Vernon Nathan Pike, 89, of Silsbee died Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. Born December 30, 1923, in Nacogdoches, he first moved to Silsbee in 1966. He was the eldest son of Ollie and Ruby Pike. Mr. Pike was a World War II veteran serving in China, Burma and India with the United States Army. He was a devoted Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Silsbee. He served in Gideon's International both in Southeast Texas and later in Natchez, Mississippi. He loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Mr. Pike was employed with Lamar University for over 30 years retiring in 1986. He served in different positions including Director of Personnel. He was one of the original representatives that signed the organizational resolution for Personnel Administrators of Texas Senior Colleges and Universities. He also held many part time jobs such as selling insurance, bookkeeping, weekend manager of the Beaumont Country Club and farming. Mr. Pike was a talented musician. He played various instruments, wrote and arranged music. He sang in the church choir, played the bass not only in church but in a combo band on the weekends and for special occasions. In 1998, he and his wife moved to Natchez, MS and opened a Bed and Breakfast. He moved back to Silsbee in 2006 after the death of his wife, to be closer to his daughters.
Mr. Pike is survived by his daughters, Pam Willis and husband Jim of Silsbee, Connie Sirman and husband Sam of Katy and Karen Hoffman and husband Bruns of Conroe; a brother James Pike of Sealy and a sister Frankie Glenn of Richmond; seven grandsons and three granddaughters and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Frances Pike, a son, Vernon Nathan Pike, Jr., a grandson William Nathan Sirman, three brothers Eugene Pike, Clarence Pike and Ray Pike and his parents Ollie and Ruby Pike.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 at Farmer's Funeral Home in Silsbee on Thursday, February 21, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 at Farmer's Funeral Home on Friday, February 22, 2013. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Gideon's International or a charity of your choice.
