Timothy O. Sonnenberg

Timothy Oliver Sonnenberg, 94, was born December 5, 1923, in Port Arthur, Texas - the third of eight children - to Ella and William Sonnenberg and passed away Thursday, September 6, 2018. He was a faithful member of the United Pentecostal Church, attending Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he met Floride Jean Clark, whom he later married in 1945. Tim and Jean were blessed with two sons, Timothy “Tim” and Corlis “Reno” Sonnenberg.

Tim was a Bible scholar and loved to discuss the Scriptures with others. He had a phenomenal memory, committing the entire book of Romans to memory in his youth, and was often called on to recite Scripture for Bible studies, and church services. Tim spent a little over a year pastoring a church in Livingston, Texas. While Tim never pastored full time after leaving Livingston, he continued to be active in his church, serving as a pulpit supply pastor when needed.

In 1953, the family moved to Baytown, Texas, where he worked for the Shell oil refinery. After a one-year union strike in 1963, he left the refinery, and returned to school. He continued to help support the family by working at Sears & Roebuck while he achieved his degree and became a Special Education teacher. Tim later earned his Masters’ degree and passed on the value of hard work and education to his sons.

Tim’s commitment to civic involvement and serving those less fortunate was evident in his professional and personal life. Tim led his sons in Boy Scouts, taught Sunday School, served as a Sunday School superintendent for his church, and was active in the Lions Club. He also served as director of The Baytown Opportunity School for special needs students and offered tutoring at the community library. His main hobby was gardening and keeping an immaculate lawn, but also enjoyed singing with a fellow church member for the church’s local radio programming. Tim enjoyed crabbing in the waters around Baytown, and had fun sharing this with his grandsons on their visits. He loved the music of the church and passed on that joy to his son, Reno.

He and Jean celebrated 62 years of marriage before her passing in 2007. After her death, Tim moved to Stilwell Retirement Residence in Waco, Texas. Tim became an active member of the Stilwell community, making friends that became a second family. He participated in Bible studies and Chapel Services there, led tours for prospective residents in his early years there, and is remembered as a loving man by friends and family alike.

Tim is survived by his sister, Evelyn Palmer; brother, Jeremy Sonnenberg; sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy Clark and Kathy Sonnenberg and Corlis “Reno” and Peggy Sonnenberg; grandsons and their spouses, Andy and Ruth, Troy, Tony, Timothy and Ruby, and J. P. and Suzanne. Tim was blessed to know his great-granddaughters, Kati and Abby (Andy and Ruth’s children), who will miss seeing their “Old PawPaw”.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at White Cemetery in Highlands.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.