Leroy Cyril Lazarine

Mass of the Christian Burial for Leroy Lazarine, 82, of Diboll, will be celebrated at Noon Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Diboll, with Father Ariel Cortes, M.S., celebrant and Deacon Gary Trevino assisting. Interment will follow in the Moral Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.

Rosary will be recited at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with the family receiving friends and loved ones from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Leroy was born August 16, 1934 in the Blackjack Community and grew up in Chireno, the son of the late Annie Marie (Pantalion) and Leo Matthew Lazarine. He passed away Monday, January 30, 2017 in Diboll.

Leroy was a man who truly enjoyed life to its fullest and never met a stranger. He grew up in Nacogdoches County with family roots tracing back to Antonio Gil Y’Barbo, the founder of Nacogdoches. Upon graduating from Chireno High School in 1952, he served in the United States Navy on the USS Betelgeuse in the Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets from 1952-1956, receiving the Good Conduct Medal, European Occupational Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He obtained his Business Degree from Massey Business College. Returning to Nacogdoches after his naval service, he met the love of his life, Georgia Ann Poskey, and the two were married on June 1, 1957.

After residing in Nacogdoches for the early years of their marriage, they moved their family to Diboll in 1969 where Leroy was the manager of the Big Tin Barn. Together, Leroy and Georgia lovingly raised their six children in Diboll and leave with them a plethora of wonderful memories of growing up in a large Catholic family. During the years his children were young, Leroy could be found coaching softball and Little League Baseball. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Diboll for close to 50 years, where he served on the finance committee for a number of years. He was a former Temple-Inland Federal Credit Union Board Member, former member of The Lumbermen’s Association of Texas, and former member of Tower Hunting Club.

He suffered the greatest loss of his life when his beloved Georgia died from cancer in 1984. He continued to work for Temple-Inland for 39 years before retiring in 2000; he formed numerous friendships during his dedicated years of service with Temple. He was a 20-year cancer survivor and participated in the Angelina County Relay for Life event as a survivor. After retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the Hospice in the Pines Joe W. Elliott House for nine years, hoping to help others suffering from cancer. He had a great love for the outdoors and spent many happy years hunting in the Tower Club with his son, sons-in-law, and grandsons. He also shared his love of fishing and trot-lining with his children, grandchildren, and sons-in-law. When his health didn’t allow for fishing or hunting outings, he stayed active by taking morning walks in Old Orchard Park and visiting friends all over town.

His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he could be found attending every sporting event, dance recital, and school awards program they were involved in; he was truly their greatest fan. He had a great appreciation for a good meal and spent many joyous times with his family celebrating holidays and family gatherings. His never-ending love and support of his family and friends will be forever in the hearts of all who knew him; a kinder, more generous man will never be found.

Leroy is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Carrol Mettlen of Tyler, Diana and Merrick Roche of Lufkin, Donna and David Perry of Mesquite, Allison and Matt Amason of Diboll, and Lorraine and Michael Dorman of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Julie Lazarine of Austin; grandchildren, Matthew Perry, Zachary Roche, Cole Mettlen, Hunter Mettlen, Clark Dorman, Claire Roche, Mallory Dorman, Parker Amason, and Evan Dorman; uncle and aunt, Marcus and Betty Pantalion; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Albert and Rachel Garcia and Vert and Bobbie Poskey; sisters-in-law, Billie Manchack and Mary Catherine Martines; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Pallbearers will be Leroy’s grandsons, Matthew Perry, Zachary Roche, Cole Mettlen, Hunter Mettlen, Clark Dorman, Parker Amason, and Evan Dorman.

Memorial contributions in Leroy’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, or to the Joe W. Elliott House, both located at 212 Gene Samford Drive, Lufkin, TX 75901.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home