Walter Emmett LaForge III

Walter Emmett LaForge III May 15, 1944 – July 26, 2026 Walter Emmett LaForge III, 82, passed away on July 26, 2026. He was born on May 15, 1944, in Orange, Texas, and grew up in Beaumont, where he graduated from South Park High School. Walter attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Lamar University and later received a master’s degree in music education from McNeese State University. Music was Walter’s lifelong calling. He began playing the organ at an early age and, by the age of 20, was directing the youth choir at Calder Baptist Church. This early passion grew into an extraordinary career devoted to music education, choral direction, and church ministry. Walter began his teaching career at Edison Junior High School, where he touched many lives through music. Over the years, he taught at numerous schools, including Vincent Middle School, Forest Park High School, Marshall Middle School, Barbara Bush Elementary School, and Shadowbriar Elementary School. Walter’s influence reached far beyond the classroom. He taught generations of students not only how to sing and read music, but also how to understand it, appreciate it, and feel it in the depths of their souls. Throughout his life, Walter served faithfully as a church organist at several congregations, including Calder Baptist Church, First Christian Church, Pines Presbyterian Church, and The Heights Church/Baptist Temple. He loved teaching and possessed a remarkable gift for bringing music to life for everyone around him. To the countless students, congregants, colleagues, friends, and family members blessed to know him, he truly was “The Music Man.” Walter loved classical piano and organ music, which remained among his greatest passions. A remarkably gifted musician, he could sit at a keyboard and play nearly anything after hearing only a few hummed notes. He also had a deep love for musical theatre and was actively involved with Beaumont Little Theatre for many years. Walter was an inspiration who embraced life with joy. His smile was contagious, and he loved others without measure. A devoted Christian, he lived his faith openly and taught his children to love the Lord above all else. Through his example, he showed his family and friends the true meaning of unconditional love, kindness, faith, and generosity. Walter also treasured his home in Galveston, where he was able to spend his final days. The beauty he created throughout his life—through music, faith, love, and friendship—will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret “Peggy” LaForge and Walter Emmett LaForge II, and his brother, Lawrence LaForge. He is survived by his husband of 40 years, Ronald Eugene Parnell of Houston; his sister, Peggy Ann Perricone of Newton, Texas; his son, Michael Brent LaForge and wife Tammy of Beaumont, Texas; and his daughter, Stacie Linn LaForge-Hearne and husband David of Lumberton, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lyndsey Nicole Orand and husband Thomas of Bevil Oaks, Texas; Cara Leigh Bryant and wife Alexa of Vidor, Texas; and Michael Tate LaForge of Beaumont, Texas. Walter especially cherished his two beloved great-granddaughters, Charli Brooke Orand and Sutton Nicole Orand of Bevil Oaks. He loved his little dog very much as well and we know Chloe will miss him terribly. He also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends whom he loved and treasured deeply. A funeral service celebrating Walter’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at: The Heights Church/Baptist Temple 230 W. 20th Street Houston, Texas 77008 A reception will follow in the church foyer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association in Walter’s name. Walter’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of love shown to them—and to their beloved Dad—throughout his life. His music may have come to rest, but the love, faith, and joy he shared will continue to echo through the countless lives he touched.

Walter Emmett LaForge III

May 15, 1944 - July 26, 2026