Tyrone Joseph Van Auken, Sr.

Tyrone Van Auken, Sr. (affectionately known as "Ty"), born on October 21, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on September 30, 2025, in Kirbyville, Texas. He will be deeply missed by his family and the communities he so generously served throughout his life.

Ty had a robust career that spanned several decades and various roles. He began his journey as a sacker at Market Basket in Nederland, Texas between 1962-1969 and then working his way up to manager from 1973-1975. He also lent his talents to various dealerships in the Golden Triangle as a car salesman from 1975-1982. Ty established his entrepreneurial spirit as one of the owners and operator of Bobbie's Superette in Nederland, Texas from 1983 to 1996. His commitment to customer service led him to positions at Auchan Hyper Mart in Houston, Texas as a sales associate, and as a realtor with Wayne Murray Realtor Broker in Houston, Texas from 1997 to 2002. Following this, he contributed to the Houston Independent School District as a teacher associate/aide/assistant from 2002 to 2007. He served as an associate and greeter at Wal-Mart in Houston, Texas and Jasper, Texas from 2006 to 2010, and, returning to the beginning, continued to support the community most recently as a sacker at Brookshire Brothers in Kirbyville, Texas from 2012 until 2022.

Ty's educational background was marked by his hard work and dedication. An Honor Society graduate of Nederland High School in 1964, he later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Lamar College of Technology in 1969. In 1997, he achieved further success by obtaining his Texas Real Estate license from Spencer School of Real Estate.

A proud veteran, Ty served in the United States Air Force as an Inventory Management Specialist from 1969 to 1973 at Beale Air Force Base in California. As a faithful servant of the Lord, Ty's commitment to service extended beyond his military career as he was always active in church as a greeter, usher or wherever he was needed, which brought him much pride.

An individual who was deeply beloved, Ty was known for his hard-working nature, dependability, and ethical standing. He thrived in social interactions, demonstrating a genuine love for people. Among his many interests, he found joy in word games/puzzles, and had a particular fondness for sweets, delighting in candy, ice cream, cakes, pies, and cookies.

Ty is survived by his daughter, Tycie Denice Van Auken Knight and her husband, Dan Christopher Knight; son, Tyrone (T.J.) Joseph Van Auken, Jr.; grandsons, Michael Ryan Simmons and Justin Taylor Simmons; granddaughter, Rebecca Danielle Knight; sister, JoDella Van Auken Netterville and her husband, Larry Netterville; and brother, Jeffrey (Jeff) Glynn Van Auken and his wife, Kimberly (Kim) Charlene Van Auken; along with many adored extended family members.

Ty is reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife of 43 years, Barbara (Bobbie) Jane Romero Van Auken; his father, George Raymond Van Auken, Jr.; his mother, Loretta Genevieve Hettig Van Auken; brother, George Raymond Van Auken, III; and sister, Corrine Genevieve Reynolds Van Auken.

As we think about Ty now at peace in the arms of his Savior, we celebrate a life that was devoted to family, community, and country. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those he touched throughout his life.

There are no services scheduled; however, Ty's cremation ashes, along his wife's, will be interred at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas, by his daughter and son.