Larry Donald Baggett

1958 ∼ 2015

Larry Donald Baggett, age 58, of Beaumont, died April 13, 2015. After graduating from South Park High School and attending Lamar University, Larry began a thirty-three year career teaching English in Beaumont and Conroe School Districts.

He loved his students and was an enthusiastic companion in their discovery of literature. Larry developed a passion for fine arts and his talents were wide-ranged. His water colors and pen and ink drawings are cherished. He loved music, playing the drums and harmonica in bands including the Lamar Jazz Band, in church services and at special events for the Beaumont Symphony.

For years Larry wrote a weekly local history column for the Beaumont Journal, and he created poetry in his leisure. Like his dad, he built furniture and loved gardening. Friends and relatives could always count on his droll sense of humor which will be greatly missed.

His parents, Don and Sara Baggett and former wife Gladys preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife Patty Savoy Baggett, sister Linda McLemore, step-children Jeremy and Joshua Byrom and Julie Byrom-Moran and their families.

A visitation is planned for Wednesday, April 15, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home on Eleventh Street in Beaumont. Dr. Jim Fuller will officiate graveside service in the mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Thursday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North Eleventh Street in Beaumont, Texas 77702.

Condolences

Justin April 18, 2015
Mr.Baggett was one of the nicest and sweetest teachers i have ever had the fortune of knowing. His positive attitude and outlook on life as well as his great sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Chelsea Chappell April 16, 2015
I had Mr. Baggett for an English class my Junior year of High School and then as a mentor for the Cavalier Broadcast Corps. after school. He was always so incredibly sweet and patient, and you just knew that he genuinely cared about each of his students. He was always ready to listen to your problems, or just teenage ramblings in general, and always new the right thing to say. Mr. Baggett is one of those teachers that just stays with you, years after leaving his class and even graduating college. I'm so happy that I was lucky enough to have a teacher like that in my life.
Marie Moen April 15, 2015
Larry was a true Renaissance man; his artistic ability, love of teaching, creativity, and funny stories often brightened the day. He genuinely liked the students he taught and was always accepting and understanding of each one as an individual. There were always stories with insight about literature and life that he told. One of his favorite tales to tell was the "Show and Tell" about the arrowhead that he had taken to school since he was a child. Whether he was poking a cow with it or throwing it in the basket of his bike, it was an important part of his life. He enjoyed telling the story as much to juniors as what he had as a child. He finally did realize that this was probably a valuable possession in numerous ways Larry, you will be missed, but you touched so many people that will not forget you and what they learned from you. Rest in peace my friend. Marie Moen
Nichole Miller April 15, 2015
Mr. Baggett was one of my favorite teachers in Highschool and one of the few teachers that made an impact on my life. He always brightened my day. R.I.P.
Kathy Dawson April 15, 2015
I recently quoted Mr. Baggett " no PDA( public display of affection) in the hallways" ! I teach middle schoolers and directed that comment to students who were a little too close at the lockers:) I told the students that my English teacher was notorious for directing that comment to students(not me :)), I think that was one of his favorite lines:) He was so much fun and a great teacher! I am very sorry to hear of his passing! I know he will be missed! Kathy Stringer Dawson Mauriceville Middle 8th grade class of 1986
Mykia April 15, 2015
He was the most awesome teacher ever! You surely will be missed....
Teresa Scott Reina April 15, 2015
Remember all the good times at South Park Baptist, such a kind person. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends.
Jo Lynn Augsburger April 15, 2015
My condolences to all of Larry's family. May God give you comfort as you mourn him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jo Lynn Augsburger
Randall G. April 15, 2015
Much love, respect, thoughts and prayers for you and your family Mr. Baggett. You truely were a one-of-a-kind teacher. College Park english will never be the same without you. You've taught and touched so many lives with your knowledge and kindess. Your memory will live on in those who were blessed with your presence. So with that said sir, Rest In Paradise and thank you for what you've done. Randall G.
Tricia Miller April 15, 2015
My name is Tricia Thomason now Miller. Larry was my English teacher for 7th and 8th grades at Mauriceville Middle School. He was one of my most favorite teachers. Class was so much fun we would forget we were learning. If there were problems at home or drama with friends he was always there to listen and give advice. He always told me to stand up and be proud of myself and it didn't matter what anyone else thought of me. It was wonderful to have a teacher that practiced what he preached. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I will remember him alway. Sincerely, Tricia Thomason Miller
