Pete proudly served in the U.S. Army and went on to work at Holiday World for many years. His love for coaching softball in South Houston and participating in cook-off teams at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo were just a few of his cherished pastimes. Pete had a contagious sense of humor, always ready to make others laugh and bring joy to any gathering. He lived life to the fullest and was known for his love of fun and good company.
Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Julie A. Sonnier, sister Hazel Courville, and his brother John L. Bell.
He is survived by his son, John Vanover and his wife Kim of Dallas; daughters, Keri Newberry and her husband David of Laporte, Amy Sonnier and her husband Jared Fielder of Port Neches; brothers, Paul Sonnier and his wife Janet of Zavalla, Jerry Kirbow and his wife Caroline of Vidor; grandchildren, Ashley Lara and her husband Joshua, Kaitlyn Price and her husband Dustin, Julie Sonnier, Joshua Sonnier; great-grandchildren, Nolun Herod, Paeyton Lara, Jeremiah Lara, Luke Price, Jonah Lara, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Pete will begin at 9:00 am on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 am. The service will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77703, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Price, Joshua Lara, Joshua Sonnier, Harrison Courville, Lee Courville, and Casen Courville.
Honorary Pallbearers are Paul "Scooter" Sonnier and Michael Courville.
