Clyde Defrates Jr.

Clyde Defrates, Jr.

October 10, 1925 - December 16, 2025

Clyde Defrates, Jr. was born October 10, 1925, to Clyde and Alma Rothman Defrates in Port Arthur, Texas. He passed away peacefully December 16, 2025, in his apartment in Houston.

Clyde was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Arthur, on October 25, 1925. He was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran and St. John's Lutheran Church, both in Beaumont.

Clyde graduated early from Thomas Jefferson in Port Arthur so he could enlist in the US Army. In February 1944, he joined the 8 th Army Air Corps as a ball turret (belly) gunner on a B17. He was based in England and flew 33 missions over Germany on the Mississippi Miss. He and his entire crew returned safely from each of those missions, including missions over Berlin.

After the war in 1949, Clyde married Marilyn Kieschnick. They were married for 61 years.

After getting married, Clyde started his studies using the GI Bill. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1954 with a degree in Civil Engineering.

The family settled in Groves later moving to Beaumont while he worked for the Texas Highway Department. He retired from there in 1980 and began a second career with a contract engineering and construction company.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, bingo, puzzles, and watching his family grow. He loved his family deeply and enjoyed every opportunity to share time with them. Clyde will be remembered for his witty humor, growing bluebonnets, his faith, and always wanting to win at cards and dominos.

For his 100 th birthday in October, he had two big celebrations with family and friends at Parkway Place. For this achievement, he received honors from the State of Texas as well as the United States Congress.

He is survived by his children, Kathy Flynn and husband, Patrick; Janet Dunlap and husband, Ernest; and Gregory Defrates and wife, Dina; his grandchildren, Bryan and wife, Amanda; Kevin; Angela and husband, John; Jessica; and Katelyn and husband, Austin; and great-grandchildren, Julia and Jack.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy; and his wife, Marilyn Kieschnick.

Memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Children's Center, 4330 Crow Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706, or a charity of one's choice.

A gathering of Mr. Defrates' family and friends will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at Broussard's, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Haven of Rest Cemetery, 3851 US-90, Beaumont.