Dale DeRouen, 87, of Anderson, Texas, passed away on May 28th, 2020 after a lengthy battle with dementia.
He was born to parents Odile and Leonel DeRouen, on September 10, 1932, in Port Arthur Texas. In 1950 Dale graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in Port Arthur, Texas and received a degree in Math from Texas A&M University in 1954. Dale was a proud Endowed Member of the Texas A&M 12th Man Foundation.
Dale is survived by his daughters Della DeRouen and Annette Gray, his son Duane DeRouen, and his daughter-in-law Karen DeRouen. Dale (Gramps) is also survived by grandchildren Jenna Hotchkiss and husband Parker, Dane Gray, Chance Gray, Dax DeRouen, Link DeRouen, and great-grandchild Oliver Hotchkiss. Dale was predeceased by parents Odile and Leonel DeRouen, older brother Laddie, younger sisters Doris and Sharon, and ex-wife Jeanette.
Dale was a walk-on for the Texas A&M track team under Colonel Andy Anderson. He eventually won the Southwest Conference mile championship in 1953 and was the captain of the Texas A&M track team in 1954. He had many stories about his days there that he often shared.
After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1954 Dale spent 3 years in the Air Force flying B-47 bomber planes in peacetime. Dale then received one of the first Computer Science degrees from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and shortly after that started a 33-year career at Texaco. He married Jeanette DeRouen and all three kids (Della, Annette and Duane) were born in Port Arthur Texas. After a 2-year stint living in Trinidad in the West Indians where he set up a computer system for their Texaco plant, the family settled in Conroe, Texas outside of Houston. Upon retiring from Texaco, Dale eventually moved to Anderson Texas near College Station.
Dale was known for his love of sports. While in Port Arthur he coached the St Catherine school basketball team and managed and played in the men’s competitive fastpitch softball league for many years. He later coached youth baseball, basketball and football in Conroe. Dale spent many years attending his kids and grandkids sporting events. And once those days were over, he then dedicated his time to supporting Texas A&M sporting events.
Please see College Station’s Callaway-Jones website Tributes if you would like to leave a message. After a private ceremony, his interment will be at the Aggie Field of Honor Cemetery on the Memorial Wall that faces Kyle Field.
Duane, We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Please know you and your entire family have our deepest sympathy.
Our seats in Kyle Field were next to him for many, many years prior to the construction of the new stadium. We enjoyed meeting your Dad and looked forward to visiting with him at each game (although we were very focused on the game as was your Dad). He told us that he went to all the away games as well. We saw you many times over the years as well as your sisters. We do remember one time when his grandson was sitting with him. The child looked around at the full stadium and turned to your Dad and said “Where do all these people go to school?” I seem to remember he mentioned a grandson who was a walk-on years later. Was that the same child? We have fond memories of all the Aggie games (won or lost) shared with your Dad.
Dear Cousins, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad and my Uncle. May God bless us with His presence during this time of bereavement. I’m sure hes giving his brothers and sisters big hugs right now! Prayers!
I was Dale’s niece and godchild. He was always quick to remind me that I took my first steps for him (and my toy giraffe). He teasingly said that he would never forgive me for going to the University of Texas. Although I haven’t seen him in years, I will always remember our time together as good-hearted fun.
My prayers are with your family and thank you for being a loving Uncle. Rest in peace Uncle Dale. You will always watch over your family from Heaven.. You will be deeply missed.
Love The Bergeron Family
Cousins, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know he will rest peacefully near Kyle Field. Love all of you dearly
While reading my Conroe Courier this morning, I was sad to see your father’s obituary; however, it brought back many pleasant memories of visiting with him at basketball and baseball games. I enjoyed his intellect and perspective. I’m sure the last few years have been challenging but Dale DeRouen was one of the good guys and y’all have been very good children.
Btw – Duane I taught my son how to shoot free throws just like you taught me and probably how your dad taught you. It served Blaine very well during his high school career!
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To Dale’s family… I knew your Father through Aggie baseball.. We sat near him and had to walk past his seat to get to ours… we would always speak and discuss the team,etc and I missed him when he didn’t come anymore..then I ran into him at Hudson Creek when my husband was there and so we continued our friendship of talking Aggie baseball. He was a nice man and glad I knew him… so sorry for your loss…
Sorry for your loss Della and Family. Prayers for the Family
Was sorry to learn of Dale’s passing. Dale and Duane traveled with my deceased husband Dick Brunner and son Mike to the SW Conference football
Championship vs Kansas State. They had a great time. I loved visiting with Dale at the soccer and softball games. Many people loved Dale. Both men were true Aggies. May they Rest In Peace.
My husband-Jim Blaine-54 – Dale visited with us often – sorry for your loss
JUNE 8, 2020 EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO THE LOVED ONES OF DALE DE ROUEN. TO IDENTIFY MY SELF MY NAME IS MARY & MY FIRST COUSIN CAROL LIBBY FROM ALVIN, TX. (DECEASED) & MY FIRST HUSBAND & FATHER OF MY THREE CHILDREN FRANK NORRIS OF FALFURRIAS, TEXAS DECEASED) BOTH WERE MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS A&M TRACK TEAM WITH MR. DE ROUEN.
PRAISING GOD FOR THE LIFE LIVED BY MR. DR ROUEN AS HE HONORED Jesus Christ.
MRS. MARY NORRIS PERRY PHONE : 281-543-5881