Edward Anthony Corral

Heaven sounded its final three bells at 8:01 am on Saturday, the 24th of October 2015, for former Retired Houston Fire Chief, Edward Anthony “Eddie” Corral. Chief Corral was 84 years old, born the 4th of July 1931, in Chicago, Illinois.

Chief Corral worked his way up the ladder, rung by rung. Eddie served numerous positions throughout his 50 year career including firefighter, arson investigator and Fire Marshall. He was appointed Fire Chief by Mayor Bob Lanier in 1992 and served as Chief throughout the Mayor’s 6 year-term. Chief Corral worked under 18 Fire Chiefs and 10 Mayors, retiring as Fire Marshall in 2005.

Eddie’s lifelong yearning was to serve the public but his passion was always fire prevention. Eddie launched several innovative programs that were initiated nationwide, including the Juvenile Fire Setters Prevention Program; The Cease Fire Club, a civilian fire prevention program; and the Triad; a cooperative high-rise safety program with owners of tall buildings. He was also responsible for changes in city policies, everything from mandatory smoke detectors, overcrowding of entertainment venues to the famous no smoking ordinance, all of which are in place today.

Eddie was a veteran having served in the United States Air Force. He attended the University of Houston and supported or volunteered for a number of causes including the Shriner’s Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, Cancer Fighters, and endless additional charitable organizations.

Eddie’s close friends also knew him as a fun loving guy. He met his wife Rima when he played jazz bass in one of the big bands. One of his favorite past times was listening to Jazz music with musician friends every Sunday. He was an accomplished painter and sculptor as well. His bust of Abraham Lincoln was displayed in the White House by both Presidents, George W. Bush, and George H.W. Bush.

Edward A. Corral is preceded in death by his mother, Carmen Corral, and brother Captain Robert Corral (USMC). He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Rima Corral, sons Edward L. Corral, and Robert J Corral and Granddaughter Caitlyn Corral.

The Corral family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Memorial Hermann Hospital and Cornerstone Hospital for the care they provided. We would also like to thank Rick Flanagan, Reid A. Millard, Joyce Jett, and Cpt. Chris Garcia for all their support and coordination of services.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 29th of October, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. The Fireman’s Prayer Service is to be conducted at seven o’clock.

The funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 30th of October, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston.

The interment will follow, via an escorted cortege, at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Chief Corral’s memory may be directed to Firefighters Helping Firefighters, an organization which helps Houston Firefighters in crisis. A special In Memoriam donation page has been created for Chief Eddie Corral at http://fhfi.re/chiefcorral.