Joe Lyon April 14, 2015
When I had Mr. Baggett as a teacher, he was never afraid to encourage people, or to make them laugh in any way he could. He was one of the first people to truly encourage me in my writing. But more than that, I think he encouraged people to be themselves because he wasn't afraid to be himself. He will definitely be missed.
J. Keith Williams April 14, 2015
Mr. Baggett will always be one of my favorite teachers. Through music, games and his sense of humor he managed to engage thousands of students and inspire many to follow in his profession. He will be missed!
Jessica Acosta April 14, 2015
My prayers are with the family at this tough time. He was an awesome teacher, one that showed he cared. There are few teacher that were respected enough to stay in our memories.... He was one of the few.
Kristina Edwards April 14, 2015
Mr. Baggett was THAT teacher that made learning fun and exciting. From singing the lesson with his guitar to the class playing silent ball to his crazy cartoon drawings on the board. We wanted to be in his class! We recently had our 20 year high school reunion (LCM class of '94) and Mr. Baggett's name came up often as we reminisced about our favorite teachers. He inspired many of us from Mauriceville to become teachers. He was an amazing person that will be missed by many. My heart goes out to his family. "To the world you may just be a teacher, but to your students, Mr. Baggett, you are a hero." Rest in Peace.
Kitsy Gaspard April 14, 2015
What a wonderful man! He was by far one of my most favorite teachers ever! I absolutely loved his class, the way he taught, and the way he would draw little cartoons for us! My heart is heavy for this and I have nothing but love and prayers for him and his .
Marie Roux April 14, 2015
Larry was so very kind and always had a smile. He helped advise me before and after my back surgery. I am blessed to have known him. Marie Roux
Shelbie Bergman April 14, 2015
Mr. Baggett was one of those teachers you just never forget. He took a class that I loved already, and made it into something so much more thought provoking and honestly just fun. I still remember one of the funniest and best memories I had with Mr. Baggett was when we were going over poetry, and he sang the songs instead of just saying it like most teachers would. He was so energetic and any student who was lucky enough to have him left his class with a deeper love for literature than they came with. You will be missed Mr. Baggett!
Collin Hext April 14, 2015
To my good friend, one of my best friends, goodbye for now. Until I see you again, I will remember all of the good times we had growing up in South Park, hanging out together and cruising in your 1974 Plymouth Duster and many hours sitting in Burger Chef. I always thought we would be able to do that again for old times sake. I am so thankful we got to talk on the phone several months ago. Rest in peace my old buddy! You are now Home! Collin Hext
Lisa Wiggins April 14, 2015
I have so many memories of Larry. We grew up together, going to the same church, South Park Baptist. Where we were in the youth choir, Larry played the drums. Back then we had a very large youth choir, we visited many churches around Beaumont, singing our praises, we even got to go to New Mexico in a youth choir retreat. Not to mention, every summer the youth group would go on local retreats. Larry had to have back surgery when he was in his teens and I remember him in a cast for quiet a while. Larry was always smiling and cuttin up. I have always thought of him, his sweet, sweet Mother and Dad. They were wonderful people. I'm so sad that he is gone. But he will never be forgotten and I know God has an angelic drum set setup just for Larry. I will always love you as a brother.
Hannah Richey April 14, 2015
Mr. Baggett's class was the very first class I walked into, when I transferred from San Antonio. He was a kind face in a sea of the unknown!
Raneen Nasrallah April 14, 2015
Mr. Baggett was the best English teacher I've had. I always looked forward to his jokes that could make anyone laugh. He always greeted you with the biggest smile, which was so contagious it would make the entire class smile. His love for teaching was clear and never doubted. Thank you for an awesome junior year, Mr. Baggett. You set a high standard for the English teachers to follow. Rest in peace.
Zohreh Daly April 14, 2015
