Loydell was born on Oct. 8, 1940 to Bennie & Evelyn Onken in Fayetteville, Texas. He passed away at a Houston hospital Sept. 15, 2021. He was surrounded by his family holding hands. His parents moved to Channelview, Tx. where his father went to work for Humble Oil in Baytown. He graduated from Channelview High School in 1959. Loydell received his BA degree in drafting from Sam Houston Teachers College & a MA degree from Sam Houston State College. After college he taught at Horace Mann & later Baytown Sterling (1967-72). The replica of the “Blue Ring” used to take prom photos was built by students in his garage. He was a sponsor for the Leo Club & Student Council. After retiring from teaching, he built his family a beautiful home in Mont Belvieu & became a builder of many more. Loydell built O.J.’s Country Cupboard at Pinehurst subdivision where all the family worked together. He enjoyed working at Hill Lumber where he finally retired after failing health.
He was married to Carolyn Dillard Onken for more than 58 years. They had a daughter Tami & son Troy. And along came 4 grandchildren, then 3 great grandchildren that he could brag about as long as someone would listen. He passionately loved his family. Loydell enjoyed deer hunting with family & friends on trips to South Texas, Colorado & Montana. In later years he watched his favorite teams--the Yankees & the Cowboys.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bennie E. Onken, sister Margie Creech. He’s survived by his wife Carolyn Onken, daughter Tami Onken Daniels/John of Clear Lake, son Troy Onken of Mont Belvieu, grandsons Chris Daniels/Amber, Jordan Daniels/Helga, Ryne Onken/Chelsea along with granddaughter Mary Daniels Almendarez/Sam. Great-grandchildren—Sawyer & Ripken Onken & Ava Daniels. Also surviving is his sister Linda Callas/Earl and a niece & several nephews.
At Loydell's request the family will have a private service & have a Celebration of his Life at a later date. He was trying to protect his family from Covid til the very end. He will be dearly missed by all his family & friends.