Dorothy Murphey

1932-2022

Dorothy Murphey died peacefully in the presence of loving family at her home in Houston on April 2nd. She was born to David J. and Ethel Kreager in 1932. She was married to Carey Murphey for 60 years. She is predeceased by Carey, her brother Dave, and a nephew. She is survived by her three children: Richard (Amy); Don (Linda); and, Susan; and four grandchildren: Colleen, Matthew, Stephen and Michael. Dorothy was active in multiple organizations, including Texas Exes and Alpha Chi, her local Republican precinct, Junior League, Meyerland Club, Garden Club, Friends of Archeology and Presbyterian Women. She was treasurer for a local investment club, with her mother Ethel. The Murpheys lived in the Hague, Netherlands for two years in the early seventies, where Dorothy initiated family cultural trips across Europe. Once back in Houston, she began teaching, first at Bellaire High School, then Strake Jesuit, where she chaired the English department and ran the school paper, and then at University of Houston, where she got a master’s degree. She was very active, in turn, at St. Luke’s Presbyterian, First Presbyterian Houston, and St. Philip Presbyterian, and engaged the family in many church activities. After retiring, she volunteered for 30 years as a docent at the Museum of Fine Arts. There, as everywhere, she set a high bar by her diligent study before giving tours, and by befriending new docents and staff. She was an active, devoted, excellent mother to her family and a devoted aunt to her brother’s family. She cooked for and hostessed countless events for others. She traveled widely with Carey and family. She lead an exemplary life of faith, family and friendship. She will be greatly missed. Services will be held at St. Philip Presbyterian on Sat. April 23rd at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to her beloved Main Street Theatre or Classical Theater Company, or to your favorite arts charity.

Bryan Monroe Phillips, Sr., a seven-year resident of Pearland, Texas, formerly of Santa Fe, Texas, passed away on April 8, 2022, at his home in Pearland. Bryan was of the Christian faith. He was born on August 20, 1971, in Galveston, Texas. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. He served his country in the U.S. Army for ten years. He leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Ana Phillips; parents, Nicholas and Viola Phillips; father and mother-in-law, Jose and Elida Barros; son, Jose Perez, son, Bryan Phillips, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Chelsea, daughter, Bryana Phillips, and son, Leonardo Phillips; brother, Jason Phillips and sister-in-law, Jennifer, sister, Erin Inala and brother-in-law, Andy; grandson Damien Phillips; and five nieces, Ashley Phillips, Kaitlyn Phillips, Sydney Phillips, Isabella Inala, and Gabriella Inala. Bryan loved to play, referee, coach and watch sports. His passion for sports began at a young age in Little League baseball and League soccer. He went on to referee soccer in the Bay Area until he joined the service. He later went on to coach his sons in baseball and soccer. He was a big fan and supporter of his daughter’s cheerleading. He never missed any of his children’s games or competitions. He was a life-long Cowboys, Astros and Dynamo fan, through thick and thin. There will be a visitation on Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a service to begin at 5:00 P.M. at Crowder Funeral Home, 2422 East Broadway St. Pearland, TX 77581. Flowers will be appreciated, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Hope, PTSD Foundation of America.

Rebecca was born on April 30th, 1984, in Houston, Texas to Robert and Cheryl Boyle. Becky graduated Sum Cum Laude at The University of Houston in 2010, and Cypress Creek High School in 2002. Rebecca was a member of The Girl Scouts and earned The Gold Award, their highest honor. In 2009 she married the love of her life, Joshua Thacker. Becky was an avid participant in the Choir at Foundry United Methodist Church and at U of H where she served as the President of the Student Ambassador Program. Rebecca pursued her passion for reading, music and service by her work as a teacher for over ten years. Becky and Josh could commonly be found on a vacation or spending time at Disney World or at home with their four cats. She is survived by her husband, Joshua Thacker, her Mother Cheryl Bailey, Father Robert Boyle (Lisa), her sisters, Sarah Listi (Matt), Jennifer Beltracchi (Shawn), Her Nieces and Nephews Benjamin, Abigail, Evelyn, Aidan, and Oliver. Her In-laws Joanne and Ulan Thacker, Her Goddaughter Lilian Martinez, The Faculty and Students of Marathon High School, and a large number of friends and family. Preceded in Death by her Grandparents, Robert and June Lusk, John Jr and Kathleen Boyle, Stepfather Julian Bailey, and her beloved cat Shasta.

