Andrew Verret

Andrew Eugene “Gene” Verret, 68 and lover of brisket & ribs went to be with Tom Petty on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 following an illness.  Gene died peacefully in his sleep, listening to recordings of the rosary, and Jim Croce Greatest Hits, with his sister by his side. 

He is survived by his son, Andrew Verret, Jr. and his loving wife, Jennifer Verret; his daughter, Sara Farmer and her wild one, forever, Thomas McHugh; his daughter, Kristina Sandlin and her devoted husband, Brent Sandlin; granddaughters Caroline, Jillian, and Samantha, all from Richmond Virginia. In addition, his brother, Phil Verret and wife, Janet, of Blackstock, Ohio and his sister, Denise Verret Delagarza and husband, Leo, of Austin have great memories of growing up in Beaumont. There are a plethora of cousins, (including cousin Kurt Sauer who delivered Dr. Pepper floats to Gene’s great delight) and many dear friends who will also cherish his memory.  He is predeceased by brothers, John Alan Verret and Paul Edward Verret; and parents, A.P. and Juanita Verret. 

Born and raised in Beaumont, the son of A.P. and Juanita (Stockholm) Verret, he attended St. Anthony Cathedral School and then Msgr. Kelly High School, following all the other brothers. After graduation he went to Lamar College for a few years before joining the United States Air Force. Stationed in Germany, Gene learned both the language, and the new technology of telephones.  Gene continued to a successful career as a technologist in the telecom industry which took him all over the country, primarily working for Sprint. 

Gene had a passion for fowl which included prying errant fishing hooks from innocent ducks’ beaks, befriending strange pigeons, and rescuing from death the meanest attack rooster that ever existed.  Everyone was terrified of this rooster, but Gene could manage him by feeding him cashews, and sometimes putting a bucket over his head.  This love of birds did not extend in any way, shape or form to dogs, or any soft furry animals.

Gene was, beyond any measure, a loving father to his children.  He was enormously proud of their accomplishments including their correct answers to his questions, i.e. “What color are the yellow pages?”. His children will continue to cherish the memories of an adventurous family man who lived his every moment to impart his wisdom, love and kindness unto them. He considered himself lucky to have married the love of his life and created a beautiful family with her.  His life took a dramatic turn after an accident, but his memory of their time together lived on. 

Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Gene’s life in their own way.  Raising a glass of Dr. Pepper, eating a Whataburger, or hugging a chicken in his memory would be quite appropriate. Gene’s family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Parson’s House in Austin for their attentiveness and loving care.  The kindness and consistent care they provided Gene clearly prolonged his life beyond what was expected by doctors. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Christmas fund for direct care staff at Parsons House, 1130 Camino La Costa, Austin, Texas 78752, would be deeply appreciated.

A gathering of Mr. Verret’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with his Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2019, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., in the Chapel of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

The family is comforted by the knowledge that Gene is reunited with both his parents and brothers, along with our beloved Aunts, Pearl and Mildred, in heaven.