Roll Call Tribute

Larry Nelson Windham 

November 17, 1946 - February 24, 2024 

Larry Nelson Windham, 77, of Beaumont, died Saturday, February 24, 2024. He was born on November 17, 1946, in Beaumont to Bessie Lee Clark and Julius Alton “Slim” Windham. Larry was raised in Nome, Texas, the son of a rice farmer and the youngest of four siblings. He attended Hardin Jefferson High School c/o 1964. He went on to study at Texas A&M University and Tyler Junior College. He graduated from Lamar University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Larry married Jann Bell on May 20, 1972, and he loved her for 51 years.

After college, he coached at Charlton Pollard High School in Beaumont before becoming a Vice President at Production Credit Association. He worked as an Agent for Mutual of New York in the mid and late 1980’s, which led him to become an Independent Insurance Agent, Larry Windham & Associates, for 30 years. He prided himself on providing exceptional service. He was smart and thorough when it came to work, but he sure knew how to play just as well. He didn’t have a client that he would not call a friend. Larry was very active in the Texas Independent Cattleman’s Association (ICA). He not only provided health insurance for the Association, but he was known to be the Hospitality Coordinator for most local and state events. Socializing came so naturally to him that he would handle duties like working the beer tub at the drawdown dinners so he could wipe down and wrap cold cans for the ladies and koozies for the gentleman. He also loved hanging out back where the steaks were cooking, chatting it up with his good friends and making new ones. Larry entertained/worked the hospitality suite at the state convention where he could schmooze with members from across the state. Another favorite event is the Southeast Texas ICA Commercial Bull & Heifer Sale. Yes, it is a cattle auction, but for Larry it was time to talk and visit with everyone. Larry always had something to say and most of the time humor was involved.

He and Jann raised two great kids together. Blaine and Jennifer were brought up going to ICA conventions every summer as family vacations. This is where Larry would teach them how to talk loudly, where people can hear you, and how to shake hands respectfully. He loved taking drives on the back roads of Nome to reminisce about how and where he was raised. It was like driving around with a tour guide narrating, even though the story had been told many times before. Larry loved his family with every ounce of his being. He had one grandchild, Austin, who brought new life into his soul. Austin could do no wrong as far as Larry was concerned. Blaine and Jennifer were both in Future Farmers of America (FFA) which gave Larry an agricultural outlet. He was very involved in their projects, their education, and their futures. Larry would go to Jennifer’s adult soccer games most Sundays and would park at the end of the field and watch from his Tahoe (probably napping mostly). Larry was a very involved father and grandfather. He always showed up.

Larry was a gentleman, a joker, an entrepreneur, and loved his friends and family to the deepest depths of his being. He will be missed forever.

Survivors include his wife, Jann Windham; daughter, Jennifer Windham; grandson, Shayne Austin Simon, all of Beaumont; brother, Jerry Windham of Orange; and many nieces and nephews.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents; son, Christopher Blaine Windham; brother, Terrell D. Windham; and sister, Martha Wood.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Southeast Texas Independent Cattleman’s Association (SETICA): Larry Windham Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 146 Hamshire, Texas 77622.

A memorial service for Mr. Windham will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium. There will be a private family graveside at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.