Previous Services

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #1 at 2:15 p.m. (Not before 2:00 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Visitation: 11:30 a.m.

Chapel:  1:00 p.m. 

Houston National Cemetery: 2:00 p.m. (In Procession)

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #1 at 9:30 a.m. (Not before 9:15 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Gather: 9:00 a.m.

Chapel:  9:30 a.m. 

Houston National Cemetery: 10:45 a.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Houston Honor Guard

Gather: 9:00 a.m.

Chapel:  9:30 a.m. 

Houston National Cemetery: 10:30 a.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Donald Louis Taravella, 93, passed away March 3, 2026, at home in Houston surrounded by family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Don was born in New York City in 1933 to Victor and Lillian Taravella. Don graduated from Brooklyn Polytechnic High School before following in the footsteps of his brother Victor, Jr., and enlisting in the US Air Force in 1951. He worked mostly as an aviation mechanic at the US air base in Frankfurt, Germany, during the Korean War. 

He met Marie Laviano while spending summers at Sound Beach, NY. They married after Marie graduated from Brooklyn College in 1958. With a family soon on the way, Don found work as a draftsman while attending night school. He and Marie purchased a small starter home in Hempstead, NY, while Don built a career as an electrical engineer. One of his more unusual jobs was at Stone and Webster (the engineering firm that years before had been one of the Army’s contractors on the Manhattan Project); there, Don worked on a military contract to inspect building basements for their suitability for bomb shelters, an assignment he did not like.

Don later attended the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics and the Long Island Lighting technical school. He then joined engineering firm Burns & Roe and always praised the practical knowledge he gleaned there. Don’s career path took him next to M.W. Kellogg (later Kellogg Brown and Root), where he built a 32-year career. In 1970, Don made the big decision to transfer with numerous other Kellogg families from New York to Houston, where the family knew no one. Working for Kellogg enabled Don to travel to France, Indonesia, Japan and Venezuela to examine electrical work on building sites.

Don and Marie settled in Inverness Forest, raising four young children in a home that they helped design. Inverness proved to be a wonderful place to raise a family. Don and Marie were active in numerous Inverness affairs over the years, including working tirelessly to push for construction of a levee that has since saved Inverness Forest from flooding. 

Don retired in 1995 and, in 2019, he and Marie moved to the Katy area of Houston, close to their son Andrew and his wife Tammy, who were devoted caregivers. 

Don and Marie have frequently said how proud they are that their children each pursued careers in public service – nursing and healthcare, law enforcement and humanitarian aid. In addition to his wife Marie, Don is survived by children Steve (Tim) of New York City, Vicki (Mike) of Placitas, NM, Andrew (Tammy) of Houston, and Dan (Emily) of Nacogdoches; sister Adrienne Badami of Woodbridge, VA; treasured niece Linda Laviano of Middleburg, FL; grandchildren Ben, David, Drew, Erin, Madison, Trevor and Wesley; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his brother Victor Taravella, Jr. 

Don retained a strong sense of humor throughout his journey. The family is indebted to the remarkable caregivers who made his last years comfortable, especially Linda, Connie and Hollie. 

To mark Don’s life, loved ones will gather informally at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at Veterans Funeral Services, 10567 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m., immediately followed by burial and military honors across the street at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, followed by a celebration of life. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #2 at 1:45 p.m. (Not before 1:30 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Marine Corps

Houston Honor Guard

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Chapel: 6:00 p.m.

 - Service Conclude Here

Visitation: 11:30 a.m.

Chapel: 1:00 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery 2:00 p.m. (In Procession)

Spring Creek Fellowship Church

25235 FM 2978

Tomball, Texas 77375

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. 

Church Service: 11:00 a.m.

 - Services Conclude Here

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #2 at 1:45 p.m. (Not before 1:30 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Marine Corp 

Houston Honor Guard

In the early hours of March 12, 2026, Philip Leroy Odom—known to many simply as Phil—passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, at home, in Houston, Texas, after a fight most befitting a Marine.

Phil lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to family. Born the youngest of seven children to Curtis Tieman Odom and Stella Mae Manners Odom on March 28, 1950, in Breese, Illinois, and raised in nearby New Baden, he carried the values of his small-town roots with him throughout his life: hard work, loyalty, humility, and a willingness to help others. Phil married Gail Dewald in 1973, a union that produced three daughters. When he married Teri Miser Davis in 2008, he proudly welcomed two more into his family. He was immensely proud of his five daughters and embraced the role of a “girl dad” with deep love and unwavering support.

Faith was central to Phil’s life. For more than twenty years he was an active member of St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church and later worshipped for over fifteen years at Spring Woods United Methodist Church. Spring Woods UMC ministries included chili cook-offs, men's breakfasts, and gourmet dinners. Phil had Teri as his sweetheart but he also had a standing date with a handful of ladies for the church’s annual Valentine's dinner. Phil had a gift for bringing people together, often connecting contractors in need of work with members of his church family who needed help around their homes. In doing so, he quietly created opportunities that benefited everyone involved.

His faith led him to serve others through volunteer work, including mission trips helping rebuild communities after disasters in places such as San Leon, Texas, and Kentucky. He also faithfully supported his daughters in their involvement with United Methodist youth programs, including UM Army mission trips and Lakeview summer camps.

A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Phil served four years and attained the rank of Sergeant. During the Vietnam War, he served with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. The discipline, courage, and sense of brotherhood he learned during his service remained guiding principles throughout his life. Later in life, Phil reconnected with his fellow Marines through reunions and Marine Corps birthday celebrations from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, and for more than 20 years helped organize the Marine Corps reunion in Houston.

Following his military service, Phil built a diverse career. A certified electrician, he became known for his ability to fix almost anything. He also served as a county sheriff and later worked as an executive recruiter. Whatever role he held, Phil approached his work with determination, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Phil loved the outdoors and time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed deer hunting in Illinois with his nephew Scott, fishing in the mountains of Colorado with his friend Ron Bates, and boating with his wife and friends. He also loved traveling to places that held special meaning for his family, especially visiting his sisters and their families: Wanda at the family farm in Illinois; taking Gay to Tennessee and searching the holler for blue rocks; Rose at Port Aransas beaches; and Robbie in Kerrville. Every road trip or cruise vacation he organized, he

always found friends and family to join him or to see on his route—a testament to the importance Phil placed on the people and relationships in his life.

Affectionately known as “Pap” to his grandchildren, Phil treasured every moment with them. Whether teaching them to play cards, reading stories, camping, or simply spending time together, he was happiest when surrounded by his family. His generosity, steady presence, and deep love for his family shaped the lives of those around him.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Teri, and by his five daughters: Carrie Louise (Justin) Bickford, Fawn Meri Davis, Malaina Rose Odom, Lacy Ann (Wesley) Georges, and Holly Mae (Kelly Ann King) Odom. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Brailey Wilson, Collin Bickford, Ashley Wilson, Jaxon Langlinais, Caiden Bickford, Blakely Georges, Alex Georges, Dax Georges, and Conway Georges—who brought him tremendous pride and joy. Also surviving Phil are sisters Gay Nell Odom, Wanda Odom (Roger) Gildig, and Rose (Clyde Dooley) Odom; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Curtis Odom, Jr., and Edgar (Ed) Odom; brothers-in-law Chuck Eckert, Dick Elmblad, and Dee Moses; sister Robbie Odom Moses; mother-in-law Harriett Miser; grandson Austin Bickford; nephew Clint Kues, and niece Amy Odom Pearson.

A celebration of Phil’s life will be held on Thursday, March 26th, at 10 a.m. at Spring Woods United Methodist Church (1711 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, 77090). A full military honors cemetery service will follow, beginning at 1:45 p.m. at Houston National Cemetery (10410 Veterans Memorial Drive). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Spring Woods United Methodist Church in Phil’s memory by mail or at the service.

Phil Odom will be remembered as a Marine, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a man whose life was guided by faith, service, humor, and love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and in the countless lives he touched.

In the spirit of the words he so often shared with others: May the force of God be with you.

Assumption Catholic Church

901 Roselane Street

Houston, Texas 77037

Rosary: 10:00 a.m. (Mass to follow)

Earthman Resthaven Cemetery: 12:00 p.m. (In Procession)

13102 North Freeway

Houston, Texas 77060

 Shirley Temple Monakino (Scroggins), born April 19, 1936, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at 1:45 p.m., surrounded by the love and memories of those whose lives she touched. Shirley was a remarkable woman whose kindness, generosity, and strength defined her life.

She was known for her selflessness and for always putting others before herself. Her home was a welcoming place where family, friends, and neighbors gathered, and she had a special way of caring for those around her. Her warmth and open heart created many cherished memories for those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sons, Anthony Wayne Monakino, Mark Timothy (Becky) Monakino, and daughter Rosa Sharlene (Robert Jr.) Homnick; her grandchildren, Kyle (Christina DiNoto) Brock, Little Mark Monakino, and additional grandchildren; and her dear friend, Verna Bowman.

She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Monakino; her son, Samuel Kevin Monakino; parents, Cora Vadie McBride, Lawrence Scroggins , and several brothers and sisters.

Her love and generosity will never be forgotten. Shirley’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

 If sending Flowers , Send Directly to the Church .
—————————————
TOGETHER AGAIN !
Love you Momma and Daddy  

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #2 at 10:45 a.m. (Not before 10:30 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Houston Honor Guard