Norvel Dean Wentworth

Norvel Dean Wentworth, age 81, of Silsbee, Texas, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, at First Baptist Church in Silsbee, Texas. Funeral services, under the direction of Farmer Funeral Home, will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at First Baptist Church, with Pastors Mark Carpenter and Tom Hawk officiating. Interment will follow services at, R.S. Farmer Cemetery, located on South Third Street in Silsbee, Texas.

Dean was born in Houston, Texas on December 1, 1937, but got to Silsbee as fast as he could in 1972. He detoured through Huntsville, Texas to graduate from Sam Houston State University, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. He made a career working with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, which eventually relocated him and his little family to Silsbee, where he was a supervisor for several years. After being promoted to area manager, he moved his offices to Beaumont, until he retired in 1993.

Dean had two loves other than his wife of 57 years, Dolores; young people, especially his grandchildren and agriculture with his Brahman cattle being his favorite. Over the years he served on several boards. He served as President of the Silsbee Trailriders Association and the Hardin County Youth Fair. He was a founding board member of the Hardin County Forest Agriculture and Youth Association. He also was a member of the Hardin County Go-Texan Committee and was co-sponsor of the group, which worked to relocate the MHMR to the current location. But his favorite pastime was raising Brahman Cattle, which were shown all throughout the Southern United States. He was also a proud supporter of the Hardin County Youth Project Show, Hardin County 4-H and Silsbee FFA.

Dean and Dolores enabled two of their children, Kenneth and Deanna, to graduate from Lamar University. Their third child, Angela, graduated from his alma mater in Huntsville. Two of her children are now 3rd generation Bearkats. One of his other grandsons, Kenneth II, has entered the workforce and he was proud that his grandson, Matthew, was a member of the United States Army.

Dean was a Sunday School teacher and Deacon at First Baptist Church. He and Dolores have spent the last twenty years assisting First Baptist Church, along with Norvi Mayfield Ministries spreading the Gospel in Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, the United States and most recently, Israel.

Dean also participated since 1972 with the Hardin County Republican Party and had been an election worker for over 30 years, helping establish and grow the Republican Party in Hardin County.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores Wentworth of Silsbee; his son, Kenneth Wentworth and his wife Lanie of Dipolog, Philippines; his daughter Angela Wentworth Camden of Silsbee; Grandchildren Charles Baldwin of Vidor, Priscilla Baldwin of Austin; Matthew McKeon stationed at Fort Hood; Kenneth Wentworth II of Beaumont; Cody Camden, Katie Camden and Kevin Camden all of Silsbee; Niece Terri Carroll and husband Jessie of Houston; Great nephews James Carroll, Paul Carroll, Mark Carroll and Daniel Carroll all of Houston; son in law Bill McKeon and his wife Stephanie of Sour Lake.

He is preceded in death by his parents Aubrey and Faye Hughes Wentworth; daughter Deanna Wentworth McKeon; twin sister Barbara Jean Scheig and daughter in law Monica Wentworth.

Dean could be counted on by his family, his church, his employers, and his community. Well done good and faithful servant.

Several years ago, Dean declared that he wanted ‘his boys’ to be his pallbearers. These friends of his grandsons, Cody and Kevin, have been an intrical part of his life, either at the farm or watching them on the soccer field. They have equally admired and loved him.

Pallbearers: Josh Buse, Justin DeHart, Ethan Dunn, Dylan Hart, Kael Hawthorne, Chris Lemus, Tristin Stites, and Landyn Swice.

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