. We are both very sad about you loosing your father and your mother ‘s husband. Your father was very dear to us and loved. At this moment I can only cry with you….. but also know that your father’s Faith gives us hope that we will see him again in the kingdom of God. His Faith and Love were so obvious to us and we appreciated his help many times. My sympathy and Love to you and your mother and brother. God grant you peace and may your fathers Memory be eternal.

    Linda Buckley says:

    My sincerest and heart felt condolences to all Sam’s family, especially Nann and the boys.
    May Peace be with all of you knowing there is no more pain and he is with Christ Jesus, our Savior. I know he will be watching over all of you. .

    Paula Holliday says:

    He left an imprint on my sons in
    Boy Scout Troop (Lucky) 213 that my family will always be grateful for.

    May he rest in peace.

    Brenda Duke says:

    I’m so sorry for the loss of Sam. I’ve worked around him for 38 years and have had some good times. He will definitely be missed. God Bless.
    Prayers ❤️

    Steven Sovereign says:

    Sam was my first friend I made when I moved to Beaumont 40+ years ago. There are so many wonderful things to say about this man that one could write a book. He was always a guiding light to family and friends. He and Nan took me in when I lost nearly everything from Harvey. The lifted me up spiritually and provided me a home while I rebuilt my home and recovered from the devastating storm that affected so many. His words of wisdom and guidance will forever live in my heart and soul.

    Karen LaBorde says:

    My deepest sympathy for his family and friends. Especially Adam and his mom. Such a lovely family I got to know at Regina Howell.

    Colleen Carney says:

    Sam was a true gentleman, even in high school. He also had charm❤️

    Donna Baine says:

    Sam Debes was my cousin and we grew up together. Some of my best memories were with Sam and his brothers and sister. He was a fine person and a good husband and loving father. He loved his Orthodox faith and was a tirelessly worker for his Church. He will be missed! May his Memory be Eternal!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *