T.J. “Tony” Picou, Jr.

Talton Joseph Picou, Jr., known to friends and family simply as Tony, went to be with his loved ones and the Lord on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

A life-long resident of Labelle and Fannett, Texas, Tony was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Port Arthur, Texas, on August 23, 1937. Born approximately four minutes before his twin brother, Thomas “Tommy” Picou, they were number nine and ten of the eventual sixteen children born to Talton Joseph Picou, Sr. and Adelaide Carrier Picou.

The family story is, the twin brothers were so tiny when they were first brought home, they had to sleep in a boot box, then a dresser drawer, before they were big enough to not fall through the crib slats. Neither of them got much bigger over the years. In fact, his lack of height and poor eyesight prevented Tony from joining the Army when he tried.

Tony, or Pop to his family, was one of the kindest souls you’d ever meet. Never knowing a stranger, he collected a large group of found family over the years. This group included his “adopted son” Jaime Dispenza, and his “brother” Johnny Cannon. A hard worker, Pop worked in a variety of places over the years – from driving a milk truck to working the refineries. His true calling was carpentry, a skill he encouraged in his son.

Tony met and married Helen Mitchell in 1960. Their son, Darren, was born in 1962. After divorcing in 1979, he found love again with a wonderful woman, Betty J. Rice, in 1979. Betty brought with her the fulfillment of a wish in her daughter Sandy Payne Fontenot, who held a special place in Tony’s heart.

Sadly, Betty passed from cancer in 1989. A few years later, Tony met Elodie Ford Womack, his final companion in life. Tony loved his “DeeDee”, or “Snoopy” as he called her for her love of the Peanuts character. Their years together were full of friends, laughter, and trips to the beach. Another favorite was going together to the South Texas State Fair every year.

Tony was a devoted member of the Fannett chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He could always be found in the middle of helping during the fish fries, chicken dinners, and manning the booth at the Winnie Rice Festival.

He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Darren and Cindi Picou; grandaughter and her family, Kara, Gabriel, and Aurora Mace; “step” son, Mike Weatherly; grandsons and their families, Rodney Beard and Josh Fontenot; and his granddaughter, Heather and her family, as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Tony is preceded in death by his wives, Betty Rice Picou and Elodie Ford Picou; parents, Talton and Adelaide Picou; siblings, Clarence Picou, Donald Picou, Essie Hidalgo, Theresa Devillier, Ray Picou, Gabriel Picou, Jimmy Picou, and IrmaLee Bertrand; and his daughter, Sandy Payne Fontenot.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Building Fund, 9894 Gilbert Road, Beaumont, Texas 77705.

A gathering of Mr. Picou’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 9894 Gilbert Road, Fannett, with interment to follow at Burrell Cemetery, La Belle