Rita Wright Colina 71, of Houston passed away April 6, 2022. Rita was born July 6, 1950, in Keene, New Hampshire to Elliot and Olga Wright. She is preceded in death by her father Elliot. She is survived by husband Fernando Colina, of 47 years of marriage; children, Joseph Colina and Maria Colina; mother, Olga Wright; and sister, Diane Foley. Rita grew up in Keene, New Hampshire and graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in language education which she later furthered with a Master’s in education from the University of Houston. Her desire to perfect her Spanish led her to live in Spain where she met her husband, Fernando. Throughout her long teaching career, she taught Spanish to Elementary and High School students, as well as adults. Later, she found a passion for teaching English to recent immigrants, helping them acquire the everyday skills necessary to live and thrive in America. Rita enjoyed travel and she was an avid student of her Catholic faith. She was passionate about helping married couples strengthen their relationships. To this end, she presented Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends with her husband. Rita was gentle, compassionate, and had a talent for making the people around her feel at ease. A faithful Catholic, she was courageous in defending her faith with words, deeds, and through the example of her life. She was fierce in the protection of her children and loved ones. Services will be held Monday April 11, 2022, with visitation beginning at 6:00 PM and rosary service at 7:00 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079. Funeral Mass will be held the following morning Tuesday April 12, 2022, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail Houston, TX 77079. Rita will be laid to rest at Holy Rosary Cemetery, Rochester, New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation to: The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation ( www.jamesfoleyfoundation.org ) The Fr. Chuck Gallagher Legacy Fund (Worldwide Marriage Encounter) ( https://wwme.org/community/supporting-wwme/sharing-your-treasure/fr-chuck-gallagher-sj-legacy-fund/)

OBITUARY

Victor Vela Contreras

March 31, 1953 – April 4, 2022

IN THE CARE OF Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery

Victor Vela Contreras entered eternal rest on April 4, 2022 in Dallas, TX. He was born on March 31, 1953 to Longino and Carmen Contreras. Victor was married to his wife, Liz for 8 years but were friends for many more than 8. He was an avid Dallas Stars fan and took Liz to a game for the first date. Victor was a graduate of Bishop Dunn High School and took his educational career to another level. In 1973, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston and in 1983, he received his Master of Arts from the University of Houston Central Campus. A very educated man, Victor continued his education at Southern Methodist University in 2003 with a second Bachelors degree in Social Science and also a second Masters in Applied Sociology from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2006. Lastly, he proudly completed his Doctorate degree in Philosophy in Public Policy and Political Economy in 2011. Victor was a loved man and will be missed by his family. Victor will be remembered for his loving, caring nature, his passion for learning and infectious smile. He is preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Clint Brannon; and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife and their dog, Sophie Lynn; brother, Robert and his wife Gloria; sister, Marlo and her husband Allan Samples; nieces, Monica Gonzalez and Renee Contreras; cousin who was like a sister to him, Ramona Padilla and lots of extended family members. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday April 14, 2022 at 11 am at Calvary Hill North Mausoleum Chapel Dallas, TX.

OBITUARY

Frederick Lee England

October 8, 1929-April 7, 2022

IN THE CARE OF Garden Oaks Funeral Home & Crematory

Frederick Lee England, a long-time resident of the Houston area, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 7, 2022. He was born in 1929 at home, in Onawa, Iowa. He grew up in Orange City, Iowa, the child of a postman and a college professor. Fred received his degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State College and received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Houston. Fred served as an officer in the United States Navy on the USS Iowa. Fred had a remarkable 43-year career with Texaco which took him to locations in Texas, California, Germany, England, Columbia, and countless others. Fred loved his family. Fred provided for and supported his children in their many endeavors. He enjoyed a good routine which included waking up early, reading the paper, doing the crossword puzzle, and a daily phone call with his children. He loved a good meal especially if it included a coupon and his family. Fred enjoyed taking his family on vacations, especially to the Colorado Rockies. He was blessed by over 50 years of marriage to his wife Marilyn. They had a beautiful life together including memorable trips, such as traveling to Hawaii for their 40th Anniversary. They loved dancing together and were members of a square dancing club after his retirement. His deep love for her and attention to detail were especially apparent throughout the twelve years of her debilitating illness. Fred was an active member of various congregations including Memorial Drive Lutheran Church where he was a member for over 50 years, serving in various capacities. He found great comfort in his faith, especially through Sunday School classes, gathering around meals, and singing. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Lee England and Esther Theora Cooper England, by his brother Harry Gene England and by his wife Marilyn Mae Wolfsdorf England. He is survived by his children Frederick Mark (Sheri) England, Marilyn Elizabeth England, and granddaughter Abigail Grace England. The family is thankful for Alicia Torres, Isabel Gil, Ariana Sanchez, and all who cared for Fred in the final season of his life. A Graveside Service will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway on Monday, April 11 at 3PM with the Rev. Dr. Beth Marie Halvorsen officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church West Campus 12211 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77024 or Lutheran World Relief www.lwr.org.

