Louis Crespo

Louis Crespo, 85, a beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully the morning of September 6, 2024. His life was a testament to love, resilience, compassion and hard work, and he touched the lives of many. He was deeply devoted to his calling as a funeral director, dedicating his life to serving others with compassion and care.

A native Houstonian and longtime resident of Friendswood, Louis is a second-generation funeral director. The son of a Spanish immigrant, he was born November 13, 1938, and is the second of two children born to Manuel and Emily Crespo. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1957. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Rosie Luna. Together they had 4 children: Louis Anthony, Patrick, Gary and Brenda. In January 2005 after 45 years of marriage, Louis suffered the loss of his wife Rosie.

In his professional life, he was respected, admired for his integrity, work ethic, and the care he put into every family. Colleagues and friends alike knew him as someone who could be trusted and relied upon, a man who led by example and earned respect through his actions. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he uplifted, and the countless hearts he inspired. He graduated from Commonwealth School of Science in 1961.

Throughout his many years serving the community, he served as: Vice-President of the Jefferson Davis High School Hispanic Scholarship Committee; Board of Directors, Navigation Bank; Friendswood Volunteer Police Department; Reserved Deputy for the Harris County Sheriff’s Department; Board of Directors, Metro Bank; Board of Directors, Lockwood National Bank; Board of Directors, International Funeral Association; Past President of Southeast Texas Funeral Directors Association; Past President of Houston Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association; Board of Directors, Texas Golf Association of Morticians and Salesmen; Past Member of: Port of Houston Lions Club, LULAC Council #402, Mexican American Chamber of Commerce, East End Chamber of Commerce, East End Progress Association, and Fourth Degree Knight, Knights of Columbus Council #3077.

Louis is credited for developing protocol recognized as the standard by the funeral service industry in the international shipment of human remains. He employed and mentored many Hispanic mortuary science students who have gone on to establish successful careers in the funeral industry.

As a charter member, he helped establish Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood. He founded and organized the first scouting troop of Mary Queen Catholic Church Cub Scout Pack #447. He was the founding Chairman of the Hispanic Scouting Committee, Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. He helped develop scouting opportunities for Hispanic youth and organized successful fundraising efforts to underwrite activities for Boy Scout troops in 16 counties.

Louis was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 from the Texas Funeral Directors Association, 1986 Fiestas Patrias Association “Outstanding Mexican American of the Year” Award, Southeast Texas Funeral Director Association,” Funeral Director of the Year Award” and in 1999 Houston METRO recognized Louis and Rosie “Hispanic Family” of the year award.

Louis is preceded in death by his wife, Rosie; his parents and his brother, Manuel Crespo, Jr. He is survived by 3 sons, Louis Anthony Crespo, Patrick Crespo and wife Pamela, Gary Crespo and wife Jenny; 1 daughter, Brenda Lanza and husband Nick; daughter-in-law, Madeleine Crespo; 17 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. His family will carry his spirit always, treasuring the lasting impact he made.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546, his nephew, Fr. Trey Crespo, M.S. will celebrate. Reception will follow the mass.