My dad died recently. On June 18, 2022 just after midnight. He was 98 years old and a WWII veteran. He died in my sister’s house here in Houston, Tx where he had been living when my mom died 4 years ago. They were married over 70 years and he loved her deeply.
He wasn’t born in Houston. He was born in Rochester, NY. It was there that he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was a smart man and he became a navigator on the B-17 bombers that conducted dangerous daylight raids over Germany. It was something most of us alive today will never be able to relate. After the war he came to Houston and enrolled at Rice Univ. It was there that he met my mom. Like I said, he was a smart guy and he graduated with a master’s degree in physics. He accepted a job with Texaco Oil and worked there over 33 years, having been awarded many patents used to better extract oil from the ground.
After he retired, he lived a frugal but happy life with my mom. They had 7 kids, all of them, I must admit, a pretty good bunch of people. When mom died in 2018, it hit him hard and I think he always harbored a secret desire to get back with her soon. He was a decent man, a kind and courteous man who taught me and my siblings to “just do the right thing”. Always. He was the greatest man that I have ever known and all I ever wanted to do in my life was make him proud of me.
He left behind all 7 children – Mary, Becky, Donald, Margie, Peter, Martha and Sarah. His death left a gaping hole in all our hearts but also a strong sense of gratitude that we had him as our dad for so long. Rest in Peace, Dad. We all love you. Enjoy your time with Mom again. Your kids will carry on your legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you donate to the military charity of your choice.
A visitation with the family for Donald will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A vigil will occur Monday, June 27, 2022 at 7:00 PM, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A mass of christian burial will occur Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 8200 Roos Road, Houston, Texas 77036. A rite of committal will occur Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanhunterscreek.com for the Hoyt family.
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