Larry Maurice Boyette passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, but peacefully during his sleep, on Wednesday morning, March 4, 2009. His wife Sue Ann was by his side, as she has been for the past 43 years. Larry was born at home in San Augustine, Texas on July 16, 1947, to Maurice and Delores (Tannery) Boyette. He was the first born of four sons. In 1951, the family relocated to Beaumont, in the area known as South Park. Larry was a graduate of South Park High School and Lamar University. He went on to receive two Master's degrees - one from Sam Houston State University and one from Stephen F. Austin University. In 1966, while at Lamar University, Larry (the Sigma Nu fraternity member with the sly grin) chose Sue Ann Dias (the twirler with big brown eyes) to be his bride. They married on April 30, 1966. Together they worked to build a wonderful, Christian home for their three daughters. Through different stages in his life, he loved to dance, golf, ride his horses, watch John Wayne movies, drive the kids around in the wagon, and watch sports on TV or at the little league parks where his grandkids play. He was a great story teller. He had a gift of being able to make you laugh. He was a straight shooter - if you didn't want to hear the truth, don't ask him for his thoughts. He was a man of great character and integrity and he valued loyalty and honesty in himself and in others. He was active in the Lion's Club in Wharton, where he served as President in 2008. He was a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association as well as the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Larry was baptized and believed that God is our salvation; he and Sue attended St. Paul's church. Larry's chosen profession was education. Most people knew him as Coach Boyette as he served 6 different communities in that capacity during his 20 year career, coaching at both the high school and collegiate levels. After coaching, he moved to the other side of the desk to become a principal for 15 years. But he never stopped coaching? he was always teaching someone, something! He was currently working in Wharton ISD as an administrator. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Boyette of Beaumont; brother, Ron Boyette of Dallas; and his in-laws, JP and Louise Dias, of Orange, Texas. He is survived by his mother, Delores Tannery Boyette of Beaumont; by his wife, Sue Ann Dias Boyette and his three daughters (Tammy Edwards, Humble; Shelly Black, Deer Park; and Jaime Cruz, Wharton) and their spouses (Jeff, James, and Albert). He also has two brothers still living: Gary and Robin of Beaumont. Finally, he was very proud to say that he had eight grandchildren: Vallen, Vance, Vince, Victoria; Rece; Brant, Aidan, and Logan) who lovingly refer him as Paw-Paw. The visitation for friends will be held at Wharton Funeral home from 6-9pm on Friday March 6. Funeral services will be held at the Wharton High School gymnasium on Saturday morning, March 7th at 10am; with graveside services to follow at 3:00 at Forest Lawn cemetery in Beaumont, Texas. Mr. Paul Jones and The Reverend Debbie Cenko will officiate the services. Pallbearers are: Russell Roberts, Brian Clay, Don Jennings, Terry Freese, George Cox, Dan Lounsbury, Jerry Albertelli and Don Hillis. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Wharton Lions Club and Curtis Barnett. If desiring, memorials may be made to the Wharton Lions Club, P.O. Box 106, Wharton, TX 77488 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15186, Austin, TX 78761. Wharton Funeral Home 515 E. Boling Hwy. Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-3410
