Obituary of Dr. Manmohan Mehra

Manmohan Mehra was born in Amritsar, India on November 21, 1941. As the eldest of seven siblings Mohan was steadfast in his role as a patriarch and mentor amongst family and loved ones. Mohan graduated from Delhi University in 1961, finished his Master’s degree from Ujjain University in 1963, earned his Ph.D in chemistry from National Chemical Laboratory in Poona in 1966, and completed his postgraduate research at IIT in Bombay in 1967. Mohan’s academic successes led him to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to further his studies in America. He married Asha Kapur, the love of his life and soulmate, on December 3, 1967 in Delhi. They were happily married for 53 years and served as wonderful role models for their children and grandchildren on the values of unconditional love and sacrifice. The newlyweds came to the United States on January 4, 1968 as Mohan did postdoctoral research in organic chemistry at the University of Chicago. On April 3, 1972 their son Anmol was born in Chicago. The Mehras moved to New York so Mohan could work at Becton Dickinson as a scientist. Their daughter Ridhi was born there on February 24, 1975. Two years later the family moved to New Jersey for Mohan’s research scientist job at Squibb. In 1982 the family made a big move to Houston, Texas as Mohan pursued his dream of starting his own company, Biotecx Laboratories. With his academic research, career training, and a lot of hustle – Biotecx successfully developed immunology, molecular biology and clinical diagnostic kits for research centers worldwide. Later he founded two more companies, Indo-Medix and Rimol Diagnostics. In the 1990s Mohan was doing groundbreaking work in RNA isolation which resulted in a U.S. patent. His research, related to RNA separation, is embodied in some of the COVID vaccines being used today. Mohan was named as Houston’s 1993 Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. Biotecx employed dozens of employees thriving for 30 years. Even though Mohan was a scientist, he was also fascinated by the art of palmistry. He became an expert and, if you were lucky enough, he could be convinced to read your hand. He also trained in his 50s as an Indian classical vocalist and harmonium player. He taught countless loved ones how to play chess and loved a tough game of strategy. He and his wife Asha were avid world travelers and reached six different continents. They both loved nature and tried to visit all the National Parks . Mohan also collected coins and stamps, loved reading medical journals, financial magazines, the newspaper, and watching the news every day. For pleasure he enjoyed poker, bridge, and socializing with friends often drinking scotch with company. He savored his morning and afternoon tea using one of his 50 teacups he collected from around the world. The consummate host, Mohan loved entertaining for parties at their home and hosting visitors from across the globe. Mohan served as the chief judge for several years at the Houston Science and Engineering Fair sponsoring numerous awards and a personal family scholarship. He was a longtime member and former President of the Bay Area Lions Club and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of India Center of Clear Lake. He awarded two annual scholarships at ICC for elementary students to encourage a passion for learning at a young age. He funded scholarships for all valedictorians of Indian origin in the Houston area. Mohan served in various capacities on numerous committees supporting Indian organizations. He was a lifetime member and past Chairman of the Association of Scientists of Indian Origin, and funded a scholarship there, as well. The constant theme to everything in Mohan’s life was kindness, humility, a gentle spirit, a charitable soul and his mild-mannered personality. His two grandchildren were his pride and joy. They were in awe that their Nanaji never ever got mad or lost his patience. That’s how Mohan lived his life, putting everyone’s else's comforts and desires before his. His generosity knew no limits as he was completely selfless. Mohan will be forever missed by countless loved ones. Mohan is preceded in death by his father Prakash Chand Mehra; mother Manti Devi Seth; brother Harish Mehra; and sister Kanta Malhotra. He is survived by his loving wife, of 53 years, Asha Mehra; son Anmol Mehra; daughter Ridhi Mehra and her husband Jaggi Khairah; sisters Vinod Batra, Santosh Mehra, Sharda Dhawan, Lata Suri; grandchildren Kyren and Sarina Khairah; 11 nieces and nephews, and a host of many other family and friends. Services for Mohan will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021, at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 West Broadway, Pearland, Texas. Visitation is scheduled from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. The funeral service will follow at 5:30 pm. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.claytonfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers you are welcome to make a donation to Pratham to support the Covid efforts devastating India. https://prathamusa.org/pages/covid-relief-fund-campaign/