Ruston Joseph Sonnier

Ruston Joseph Sonnier, age 87, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 9:49 pm. Ruston is a native of Lake Arthur Louisiana in Jefferson Davis Parish. He was a resident of Lake Jackson, Texas.

Russ is preceded in death by his wife of 22 years Shirley Ann Swiere Sonnier and wife of 43 years Helen Marie McTighe Sonnier, parents, Joachin Sonnier and Marie Olite Benoit Sonnier, twelve siblings, Mabel Sonnier, (twins) Clara Mae and Clara Bell Sonnier, (his twin) Theresa Russie Sonnier Vincent, (twin) Joachin Eugene Sonnier and Elgene “Jane” Ann Sonnier, (twin) Warren Charles Sonnier and Wanda Louise Sonnier Mallett, Irvin Paul Sonnier, John Lawford Sonnier, Lester James Sonnier and Willard Lewis Sonnier. He is preceded in death by his two grandson’s Brian Keith Nolen and Joseph Gale Seat and his son in law Brian Lee Nolen.

Ruston is survived by his children: Cheryl Sonnier Nolen of Spring Branch Texas, Colleen Sonnier Seat (David) of Danbury Texas, Susan Cruce Perry (Michael) of Lake Jackson Texas, Faith Cruce Wallace of Townsend Georgia, Brian Joseph Sonnier (Jane) of Angleton Texas and Christopher Harvey Cruce (Wendi) of Buda Texas. He was a proud grandpa of 15 grandchildren, Rachel Perry (Joseph VanDruten), Brittany Seat Dilleshaw (Brandon), Casey Perry (Faith McCreay), Drew Nolen (Athena), Carolyn Sonnier Dickerson (Jon), Justin New (Kristin), Cody Perry (Kristen Lumsden), Alfred Wallace (Sarah), Cristen Sonnier Simpson, Amanda New (Juan Ramirez), Sasha Sonnier (Rachel), Jenna Cruce and Addison Cruce. He is also great-grandpa to Kaylee Oakes, Anthony Austin, Kaden Dickerson, Talen Perry-VanDruten, Corali Ramirez, Elizabeth New, Carlie Dilleshaw, Lexie Dickerson, Kaelyn Seat, Dennis Wallace, Warren Ramirez, Vera Wallace, Leanne Nolen, Rylee New, Preslea Simpson, Luke New, Cass Perry and Isabella Ramirez. He is survived by his sister Ella Mae Sonnier Hebert (Lovess), and Joyce Marie Sonnier Broussard (Nelson). He was blessed with many nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Ruston was born in Klondike/Gueydan, Louisiana in 1936 to his parents, Joachin and Olite Marie Beniot Sonnier. He was the first-born son and he had 19 siblings and was a chaperone for his older sister Ella and now brother-in-law Lovess. He worked at the local grocery store and helped in the meat department and also delivered groceries on his bike. He also shined shoes and saved his shoeshine box. He was an altar boy for Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arthur, Louisiana. Russ was a Carpenter by trade and built two homes for his wife and children. He loved to remodel the numerous homes owned by him and Helen. He worked and traveled to many Cities and States (Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, California, and Texas…) and Countries. In the years 1974-1976, Ruston worked in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. He held the position of Superintendent working for Hudson Engineering and Gulf States. He knew his concrete and he was a whiz in math. He loved to give advice on how he would make a project better. He and Helen had a small family-owned business, and he obtained his license to prepare taxes. They owned several rental properties and a small apartment complex. He retired in 2000 from his construction position.

He loved keeping a meticulous yard. Dad would ask us to mow and after you were done, and you didn’t mow correctly he would mow it again. When he had to give up his lawnmower it took a toll on him. After the death of Helen, his health began to fail. He loved to sit outside and watch the day go by (sometimes through the back of his eyelids). He sang karaoke during family Christmases, went camping with the Campbells, went crabbing, he loved to play baseball and was a great center fielder, loved to bowl and played cards. He loved to watch westerns, old and new, and sporting events. He could also be found sitting on the sideline at his kids, grand-kids and great grand-kids sporting events. He loved his family. His health continued to fail, and he had to give up driving his favorite vehicle, a white GM 3500 long bed truck. He was so proud of it. Then he had to go live with Colleen, Cheryl and Brian. He hated losing his independence. Ruston was such a great role model- loyal, hardworking, believed in God. We will miss the blessing at each and every meal. God gained a great Angel.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Palms Funeral Home, 2300 East Highway 35, Angleton, Texas. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm for Family and 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm for family and friends, with a Rosary being said at 4:00 pm.

Mass will be said on Monday, April 22, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1523 Main Street, Danbury Texas, at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at Angleton Cemetery, 328 Cemetery Road, Angleton, Texas.