David Charles Gerard

David (Dave) Charles Gerard, 85, of Sugar Land, TX, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 30th surrounded by his family. Dave was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the only child of Camille and Louise Gerard. He graduated from De La Salle High School in 1955 and earned a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering from Louisiana State University in 1960. In addition, he studied at Columbia University, and in 1988, earned an Executive MBA at Stanford. Even though Dave did not reside in Louisiana after college, he remained true to his Louisiana roots and was a devout and loyal LSU Tiger fan all his life.

Dave made his career in the oil industry and lived and traveled all over the world. During the 1960’s, his work took him to places such as Libya, Syria, Oman, Lebanon and Australia. While in Beirut, Lebanon, he met his wife, Kathryn Fritschel where she was living and teaching at the American Community School in Beirut. They married in 1968 and continued to live and travel around the world. The family lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Singapore before returning to the United States and settling in Sugar Land, Texas.

Dave retired at 60 after a successful career at Marathon Oil Company. He served as Executive Vice President in International Exploration and then as Executive Vice President in Domestic Production at the time of his retirement. He had the privilege to work with such a high caliber of amazing people both here and abroad and many became lifelong friends.

Even in retirement he remained very active. Dave and his wife took on a huge endeavor and built a comfortable home in Southern Colorado where they loved to spend the summers, entertain family and friends, and escape the Houston heat. During this time, Dave was involved in many projects which included serving on the boards at the Cuchara Homes Association and Sugar Creek Country Club and volunteering at the Covenant House helping teens in difficult situations.

An avid sports enthusiast, Dave was an ardent fan of all Houston teams in good times and bad. Many people remember that Dave was very passionate about golf, a sport that gave him great pleasure and allowed him to decompress after arduous tasks. His mother bequeathed Dave a passion for gardening, and he loved flowers, especially roses. Dave enjoyed time in his Texas and Colorado gardens where he grew multitudes of beautiful flowers and plants all year long. He also loved nature and animals and always had a rambunctious dog or two by his side.

Dave’s sly sense of humor and quick wit as well as his genuine concern and willingness to help others, even when he was unable to help himself, will be deeply missed. He was a special man with a gentle soul who left a positive impact on those who met him. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and dear friend to many. Although our hearts are overwhelmed with sadness, we rejoice knowing he is in heaven watching over us.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn (Kay), his two daughters, Ann Chauvel-Gobin and Dawn Gerard; his son-in-law, Christophe Chauvel-Gobin; and his two grandchildren, Alexandre Chauvel-Gobin and Isabelle Chauvel-Gobin. Along with generations of family, he also leaves behind many friends who were blessed to know the depth of his kindness and warmth and loved him so much.

A special thank you to all of Dave’s doctors and caretakers for their encouragement, respect, and care during all of his ups and downs. Many more special memories were made possible with friends and family because of their unwavering efforts.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in evening on Sunday, November 13th at Settegast-Kopf Funeral Home, 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 14th at ten o’clock in the morning at New Hope Lutheran Church, 1424 FM 1092 Rd., Missouri City, TX 77459. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family in the nearby Fellowship Hall. A burial service will take place at one o’clock in the afternoon at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to the Arbor Day Foundation, Covenant House of Houston, New Hope Lutheran Church, an animal rescue organization, or a favorite charity of one’s choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.settegastkopf.com for the Gerard family.