Richard Carlton Ganem

April 3, 1959 - December 16, 2023

Richard Carlton “Carl” Ganem, 64, passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord on December 16, 2023.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Richard Ganem and Cecelia (Yoist) Ganem, Carl moved to Houston as a child and lived in Houston and the surrounding area for the rest of his life, most recently in the Crosby/Huffman area. Carl attended Westbury High School graduating in 1977. He went on to attend Sam Houston State University where he studied business.

Carl enjoyed a long, 30 years plus career in the material handling industry as a Territory Sales Manager and Parts and Services Coordinator working at various companies including Southline Equipment, Equipment Depo, Toyota Lift of Houston, Daily Equipment Co. and most recently CRT Industrial Equipment.

Carl loved all things car and boat related. He had a shrewd eye for a good deal and buying and selling cars was a hobby he enjoyed for many years. The 1972 black Catalina convertible he found and bought for his sister Terri when she was in high school infamously became known as the Batmobile to her and her friends and is remembered fondly by many to this day. He also bought himself a beauty of a classic corvette that was his pride and joy for many years.

One of Carl’s favorite pastimes was boating on his beloved Lake Houston, and he took great pleasure in taking friends and family out on the lake in his boat, pointing out the beautiful scenery and wonders of nature including an occasional bald eagle’s nest. He also generously opened his lakefront home for casual parties and family gatherings. One of the most memorable get togethers he hosted was a family reunion of both sides of his family. So many were there who had not seen each other in years. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course Carl and his mom, grandmother, sister and her husband. It was quite the fun and laughter filled weekend and it was such blessing to catch up with one another and enjoy each other’s company. Living on Lake Houston brought Carl much joy and happiness and he took great pride in his lovely home and well-maintained yard.

Although Carl never had children, he had many fur babies throughout his life. He was mostly a dog Dad but there definitely was a cat or two included in his menagerie throughout the years! Among others, Carl owned and loved German Shepards, a Borzoi and a couple of Greyhounds. His constant companion for the most recent years was his much-adored dachshund, Savannah. She went everywhere with him, and he truly doted on her. There is no doubt that all his fur babies were eagerly waiting for Carl at the Rainbow Bridge and that they happily crossed that bridge together and are thrilled to be reunited once again.

Carl is preceded in death by his father, Richard Ganem, uncle, Arthur “Joe” Dangerfield Yoist , and grandparents, Lila Christine Altimore, Joe Altimore, A.D. Yoist , and Louis and Mary Ganem.

Left to treasure his memory and mourn his passing are his mother, Cecelia Ganem, sister, Terri (Ganem) Budiselich, brother-in law, Ivan Budiselich, nephews, Richard, Gregory, and Joseph Budiselich and niece Sayda Budiselich as well as many cousins and friends.

A graveside inurnment ceremony will take place on January 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at Forest Park Cemetery located at 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, Texas 77077.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carl’s memory to the Houston Humane Society https://www.houstonhumane.org/ or Houston Pets Alive! https://www.houstonpetsalive.org/ or to any animal rescue organization of your choice.