J.L. Gallien Jr.

J.L. Gallen Jr.

1932 - 2019

Joseph Levy “J.L.” Gallien Jr, age 86, passed away on March 8, 2019. He was born in Montrose, LA on May 28, 1932 to Joseph Levy Gallien Sr and Rosalie Lacaze Gallien.

A tough, unselfish man, J.L. lived his life for others. Everything that he did was done with thought and deliberation; he was very focused on working hard and being prepared, passing that on to his children. Possessing a uniquely meticulous and deliberative nature, J.L. believed in having a backup plan of a backup plan. With his wit and affection, he was completely with you in the moment, and always made those around him feel special. Graduating school early at age 16, he proudly served in the United States Army in the Korean War. At age 20, he passed by a home and saw a young woman in shorts, Yvonne, playing catch with her cousin. He was smitten from that moment and immediately turned his car around to rent a room in the house to next her family; they would marry in October of that year and spend the rest of their lives together. He was all about his family; his world revolved around their lives, never missing a ballgame, dance recital or part of their lives. Each of his children and his grandchildren were his favorites, and if they were ever unsure, he would often privately remind each of them. “Grandpa” documented and cared about what happened with even the smallest of details. J.L. worked for Pure Oil/Unocal, retiring after 36 years of dedicated service. Living by a principle of “you get what you give”, he truly gave fully and did not believe in doing anything part way. J.L.’s legacy will remain in the memory of his devotion and passion for his loved ones; he will always be their real-life hero.

Left to honor his memory is his loving wife of 66 years, Yvonne Havens Gallien; daughter, Cindy Gallien and wife, Lora, of Austin, TX; son, Gary Gallien and wife, Melissa, of Beaumont, TX; and grandchildren, Hunter Gallien and wife, Megan, Katharine Gallien, Madison Gallien, Matthew Gallien, Sheridan Gallien, Abbigail Owens and Caleb Ownes.

J.L. is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary June Stolarski; and his youngest son, Rodney Gallien.

Visitation with family and friends will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2019, at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S. Main St., Lumberton, TX 77657. J.L’s life honoring graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., at Magnolia Springs Cemetery, FM 1005, Magnolia Springs, TX 75956.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all of J.L.’s doctors, caregivers, extended family and friends for the kindness and compassion shown to him and his entire family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to send memorial gifts are asked to consider the Alzheimer's Association. Donations can be made online at https://www.alz.org/.

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