Ming Fong Gaw

Ming was born on the 28th of October 1936, in China, to Yook Hong Gaw and Chuen Tai Chau. At the age of 11, he journeyed to the United States with his father, arriving in San Francisco on the 6th of January, 1947. The family moved to Shreveport shortly after to help Ming’s uncle with his business, Moon Restaurant. Eventually, Ming and his father relocated to the Northside of Houston to establish their own venture, Willie Hong Food Mart.

Ming married the love of his life, Shiu Ping Tam, in Hong Kong on the 20th of June 1960. As their family grew, Ming opened Handi Food Mart, a business he successfully operated for over 35 years before retiring. Ming and Shiu were blessed with ten children and nineteen grandchildren, who have enriched their lives.

Ming had a deep love for reading, writing, and American history. He enjoyed watching his extensive DVD collection from his favorite chair, the La-Z-Boy, and listening to the music of Guy Lombardo and Lawrence Welk on his record player. Travel brought Ming great joy, with Kuala Lumpur, Guangzhou, Cancun, Vancouver, Honolulu, and San Francisco being among his favorite destinations. Ming was an avid sports fan and was the Texans most loyal supporter.

Ming is preceded in death by his older sister Oi Yee Gaw Chau and survived by his beloved wife Shiu Ping and his ten children: William and spouse Carol, Albert and spouse Cheryl, Henry and spouse Melinda, Sandy, Ben and spouse Judit, Daniel, Lance and spouse Tracy, Walter, Linda and spouse Brian, and Jennifer and spouse Joe. Ming is blessed to have nineteen grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jonathan, Rebecca, Lauren, Alex, Trey, Jack, Michelle, Martin, Juliusz, Luke, Scarlet, Emma, Amber, Andrew, Adam, Ashlee, Noah, and Caleb.

Ming will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, hard work, and his warm-heartedness. His legacy is one of love, kindness, and strength. He had a compassionate and generous nature and will be deeply missed. His memory will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family during a visitation at half-past ten o’clock in the morning on Sunday, the 2nd of June, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering in Houston, where the funeral service is to commence at twelve o’clock noon in the adjacent Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

The interment will follow, via an escorted cortege at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that you please consider a memorial contribution in memory of Ming Fong Gaw, to Faith Fellowship Church of Fort Bend, 2723 Kingsbrook Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459; or the Chinese Baptist Church, 900 Brogden Road, Houston, TX 77024.

Please view Mr. Gaw’s online memorial tribute page at GeoHLewis.com, where memories, words of comfort and condolence may shared electronically with his family.