Obituary of Herbert Lemuel Jarvis

Herbert Lemuel Jarvis, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Aline Hilbert Jarvis; his beloved second mother, Eunice Levere Merriman; stepmother, Marie Jarvis and brother, William Jarvis. Herb is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lacombe Jarvis; daughters, Debra Kaiser and husband, Kenneth, Susan Myers and husband, Kenneth; brothers, Sidney Jarvis and wife, Joan, John (Jack) Jarvis and wife, Donna, George Jarvis and wife, Barbara; sisters, Genie Weiland and Donna Jarvis; grandchildren, Camille Kaiser, Austin Myers, Jason Myers, Stella Kaiser, and Mathew Myers; and a host of other family and friends. Herb was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a Radio Operator. Following his days in the Air Force, Herb developed a passion for Amateur (or Ham) Radio, an avocation he shared with his father. He spent hours broadcasting all over the world and took great pleasure in sharing his expertise. Herb and Mary shared a wonderful life together. The first moment Herb set eyes on Mary, he knew she was the one. He repeatedly asked for her hand in marriage until Mary said yes; she was the love of his life for 62 years. Herb and Mary started their married life in Massena, New York, where they raised their family. Retiring after 31 years at ALCOA, they moved to the warmth of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where they delighted in beach living and being close to extended family. Herb was very active in Holy Family Parish and the Knights of Columbus in Hilton Head. Herb and Mary moved to Pearland 17 years ago, where they happily assumed babysitting responsibilities for their granddaughters. Herb was christened “Mepa” (a contraction for ‘MY grandpa’) by Stella and the name stuck! In Pearland, Herb and Mary were active members of St. Helen’s Catholic Church where they served as Eucharistic ministers among numerous other activities. They spent many hours as CCE volunteers preparing second graders for First Holy Communion, which they found extremely rewarding. Herb also remained a member of the Knights of Columbus. Herb was deeply devoted to his family. His daughters will forever remember him singing them to sleep at night after their prayers. Herb was a great story teller and his family loved listening to the stories of his life. He also made up stories to entertain his daughters. He and the family vacationed all over the USA in their travel trailer. Later in life, he and Mary relished traveling the world on their cruises. Herb will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. A Visitation and Rosary for Herb will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The visitation will be take place from 6:00 until 8:00 pm with the Rosary recited at 7:00 pm. The funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 10:30 am at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2209 Old Alvin Road, Pearland, Texas 77581 with Father James Courville officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas. A dinner will take place at St. Helen’s following interment.