Victor "Vic" Hymel

Victor was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on the 19th of September 1938, the only child of Pansy A. Hymel and Victor R. Hymel, Sr. He graduated from De La Salle High School and served in the Army Reserves. His first job was with United Fruit Company in New Orleans where he worked while attending night school to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce from Loyola University.

After graduating and earning his degree, Victor spent his career as an accountant and controller in the auto parts industry which took him from New Orleans to Tennessee, Michigan and North Carolina. When he ultimately retired in 2002, he relocated to Houston to be near his daughter. Retirement did not suit Victor so after three months he went back to work, full-time, until he retired a second time in January of this year at age 81. He thoroughly enjoyed his second career and most importantly the many friends he made while working at Ryan LLC here in Houston.

Victor was an active member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and regularly served as an usher at the 7:00 a.m. Sunday mass. He attended daily mass frequently, offering to serve and help as he could, enjoying the fellowship of the many wonderful people he met at each mass. He especially loved when his grandson could join him to help pass out the bulletins or assist with other usher duties at mass.

Victor loved music and played the saxophone, clarinet and flute in high school, and then with a band known as the Moonlighters. He was an avid reader, especially non-fiction history books and books regarding the saints, his favorite being Saint Faustina.

He loved to cook his favorite New Orleans recipes with his daughter. He enjoyed watching football and was a faithful fan of his New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers.

Anyone who met Victor knew his true joy came when his grandson Ryan was born nine years ago. He loved Ryan and spent every Saturday that he could with him, watching him play t-ball, soccer or tennis, playing board games or playing in the backyard. Saturdays were their time to be together. He told Ryan stories of growing up in New Orleans, about working hard and studying hard. He called Ryan every night after dinner to check in and to hear about his day. He loved him unconditionally and with all his heart.

Victor is survived by his daughter, Debra M. Gilbreath; her mother, Marie Corrente Davis; son-in-law Steve; and his beloved grandson, Ryan.

A private Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 9th of December, however you may attend virtually by selecting the "Join Livestream" icon in the service information below.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Victor’s name may be directed to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Rd., Houston, TX, 77056; or to Star of Hope Mission, 4848 Loop Central Dr. #500, Houston, TX, 77081, both of which were important to him. Direct links to their respective online giving pages appear below,