Carl Lee Rousseau went home to heaven to meet the Lord and join his loved ones on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the age of 97. Born on December 23, 1921 in Bovina, Texas to Ethel Parker Rousseau and Barney Judson Rousseau, Carl was raised in the piney woods of East Texas near Brachfield. He attended Woodglen School and graduated from Henderson High School in 1938.
Shortly after his high school graduation, Mr. Rousseau was employed by United Gas Pipeline Company. A World War II veteran, he served in the US Army as an instrument technician and clerk typist. Following his discharge he reunited with United Gas Pipeline Company until his retirement at age 62. During those years he transferred with his company to Houston, Refugio, Edna, Carthage, Kenedy, Mobile AL, Lafayette LA, and New Orleans LA before finishing his career in Houston. His contributions as a gas measurement technician proved him to be a key player in developing an institute with hands on equipment and materials for teaching efficiency in measurement techniques. Upon retirement, Mr. Rousseau moved to Tyler and embarked on furthering his career by working for GSI.
His lifelong love for music and playing guitar provided many hours of pleasure. Carl also loved bowling, a hobby he enjoyed until only a few months before his passing. He also loved to fire up the bar-b-que and delight guests with his steak, chicken and ribs! Always a great handyman, there was nothing he could not repair. His motto for a long life was to keep busy and to keep learning, and indeed his life proved it works!
Carl is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Elizabeth Reed Rousseau; daughters, Margaret (Bobby) Bell; Patsy (Frank) Smith; stepson Mike (Debbie) Burd; granddaughters, Jennifer LaFrance, Amy Lawrence, Kristyn Payne and Stephanie Burd; and seven great grandchildren, Devon LaFrance, Hayden LaFrance, Ty LaFrance, Ray Lee Payne, Jaylin Burd, Torrie Saunders, and Zoe Saunders.
Special thanks are extended to his neighbors, friends, and teammates at Green Acres Bowling Alley, and his wonderful caregiver Tameka Johnigan.
Memorial Service will be held Thursday, February 21 at 10:00 A.M. at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 E. First Street, Tyler, TX with the Bro. Sherman Mayfield officiating. Donations may be made to the donor’s choice.