Larry Charles Hunter, 69, passed from this life into the grace of God our father with his wife and two children, their spouses and grandchildren at his side in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Baptist Hospital Beaumont . He was born on July 8, 1952 in Texarkana, Texas and was a lifelong resident of Vidor. Larry graduated from Vidor High School in 1970, Lamar University in 1973 and The University of Houston Law School in 1976. He married Becky Jean Smith in 1974. He started his law practice alongside B.E. Wharton, then partnered with Buddy Hahn at Hahn Hunter, followed by a sole practice at Law Offices of Larry C. Hunter, partnered with Courtney Burch at Hunter Burch, LLP, followed by a partnership at Provost Umphrey Law Firm and then a partnership at Ferguson Law firm up until his death. He had the honor and privilege of being a part of a case argued in front of the Supreme Court of the United States. Larry was involved in his community, in legal circles, and most of all with his family. As an attorney, he had the privilege of helping many clients with all their legal needs and any who suffered from injuries. Many were already good friends or became friends after meeting with him. He loved the law and loved being an attorney and felt honored to help people. Larry had a strong sense of justice and strived to secure it for his clients. Larry’s friends joked about how often he would tell them how much he loved his wife, especially after a scotch or two, his favorite beverage. He loved his children and grandchildren to the max, always assuring them the latest toys and gadgets. Larry’s life was full. He worked hard and traveled to many interesting destinations. He loved good food and great scenery. From scuba diving to snow skiing to motorcycling riding, hunting and fishing, he did it all with his family and friends. His motto was always “Work Hard, Play Hard”. He will be mourned by his many close friends, as well as his loving family. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Hunter, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Luther and Ercell Smith. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Becky Hunter, his daughter, Melissa Hunter Ashlin and her husband Grant Ashlin, and his son, Grant Hunter and his wife Catherine Hunter, his sister Janet Cooksley and husband Robert Cooksley, sister-in-law Kathy Woods and husband Ronnie Woods, as well as his grandchildren, Madison Hunter, Taft Hunter, Reid Ashlin and Rhett Ashlin, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Vidor on Friday, April 15, 2022 at 10:00am with visitation beginning at 9am with Reverend Terry Wright and Reverend Patrick Miller officiating. His family would like to publicly thank Dr. Leldon Sweet, Dr. Michael Smith, Dr. Michael Oszczakiewicz, Dr. Stevens, Dr. Dean and all of the ICU staff at Baptist Hospital for the excellent medical care given to Larry during his short hospital stay. Most of all, they would like to thank their loving extended family and friends for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. They feel blessed for the time they had with their loving husband, father.

OBITUARY

Francis Ke Liu April 18, 1938 April 2, 2022 IN THE CARE OF Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors Francis “Frank” Ke Liu, beloved husband, cherished father, loyal brother, and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, the 2nd of April, 2022. He was 83 years of age. Frank was born in Jinan, Shandong Province of China on the 18th of April 1938 the youngest son of three in the Year of the Tiger. His Tiger traits of courage, vitality, tenacity, and luck came to define every stage of his storied life. His family moved to Taiwan in the 1940’s and he studied Engineering at the prestigious National Taiwan University. Engineering brought him to the U.S. in the 1960’s, where he received a Masters in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston. In 1964, Frank’s life changed when he met the love of his life, Mary. They began as pen pals and ended up writing hundreds of love letters over several years. Frank had a way with words, composing beautiful love poems, and it was his magnetism that wooed Mary all the way from Taiwan to join him in Houston and eventually marry. They established roots in Houston and inspired the rest of their family to join them. It is Frank’s legacy and pioneer spirit that led to multiple generations setting up roots of their own in Texas to what it is today an enormous, eclectic, extended family. Frank’s career as a civil engineer in the oil and gas industry led him to work at many companies Brown & Root, Conoco, Bechtel, Saudi Aramco, and Fluor. His projects set world records, notably the largest record weight on wheels and record offshore lift. His career also took his adventurous spirit to live all over the world England, Holland, Saudi Arabia, which fueled his passion for travel and collecting. Frank was an intrepid traveler road tripping across the U.S. in the 60’s as newlyweds (never without his super 8 and film cameras) and taking his family along to see the world. From his travels, he became an avid collector of curios. To him, objects were more than just things. They captured moments in time and told a story of his journey through the world. From antique European clocks to magic carpets from the Middle East, Chinese terracotta teapots to petrified arrow heads from the Arabian desert, these collections showcase his curiosity and wonder. Frank was a gentle, soft spoken man of few words, but friends and family remember his kind, sweet, patient, carefree nature and a life filled with luck. Always surrounded by his wife, his children, his family Frank’s life was as abundant as his collections, filling his home and heart with love. Even in his last 15 years living with Parkinson’s, his fighting Tiger spirit proved to be brave, fearless, and resilient a true testament of how much he loved life and all of us. He will be so dearly missed by his family and friends. Frank is survived by his wife Mary, who stood by his side for 54 years with unwavering love and support; his daughter Julie and her husband Vinh; his son Allen and his wife Xiaodi; and his brother David and his wife Kehui. He is preceded in death by his parents Wei Ko and Yun Zhi, and his sister Mei and her husband Pei Ming.