Upcoming Services

Visitation: 12:00 p.m.

Chapel: 1:00 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery 2:15 p.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army 

Houston Honor Guard

Elmer Reed, Jr., lovingly known as "J.R." to many and "Pawpaw" to those who cherished him most, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born on January 18, 1945, in Navasota, Texas, Elmer was the son of Elmer Reed, Sr. and Iler Dot Lovell Reed. He was a proud American, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful friend.

Elmer honorably served his country in the United States Army 173rd Airborne Division from 1966 to 1972, including service during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and carried the values of duty, loyalty, and perseverance throughout his life.

On April 10, 1982, he married the love of his life, Sheila Davis Reed. Together they shared 44 years of marriage built on love, faith, and unwavering commitment. Elmer loved Sheila with all his heart, and together they created a blended family that became the center of his world.

Throughout his career, Elmer worked offshore and later as a truck driver, safely logging more than two million miles while delivering goods for various companies and government agencies. His strong work ethic and dependability earned the respect of all who knew him.

While he was proud of his military service and career accomplishments, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He loved camping, fishing, watching sports, tending his garden, and tinkering with engines. Whether it was a ballgame or school event, if one of his grandchildren or great grandchildren was participating nearby, JR could be found in the stands cheering them on. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was simply Pawpaw—a steady presence, a source of wisdom, and a constant reminder of unconditional love.

Elmer was a faithful man who believed in God, loved his country, and cherished his family above all else. His quiet strength, generous spirit, and steadfast love will be remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila Davis Reed; his children, Troy Hicks and wife Bobbie Jo, Diahanna Reed, Cory Hicks, and Tracy Reed Barstow and husband Michael; grandchildren Jacklyn Reed (Josh Hunter), Seth Bachman, Michael Crittenden, Hope Bachman (Sara Jane Morris), Stephen Hicks (Danielle), Taylor “Buggy” Reed Estes, Katherine Hicks Torres (Ricky), Kara Bachman, Gabe Bachman, Marshall Barstow, Allison Barstow, Monica Hicks, and Nicole Hicks; seven cherished great-granddaughters; and his sisters, Helen Spurlock (Wayne), Frances Nelson, and Brenda Gail Reed; and a host of nieces and nephews who referred to him as Uncle Jr.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Reed, Sr. and Iler Dot Lovell Reed; his siblings, R.V. Reed, Ray Reed, Patsy Ashmore, and Juanita Lamson; and his father and mother-in-law, Loren and Betty Davis.

Though his family mourns his passing, they find comfort in knowing that his legacy of faith, service, hard work, and unconditional love will live on through the generations he helped shape. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Elmer's life on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Visitation will be held at Veterans Funeral Services, 10567 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038, beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by a chapel service at 1:00 p.m. Military honors and interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Houston National Cemetery. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of the Intensive Care Unit and Palliative Care Unit at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center for their compassionate care, dedication, and support during Elmer's final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation (https://connect.fisherhouse.org/general-donations/donate). Because of the generosity and mission of Fisher House, Sheila, Diahanna, and Tracy were able to remain close to Elmer and focus on spending precious time with him during the final month of his life. The family will forever be grateful for the comfort and support provided during that time.

The family also extends their sincere appreciation for the prayers, love, and kindness shown by friends and loved ones throughout this journey.

Visitation: 12:00 p.m.

Chapel: 1:00 p.m.  

  -Service Concludes Here

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude for her life that we remember Mary Christine Gonzales, age 70, who peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Driven by the love for her family and sustained by her unwavering faith, Christine courageously and gracefully endured the challenges of end-stage renal failure for more than five years. Her trust in God and her steadfast walk with Him carried her through every season of life and gave her strength throughout her illness. She often drew inspiration from her favorite scripture John 3:16.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, her beloved son and daughter, a loving daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and her cherished grandson. She is also survived by her father, age 89, three sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her mother who died in 1993.

Born on January 30, 1956, in Houston, Texas, Christine spent her childhood and formative years there. She attended  Houston Gardens Elementary, Marshall Middle School, and Jefferson Davis High School before graduating from Aldine Senior High School in 1974. A bright and dedicated student, she earned straight A's and formed lifelong friendships while creating many treasured memories. One of Christine's first jobs was as a secretary for Tex-Made, where she became known for her remarkable speed and skill on a manual typewriter. She later married her high school sweetheart in 1975 and was a military wife while her husband served in Germany. Together they shared more than 50 years of marriage and raised two wonderful children.

As a devoted wife and mother, Christine chose to stay home during her children's early years, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to their care and upbringing while supporting her husband's work and travels. Later in life, she returned to the workforce and, despite having no previous medical background, studied diligently, and passed challenging anatomy examinations to become a medical billing examiner. She worked in that role for over 13 years, demonstrating the determination, intelligence, and perseverance that characterized her entire life.

Above all else, Christine's greatest love was her family. Nothing brought her more joy than being "Grandma" to her grandson. She found purpose and treasured every moment spent helping to raise him, teaching him about life, and watching him grow. He was truly her pride and joy. She also found happiness in life's many simple pleasures. She loved cooking, baking, and grilling barbecue for family. She rarely followed recipes exactly, preferring instead to add her own special touch to every dish. Everything she made was made from scratch, prepared with love, and always delicious! She had a special fondness for her very own barbeque beef ribs and lobster made to perfection on the grill. She enjoyed shopping, dining out, going to the movies, listening to music, and dancing to her favorite songs.

Those who knew Christine will forever remember her wonderful sense of humor. She had a unique way of telling a story or making an observation that would make you laugh. Her warmth, wit, and loving spirit added fun to every gathering.

Earlier this year, Christine's family celebrated her 70th birthday with a surprise party that filled her heart with joy. She ended the evening feeling like a princess—a memory her family will forever cherish. While our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in knowing that Christine is now resting in the loving arms of her Savior. We honor and celebrate her life well lived, a faith well kept and a love that will continue to live on in all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her legacy of faith, devotion, laughter and unconditional love will remain in our hearts forever.

2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." KJV