Ellis "Benny" Summerlin

Ellis “Benny” Summerlin, 66, of Nederland, Texas, passed away on February 12, 2018, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.

Visitation will be Thursday February 22, from 5-8 p.m. at Claybar Kelley-Watkins funeral home on North 11th St. in Beaumont. Funeral services will be held Friday 23, at 10 a.m., also at Claybar funeral home in Beaumont. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland, off of Hwy. 69.

Born in Mansfield, Louisiana, on June 27, 1951, he was the son of Ellis and Stella (Vandiver) Summerlin. Benny worked as a switchman for KCS railroad for 14 years and grew up learning to be a plumber. After leaving the railroad, he became the owner of his own plumbing company, which he ran proudly, for over 30 years.

Benny was happily married for over 43 beautiful years and was the father of four adoring daughters. He loved traveling and taking trips to Las Vegas with his wife, Terry. Benny enjoyed playing his guitar, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. His touching way with animals and his hilarious sense of humor, was experienced by those closest to him.

Benny loved his family dearly, and will be missed tremendously by everyone who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Ellis and Stella Summerlin, and daughters; Shannon Touchet and Stacey Kay.

Benny is survived by his loving wife, Terry Summerlin; daughter Amanda Molley and son-in-law Mike Molley; daughter Monica Cohrt and son-in-law “Bo” Cohrt; grandchildren: Alyssa Bardwell of Baytown, Jerry Molley of Nederland, Kayla Kay of Beaumont, Krista Touchet of Hamshire-Fannett, Trey Touchet of Hamshire-Fannett, Kourtney Blevins of Beaumont, Christopher O’Connor of Mauriceville, Tyler Lyles of Kountze, and three great grandchildren: Ethan Agee, Liam O’Connor, and Mavis Blevins.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, with honorary pallbearers: Mike Molley and “Bo” Cohrt.