Jack L Havens

Jack Leon Havens, 97, passed away on January 28, 2022, at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, LA.  He was born on December 13, 1924, in Kankakee, Illinois.  He was one of ten 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 December 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 November 2, 1945.  After a short stint in the civilian world, he returned to the Navy on June 14, 1946, and stayed until January 25, 1950, when he returned to Texas.

He married Gloria Ann Doughtie on August 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, LA 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 veteran’s 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 sixteen 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.

Interment will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings.