George Luis Church

George Luis Church, 93, passed Sunday, October 14, 2018, quietly in his sleep at home and in the care of his wife of 69 years, Dorothy Russell Church. George was preceded in death by his father Harry Hazard Church, mother Leonor Caso Church, brother Joe A. Church of Guadalajara, MX. He leaves behind his wife, Dorothy Russell Church his five children: Harry L and his wife Dora, G. Russell and his wife Lisa, Rick, Dennis and his wife Carmen, and Alicia and her husband Victor Stahl, his sister Leonor (Chata) DuBose and husband Fred, three grandchildren Alicia Diana Mupo and husband William, Alejandra (Lexie) Greathouse and husband Kashen and Harry Alexander Church and great-grandson Korben Porter Greathouse. His sister-in-law Teresa Alva Church of Guadalajara, MX and many nieces and nephews and their families.

George was born and raised in Mexico City with his mother Leonor Caso Church and father Harry Hazard Church from Austin, TX. He graduated from the American High School in Mexico City in 1943. Here at 5 ft. ½ in. he quarterbacked for the football team where George was affectionately known as “El Pulgo” (the flea) for his small stature, quick evasive maneuvers and speed (10.5 sec. in 100-yard dash). George continued his education at Rice University on a scholastic scholarship at the George R Brown School of Engineering. From 1945-1946 George served in the US Army, was trained for a number of assignments until discharged. In 1951 he graduated from Rice University with a BS in Electrical Engineering and married Dorothy Flora Russell whom he met at a YWCA Dance in 1946.

In 1955 George founded Southwestern Controls, an industrial fluid power distribution company covering Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. George acted as its President and Board Chairman until turning the reins over to his children which operate the company today. George took pride in his salesmanship, recognizing that “Nothing happens until somebody sells something.” George served on the Rice Engineering Alumni board from 1978-1984 and was recognized by the Houston Minority Business Development Center in 1986 for his company’s outstanding contribution to the city. George and Dorothy loved to travel visiting many world destinations during their life together, with numerous trips to Mexico with family.

Later in life George was an Early Bird member at the Jewish Community Center’s exercise program and in retirement joined Dorothy for water exercise and swimming. Although the last 18yrs of his life George had macular degeneration, he still came into the office with his friend Dave Tucker to learn how to operate his talking computer, receive and send emails.

Most wives and children place their husband and father in high esteem and we are no different. George’s honesty, strong work ethic, intelligence, confidence, accomplishment in business, and generosity and love to family and friends were appreciated by Dorothy and was an example for his children to follow.

The Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1015 Holman St (Main & Holman in Mid Town) on Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at 10:30 am. The Family invites and welcomes all to celebrate George’s life at his memorial. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Trinity Episcopal Church, Light House for the Blind (on West Dallas) or a charity of your choice.