Jack Leon Havens

Jack Leon Havens, 97, passed away Jan. 28, 2022, at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings.

He was born Dec. 13, 1924, in Kankakee, Ill. He was one of 10 children born to Theodore Wayne Havens and Grace Lotta Bloodworth Havens.

He and his family moved to Texas in 1930. When his father died in 1941, Jack played a major role in caring for his family. He joined the Navy on Dec. 2, 1942 and served during World War II in the Battle of the Atlantic, where he and his shipmates searched for enemy submarines. He was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 2, 1945. After a short stint in the civilian world, he returned to the Navy on June 14, 1946, and stayed until Jan. 25, 1950, when he returned to Texas.

He married Gloria Ann Doughtie on Aug. 5, 1950. They were married for over 71 years. Together they raised three daughters and a son.

Jack, Gloria, and their family moved from Texas to Sulphur in 1958. Jack operated two successful small businesses. He first worked in the tile business for 28 years, installing tile in many homes and businesses in Southwest Louisiana. He then operated a locksmith shop for 22 years before finally retiring in 2000.

For over 60 years he was involved in military veterans activities through the Military Order of the Cootie of the United States, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was a proud member of the Masons.

Jack is survived by his wife, Gloria Ann Havens; three daughters, Jerry Lynn Young (Dan), Gayle Lee McFarlain (Glenn) and Johnnie Kae Pleasant (Houston); a son, Theodore Wayne Havens; a brother, Tom; and a sister, Peggy. He and Gloria also have seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Mary Maude, Mickey, Pat and Colleen; and three brothers, Larry, Dewayne and Wayne.

Published in Jennings Daily New February 1, 2022