Delbert Taylor Fariss was a longtime resident of Pasadena, Del was born May 3, 1926 in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and passed away New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2012, in Houston at age 88. He is survived by his nephew Jerry Fariss of Los Cruces, New Mexico. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Judith Farris; his brother, George (“G.W,”) Fariss; and his only child, his son, Mark Fariss. Del will be terribly missed by his many loving friends.
Belonging to Park Place Masonic Lodge No. 1172, Del received his 50-year award on July 12, 2006. He entered Apprentice on August 18, 1955; Passed to Fellow Craft on January 31, 1957; Raised to Master Mason on March 14, 1957; and Raised to the Supreme Lodge Above on December 31, 2012.
Del joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was a member of the Merchant Marines, 1943-1945. He served mainly in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was a radio officer/operator with a rank of Ensign and served aboard the vessels Mission San Miguel and Josiah Royce. Del was captured by Japanese forces and held as a POW in the Philippine Islands. His decorations include The Atlantic War Zone Medal, the Merchant Marine Emblem, the Honorable Service Button, the Pacific War Zone Medal, the Presidential Testimonal Letter and The Victory Medal.
An avid CB radio and Ham radio enthusiast, he still holds a current FCC license (expiration date: 02/09/2018) and his call letters are NK5C. Well educated in Atlanta and Boston, Del continued to be a radio communications officer in civilian life. Into the 1990’s, he traveled by ship extensively, criss-crossing the globe a multitude of times. Del generously donated his home equiprnent and radio library to the Boy Scouts of America.
He was also an inventor and sold his electronics company to Ratheon at retirement. Del was an accomplished cook and had many other hobbies and interests. He enjoyed restoring old automobiles; most notably a Jeep and a Nash Metro. Del was very proud to participate in the historical restoration project for the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa.
A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 PM, Thursday, January 10, 2013, at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home. Interment will be 9:30 AM, Monday, January 14, 2013 at Houston National Cemetery
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