Gerald "Jerry" Fenton Klein

Native Beaumonter, Gerald Fenton Klein died Monday, July 26, 2010 at the age of seventy-four. Jerry or “Paw Paw” fought a courageous fight with cancer and his resulting heart condition.  His positive attitude during not only his illness, but throughout his life has left all of us reflecting on this very special man.
 
The only son of Albert and Martha Klein, Jerry was a proud UT Graduate, an accomplished retailer, and a loving husband to his 53 year partner Pat Golob.  He was a dedicated father and energetic grandfather to daughter Dena, her husband Eric Frankfurt and sons Grant and Ross, to son Brad, his wife Catherine, and sons Dillon, Quentin, and Gramm.  His energy and dedication were certainly not reserved for his family.  His vast circle of lifelong friends and community were constant recipients of his time and talent.
 
Jerry’s professional career centered in his family’s business with a seventy-five year history in retail and The Fair Store.  His religious affiliation spanned years of dedicated devotion to Beaumont Temple Emanuel, past president being one of his many services.  Beaumont and the community it represents were one of Jerry’s most proud areas to serve. It was second nature to Jerry to focus on the betterment of Beaumont with his scope of efforts varied and beneficial to all. 
 
He was a member of Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Beaumont, Gulf Coast Historical Society and Junior Achievement. Additionally, the Crime Stoppers Program was initiated through his efforts.  The arts were another focus of Jerry’s with his involvement in Lamar University’s Friends of the Arts and the Beaumont Art Museum.  His energy and forward thinking were best exhibited through his work on Beaumont’s Centennial Commission as well as with the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau.     
 
As you can see, Gerald Fenton Klein. . . “Pawpaw” was a man committed to his community, his faith, friends and most importantly, his family.  Whether enjoying good company, traveling the world, or teeing off on a beautiful day, Pawpaw’s gregarious personality was contagious and the memories he left us all continue to make us smile.
 
A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday, July 28, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2010 at Temple Emanuel, Beaumont with committal to follow at Hebrew Rest Cemetery. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel, 1290 Broadway Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to the Tree of Life c/o Christus St. Elizabeth Foundation SETX, 2830 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77702.