Rupert Glenn Avriett

Rupert Glenn Avriett (Rup), 91, passed away on April 10, 2015. Rupert waved goodbye to his earthly loved ones and said a big HELLO to his beloved Becky and his friends/cronies waiting for him in heaven. Rup was a native Houstonian, born January 27, 1924 to mother Vera Wanda Lappe' Avriett and father Robert Guy Avriett. All schooling was in Houston Tx, graduating from Jefferson Davis High School in midterm 1940/41.

Rup spent his summers on his Grandfather Lappe's Ranch. He continued that tradition most vacations working on the ranch, owned by his Uncle Erich. It was important to Rupert to share his love of the ranch with his family. He taught us about working hard, being thankful for what we have, and to respect and protect God's land so rich in history. The values taught at the ranch will always be remembered and passed on to all family generations.

In Dec 1942, Rup joined the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the service, he received training on airborne radio radar as well as maintenance and advanced radar. One of his most memorable base assignments was in Oahu, Hawaii, where he was assigned top secret radar duties. He told us that he "fixed" radios, but we later learned from his Marine Corps buddy that he was doing much more concerning the Pacific maneuvers in WWII. When asked about it, he replied, "I took an oath to never divulge info about my assignment and I will honor that oath till I die". And he did! Gunnery Sergeant Rupert G. Avriett was a true Marine!

On Dec. 29, 1946, Rupert met Mary Elizabeth Fine (Becky). It was love at first sight and they were married on February 7, 1947. They were married 53 years, 11 months, and 23 days until her passing. Rupert and Becky were blessed with 3 children and 1 foster son; Mary Regan (Michael), Carol McArthur (Brent), Glenn Avriett (Kelly), Joe Hall (Phyllis). They were also blessed with 10 wonderful grandchildren and 12 precious great grandchildren.

Rupert worked for Humble Oil/Exxon for 37 years as a seismic geophysicist. Most of his 37 years were spent in West Texas. During his Exxon tenure, Rup gained immeasurable friends who became life-long companions and adopted family members. Rup was very community-minded and volunteered for numerous activities/organizations (Toastmasters, Citizens on Patrol, tutored elementary students, umpire for little league baseball). He received the Houston Police Department Outstanding Civilian Merit Award. Rupert was a member of Southwest/Westchase United Methodist Church. He volunteered in the church office, was a board member, and rarely declined any request asked of him.

Rup touched the lives of many people through his giving nature. In every aspect of his wonderful life, this man that God let us borrow for 91 years, never one time failed to acknowledge every person he saw. He ALWAYS greeted every single person with a wave or a handshake, which clearly defined the character of this gentle man.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 5:00-8:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, April 15, 2:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, with interment to follow in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored for your donations to be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Woundedwarriorproject.org