OBITUARY

Melvin J. Boneau

February 15, 1939 – November 17, 2013

Melvin Joseph Boneau, attorney and lifetime area resident, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 17, 2013, after a valiant and long fought battle with cancer. Melvin was born on February 15, 1939, at St. Mary Hospital in Port Arthur, Texas, to Gladys Portier Boneau and Amick Boneau. He attended Catholic school, beginning at St. James Elementary and graduating at Bishop Byrne High School in 1957. During and after high school Melvin worked at installing television antennas at Boneau’s Radio and Television Shop, owned by his father and uncle, and then began selling cars at Lynn Motor Company, eventually becoming the youngest fleet salesman in the company’s then history. In 1961, Melvin went back to college, earning a BBA from Lamar University in 1964, then graduating from the University of Texas Law School in 1966. Melvin was admitted to the bar in 1966, and opened his first office on Main Avenue in Groves, Texas. In 1970, Melvin moved his office to 3800 Park Lane, Port Arthur, Texas, renting space in the building of the Fuller & Fuller Law Firm. In 1985, Melvin was joined by Richard G. Lewis, to form Boneau & Lewis, LLP. They subsequently bought the building, renaming it to Plaza Professional Building. Melvin and Rick enjoyed a close friendship and mutual respect, and remained partners until Melvin’s retirement in September of this year. During his career, Melvin held many local offices within the legal community, including president of both the Port Arthur and Jefferson County Bar Associations. He also won numerous awards for his excellence in practicing law, including the Blackstone Award in 2011. Besides the practice of law, Melvin loved traveling with his wife and cooking for a crowd, the larger the better. He also hosted an open house every Sunday morning, sharing coffee, snacks and stories with old friends and anyone who happened to drop by. Melvin is survived by his wife, Karon, step-daughter, Katherine Waterbury of Groves, Texas, and his beloved grandson, Isaac “Critter” Baldwin, as well as a host of extended loved ones. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, located at 4841 39th Street, Port Arthur, Texas, on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Services for Mr. Boneau will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, with entombment to follow at Oak Bluff Cemetery in Port Neches, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of Houston, Texas, or the Jefferson County Bar Association Foundation, 1001 Pearl St., Ste #202, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

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Services

  • Visitation Wednesday, November 20, 2013
  • Funeral Service Thursday, November 21, 2013
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REMEMBERING

Melvin J. Boneau

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Gloria Boudreaux-Landry

November 23, 2013

My family has known Melvin personally and as an attorney for many years. My mother babysat for him when he was little and later used him for many legal matters. He was honest and caring during some difficult times. My prayers are with you and yours.

Jacquelyn Ross

November 22, 2013

Melvin was my first ever attorney at age 22. He took my very small case knowing I didn't have any money to pay him. He treated me with respect and helped me receive compensation. Not many attorney's show their clients respect in the manor that Melvin Boneau did. He had a huge caring heart. May he rest in peace. Sincerely Jacquelyn Ross

Nancy Norris Gondron

November 21, 2013

So sorry to hear of the passing of Melvin. He and I were childhood friends at St. James School. He always called me old lady (I was 4 months older than him). I will always remember a handsome nice kid. I hope all his family find peace and comfort soon.

Deb Schneider-Nyberg

November 21, 2013

Melvin was one of the first attorneys I ever worked for. He was the sweetest man. My deceased father, Louis O Schneider, Sr., was a good friend of his as well. Prayers for the family.

Bobby & Stephine Adams

November 21, 2013

Karon and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Melvin's passing. We both have cherished memories of him. I can still see him in his office chair with his feet up on his desk with that grin on his face. He was truely a man of honesty and told it like it was. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

November 20, 2013

karon, i loved listening to the tales that melvin and tom hanna would tell. such colorful stories and great laugter. we will all miss him.
sandra clark, beaumont.

George Barron

November 20, 2013

I'm saddened by Melvin's passing. He's one of the best lawyers I've ever known. Although I only saw Melvin now and then as our paths crossed at the courthouse, I considered him a true friend. May the Lord give you comfort.

Mary Jane Burrell Hancock

November 20, 2013

To the Boneau family-sorry to hear of the passing of an old friend. He always had a smile and a genuine heart of gold. May you find peace in wonderful memories.

Trisha Patterson

November 19, 2013

Karon, so sorry to hear about Melvin. My heart goes out to you during this time.

Doneane Beckcom

November 19, 2013

So sorry to hear of Melvin's passing. Always a gentleman and very helpful to me when I first started my law practice. I still have an invitation to the annual christmas party that was written like a discovery document, always got a kick out of that. Prayers for his family and all his many friends at this time.

IN THE CARE OF

Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home
Port Arthur, TX
409-962-4408