Obituary of Felton Bernard Jr.

Felton Bernard Jr was born on January 27, 1948, to the late Felton “Paul” Bernard Sr and Mrs. Louella Jacquet–Bernard Sr at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Galveston, Tx. In 1966, Felton graduated from La Porte High School in La Porte, TX, where he played baseball and football where he transferred after attending George Washington Carver High School in Baytown, Tx. He would later continue his education at San Jacinto College.

In 1967, Felton was drafted in the United States Navy, then assigned to the USS Hornet (CV-12). He deployed to Vietnam in the combat zone.  He was also assigned to the mission that recovered the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 astronauts when they returned from the Moon. He was Honorably discharged in 1970.

Felton saw Linda D. Willis for the first time in elementary school. Story has it, he vowed at that moment, she was the woman he’d marry.  After his honorable discharge from the military they would reconnect, this time, in a romantic relationship that would flourish for over 53 years.

Felton married Linda D. Willis on December 18, 1971, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in La Porte, TX. In union for over five decades, they raised a family of 2 children and grew to 6 grandchildren.

Felton worked briefly for Brown & Root before employment with Rohm & Haas (later Dow Chemical) for over 40 years before retiring.

He was a faithful Christian.  Good and Faithful Servant. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church from childhood through late in his adulthood.  He also attended St. Mary’s Magdeline after moving to Huffman, Tx.  The couple would maintain membership and support for both Parish’s. He was a 4^th Degree life member with the Knights of Columbus Council #5232 and an active member with the VA Combat Relief Group #19 (Vietnam).

He was often described as a sports fanatic, loyal, forgiving, a provider and protector, a great brother and friend, amazing brother-in-law, positive and uplifting, giver of meaningful advice and keeper of peace.  He was full of laughter, always enjoyed a good time with family and friends and didn’t mind a good Zydeco.

Felton was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Melvin Bernard Sr. and Frances Marie Bernard.

He is survived by his wife Linda D. Willis-Bernard Jr., children Gianni Lewis (William) of La Porte, Tx and Yolanda St. Cyr (Ronald) of Humble, Tx, grandchildren Johnathan Lewis, Brittany Fortenberry, Taelor Fortenberry, Isaiah St. Cyr, Latrice Eugene, and Adonis Lewis, “Special” Aunt Mildred Dennis of Lafayette, La, and siblings Robert Bernard Sr  (Lue Bogan) of Baytown, Tx, Leo Bernard Sr. of La Porte, Tx, Gertrude Williams of La Porte, Tx, Sandra Culpepper of Houston, Tx, and Beverly Fairweather (*Earl) of Houston, Tx., and a host of nieces and nephews.

Felton was a devoted, loving and caring husband. A proud & present father, grandfather, and uncle. He always kept his rosary provided by his mother Louella close to him.

Felton was a Man of Christ, Man of Family, and a rock for many.