Larry Bodin, who chronicled Southeast Texas sports for decades at multiple media outlets, died Wednesday morning at his home in Port Neches, according to longtime friend and peer Tom Halliburton.
Bodin was 73. He covered local sports as a freelance reporter since 1968, contributing to the Port Arthur News and the Beaumont Enterprise while also working as a refinery employee.
Colleagues and friends described Bodin as a “selfless” man whose passion for local sports was only exceeded by his faith and generosity toward others.
“I’ve met a lot of good people in this business, but none closer to me than Larry,” Halliburton said.
As a reporter, Bodin covered some of the most memorable moments in local sports during the 1970s and 80s. Those games included the “glory years” of Port Neches-Groves football amid the oil boom of the 70s, as well as Port Arthur Jefferson’s state baseball championship in 1983.
More recently, Bodin could still be found covering high school games on Friday night for the Enterprise, or writing the defining feature article on Brittany Fruge taking over the PN-G volleyball program from coaching legend Barbara Comeaux.
Take a look at some of Larry Bodin's work for the Beaumont Enterprise:
“Larry loved sports, loved writing about the games and cared deeply about the kids and coaches,” said Russ DeVillier, former Port Arthur News sports writer and Lamar University public information director.
However, it was Bodin’s compassion that caught the eye of his closest friends. Last winter when Halliburton’s wife began kidney dialysis, Bodin often helped drive them to appointments.
In June, when Halliburton needed a ride to an exploratory procedure, Bodin was once again the designated driver.
“Larry would do whatever he could for you,” Halliburton said. “My prayers go out to his wife, Carolyn, and the family.”
Funeral arrangements for Bodin have yet to be announced.
“Now the proud old Bishop Byrne guy has a much better view, taking his seat in that great press box in the sky,” DeVillier said.
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