There were tears and laughter at Brad Burnett’s courtroom as family, friends and co-workers paid tribute to recently deceased Tony Cormier on Wednesday.

Cormier, 68, of Port Neches died Aug. 22 and had been a bailiff in the Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Pct. 7, Burnett’s court. His ample smile, jovial nature and giving heart were highlighted in a brief ceremony culminating in the hanging of a framed photo of Cormier as his sister Nadine Cormier Crumpler and niece Sherie Angelle shed tears of sadness and joy.

“He never knew how truly appreciated he was,” Angelle said while standing in the hallway next to the photo of Cormier. “I’ve heard from people he didn’t even know. People who came to court, knew they were guilty or were there to fix a fine, tony made them laugh. He will be missed.”

Crumpler called Cormier her hero and felt it was an honor for her brother to be remembered this way. She said the job as bailiff was work, but it was fun for him.

When the tribute for Cormier kicked off, Burnett surveyed the courtroom greeting the dozen or so people by first name.

“This really is our old neighborhood,” Burnett said. “I met Tony probably in 1962. He later worked for us as a bailiff. He loved to be a public servant.”

In addition to Burnett, Constable Bobby Adams and former constable Jeff Greenway took turns speaking about Cormier.

“He was the kindest, most generous man. A truer friend you won’t find anywhere,” Adams said. “He would do anything for anybody and can’t be replaced. It was a pleasure to work with him.”

Greenway remembered Cormier from high school. He recalled hiring him.

“When the opening came for a bailiff for Judge Burnett’s court I had two people in mind. I called the first one, his response was ‘I don’t know. Let me see,’” Greenway said. “I called Tony and he said ‘when do you want me there?’”

Cormier, he said, was a fan of old cars and fishing and would often come into the office to talk about those hobbies.

“He definitely will be missed not only here but among friends,” Greenway said.

Cormier was a U.S. Army veteran and had retired from Huntsman after 30 years of service. He taught at Texas A&M University Fire School and Lamar Fire School for more than 30 years. In addition, he was a volunteer firefighter and reserve police officer for several years in Port Neches besides serving as bailiff for Burnett’s courtroom for four years.