Curtis Joseph Barbay Jr.

Curtis Joseph Barbay, Jr., 68, of Newton, Texas, Died Saturday, September 25, 2010 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. A memorial service at Newton High School's Singletary Stadium will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2010. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church in Kirbyville with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon at the church. Burial will follow at Newton City Cemetery. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on December 31, 1941, Curtis was the son of Irene and Curtis Joseph Barbay, Sr. Sports were a huge part of Curtis's youth and led him to his chosen career as a high school football coach. Curtis was an assistant at Bishop Byrne before joining the staff at Newton in 1968. In 1975, Curtis took the reins as athletic director/head football coach and filled this position successfully till the present day. After leading Eagle teams to the playoffs perennially and garnering two state championships, he died with the rank of 4th winningest coach in Texas Football history. He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship and competition that drove him to coach his beloved Eagles year after year. While his body grew increasingly more weary of the heat at summer two a days, his desire and enthusiasm to coach the young men of Newton High School never waned. When he wasn't on the practice field or gridiron Friday nights, Curtis could always be found spending time with his much loved, close knit family. . Curtis's biggest supporter, his wife, Mona, sat in the stands on the 50 yard line every Friday night and Expected the Eagles to win no matter what. He attended his sons' football games on bye weeks and always expected a hug from his daughter after football games with rivals and in the playoffs. His grandchildren were a source of much entertainment for Curtis, and they will sorely miss their Papa Coach with every future accomplishment and milestone. Curtis's quests for catching a boatload of white perch on Toledo Bend or a great day at the horse races will be forever remembered fondly by his family. His support of a certain Texan ice cream Company will never be forgotten either. Curtis was a longtime member of Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church in Kirbyville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Irene Barbay and sister Barbara, Curtis is survived by his wife, Mona; his daughter Kelly Guenter and husband Toby of Angleton, sons Bryan and wife Tracy, of Coldspring, and Darrell and wife Melissa, of Anahuac. His five grandchildren, Brady, Brock, Maggie, Bryce and Natalie Barbay. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Newton County Relay For Life, PO Box 921 or to a scholarship fund that is being established in his memory, Newton High School, c/o Kristi Stanley. 414 North Main, Newton, Texas 75966.