H. L. (Pnut) Jacobs rejoined the love of his life, Helen, in the early morning hours of January 8, 2020. Though their four children were with him, they were sleeping when he decided to leave, selflessly sparing them the pain of seeing him go. That selfless love, particularly for his family, was his true essence, and guided all his actions. His family was the most important thing in Pnut’s life …he loved them fiercely and without measure.
Pnut was a unique character who garnered respect from those who knew him. His sometimes stoic, gruff outward demeanor was belied by a heart as big as Texas that was full of love and caring for others. If he loved you (or even liked you), and you needed something that was within his power to provide, it was yours – without expectation of any payback. His sense of humor was dry and droll and sharp. He delighted in hiding his great smile and laugh; and his family delighted in trying to get the big smile and laugh from him. His work ethic was insane. His homegrown tomatoes and fried catfish and cookies were delicious. He loved babies and children, and had a soft spot for old people. You’ll not meet a kinder, more gentle, tough soul, who was blessed with a curious mind, an innate intelligence, and a life-long love of people and learning anywhere.
Pnut worked hard all his life – beginning well before he was a teenager. Over the course of time, Pnut was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps. He was a long haul trucker for J. H. Rose and Hill & Hill, before joining Champion Papers and becoming an instrument technician. He was later an instrument/electrical technician for LyondellBasell (originally Oxirane Chemical Company/Arco Chemical Company). He ended his career as a junior engineer for them, and after retiring, worked several contract projects for Lyondell, transitioning different plants from hydraulic to pneumatic systems.
Pnut began life on June 8, 1928, in Woden, Texas, as the second child of Kearby and Rebbie Jacobs.
Helen Caver Jacobs, Pnut’s wife of almost 64 years, preceded him in death three years ago. He also lost his parents; his son-in-law, Kennan W. Smith; his brother, Rudy Jacobs and sister-in-law, Maggie Jacobs; and his brother-in-law, Ross Hardeman and niece Frances Pahal.
Those left to miss Pnut with all their hearts are his daughters, Linda Jacobs Smith; Rhonda Vaughan and husband, John; and Terri Jacobs; and his son, Donnie Jacobs and wife, Kim. Also missing him are his grandchildren Brittany Curbow and husband, Cody; Rachel and Elizabeth Vaughan; Schaey Jacobs; Jacob Remaly; Jamie Remaly and wife, Gavie; and Alexis and Natalie Jacobs; as well as his four great-grandchildren, Madison, Makenzie, and Hunter Curbow, and Reina Remaly. Also surviving are his sister, Jewel Evelyn Hardeman; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Caver Davis and Bobbi Caver; and a plethora of nieces and nephews.
