Clyde Joseph 'Rip' Trahan, Port Arthur Utility Leader, Dies at 70

Trahan served in the Navy for 11 years and worked for the City of Port Arthur for over 30 years before retiring.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Clyde Joseph 'Rip' Trahan, a longtime Port Arthur resident and city employee, passed away on February 13, 2026 at the age of 70. Trahan served in the U.S. Navy for 11 years and later worked for the City of Port Arthur for over 32 years, rising to the position of Assistant Director of Water Utilities before retiring at age 69.

Why it matters

Trahan's passing marks the end of an era for the City of Port Arthur, as he was a dedicated public servant who spent the majority of his career serving the local community. His long tenure and leadership in the city's water utilities department made him an integral part of the city's infrastructure and operations.

The details

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1974 and attending the University of Houston, Trahan enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 27, where he proudly served his country for 11 years. Following his military service, he began his career with the City of Port Arthur, working his way up to the position of Assistant Director of Water Utilities, a role he held for 32 years before retiring at age 69.

  • Trahan was born on September 23, 1955.
  • He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1974.
  • Trahan enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 27.
  • He served in the Navy for 11 years.
  • Trahan passed away on February 13, 2026 at the age of 70.

The players

Clyde Joseph 'Rip' Trahan

A longtime Port Arthur resident who served in the U.S. Navy for 11 years and worked for the City of Port Arthur for over 32 years, rising to the position of Assistant Director of Water Utilities before retiring at age 69.

Betty Bowden-Johnson

Trahan's late mother.

Clyde Donald Trahan

Trahan's late father.

Drennel Dennis-Trahan

Trahan's wife of 41 years.

City of Port Arthur

The city where Trahan spent the majority of his career working in the water utilities department.

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What’s next

Trahan's funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Eastern Star Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas.

The takeaway

Trahan's long career of public service and dedication to the City of Port Arthur serves as an inspiration, highlighting the important role that local government employees play in maintaining critical infrastructure and serving their communities.