Mr. Baggett was an amazing teacher. Even at a rough school like Austin Middle School, he was a shining beacon of light in an early nineties apocalyptic mess of portable buildings and metal awnings. I remember him reading Poe's "The Raven" aloud one day and screeching the "Nevermore" parts as a parrot. "Raaaaa, NEVERMORE!". And when I called one of my classmates a really bad name (Stephen, I am so sorry!) his eyes grew as big as saucers, gasped, and shouted "INFRACTION!". I never forgot that and I never did it again! He was also an incredible artist. I only know of his pen and ink work (can I count his chalk and board too?) but it was amazingly beautiful and detailed. He did this one drawing of the Terrell Historical Library that was unbelievably good. Even his silly doodles on the board were fun. Sigh. . .this just makes me so sad. :'-( I think that something else about him I noticed (even as an eighth grader) was that he was a man of faith. He never really said that he was a man of faith-or that I could recall, but the way he spoke and carried himself made it appear that way. I wasn't even a Christian at the time but I knew, "This was a good Christian man". Maybe it was his joy? His kindness? His hope? I don't know, but it was something. I think I am rambling. To Mr. Baggett's family and friends, I want to express my sincere condolences. If you share in Larry's faith, I hope you can find comfort in it and knowing his is with our Lord. He was an amazing man whose talents, kindness, and unique personality had not gone unnoticed. I will keep him in my prayers. Xristos Anesti! And may his precious memory be eternal! Zohreh (Ordou) Daly Eighth grade student 1994-95
Pat Gillory April 14, 2015
Larry was a valued colleague, a teacher who loved and encouraged his students, and who appreciated all literature but especially Southern lit in a way that inspired us to think more deeply. His creativity was legendary.: A poem, a drawing, a short story, a bit of music, something hand hewn and lovingly cared for...anything was possible. The world is darker and less rich without you, Larry.
Rosemary Jimenez-Allred April 14, 2015
Mr. Baggett was absolutely one of the most encouraging and influential teachers that I ever had. Mr. Baggett was the first teacher to take the time to teach me how to write creatively and how to appreciate literature in a way that I had never before. I always looked forward to Mr. Baggett ' s class and I was stoked when he recommended me for an end-of-year reward in middle school. Even though he was only my teacher during middle school, he impacted my education and future endeavors. Thank you, sir. My condolences to his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you rest in peace Mr.Baggett.
Matt Muraki April 14, 2015
Mr. Baggett was one of the greatest influences in my high school life. He was the kind of teacher you would think only existed in movies or works of fiction. There were countless times this man pushed me forward, made me laugh, or outright surprised me. To every student in our school, even the ones who weren't directly in his class, Mr. Baggett was a light of positivity. Mr. Baggett was one of the first people to give me a chance to work in the field I'm in now. He taught me to take chances, to take risks, and be bold; that the greatest stories in life never began by saying no to an opportunity just because you were scared. I will never forget the lessons you passed on, and I will always cherish my time as your student. RIP Mr. Baggett
Josh Bush April 14, 2015
Mr.Baggett's class was one of my most memorable back at College Park, he loved everyone of his students no matter what. If you had a bad day his class turned your day around. My condolences go to his family.
Katie Mitchell April 13, 2015
By far the greatest English teacher I ever had. He was such fun to be around and class was never boring! He loved to teach and everyone in class could tell! He will be greatly missed. Thanks Mr. Baggett for the jokes, the life stories and the english lessons.
Autumn Clouette April 13, 2015
It was a true blessing to have Mr. Baggett as a teacher! He would come to class everyday and tell jokes. He definitely made a huge impact on my life. He brought smiles to everyone around him, Mr. Baggett will be truly missed. I pray for his family and closest friends during their time of healing!
Colin Jefferies April 13, 2015
Mr. Baggett was one of my favorite English teachers in high school. We all learned a lot from him and his wonderful classes. I send my condolences to his family and friends, he was more than just a teacher in many of our eyes. May he rest in peace
Ana Forero Ardila April 13, 2015
I don't really know what to say. My heart fills with sadness to hear about Mr.Baggett. When I had him as a professor I know he had a lot going on but he worked really hard to be there and help us learn. You will be missed
Courtney White April 13, 2015
Mr. Baggett made high school so memorable. He always brightened my days and made me feel better. He was by far, one of the best teachers I have ever had. I love you. You will be greatly missed. RIP.
Ian Wellman April 13, 2015
Mr. Baggett was one of my favorite, most influential teachers. He realized, unlike many other teachers, that life doesn't need to be so serious sometimes. It's important to laugh and find humor in things. He taught me that not everything has a definitive answer. That sometimes, it's better to just create your own. To create a story, or a picture or a song in hopes that other people might feel a connection with it. RIP Mr. Baggett. I know you're on to the next chapter in your story, wherever that is.
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Services & Events

event Other

location_on Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 1155 North 11th Street, Beaumont, 77702
directions Get Directions
schedule Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

event Graveside Service

location_on Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, 77703
directions Get Directions
schedule Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 1:00 PM