Steven Francis Smolen

Steven Smolen, 64, of Houston, Texas passed away on August 6, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Daphne Smolen. He is survived by his wife, Pam Smolen, and his brother, Paul Smolen.

Steve was born on December 21, 1956 in San Antonio, Texas. His father was career military and Steve was greatly influenced by his upbringing in a military family, which included living abroad in Germany.

Steve earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979 and a M.B.A. from the University of Houston. He worked his entire career in the Houston area chemical industry, both at Monsanto Chocolate Bayou and SISTECH. His expertise and passion was in chemical process safety. Steve shared his extensive knowledge and passion for process safety through his leadership of an annual industry conference. At work and elsewhere, Steve made many friends with people from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of interests.

Pam and Steve met at Monsanto and were married on November 14, 1992. One of their favorite things to do together was going to Houston Theater. He also loved traveling, especially with friends. Steve enjoyed the natural beauty of this country with trips to Alaska, Utah, California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine and many others, as well as international destinations of the UK, Russia and Prague. Steve was an avid sports fan, with a lifelong dedication to the University of Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys. Hook ‘em Horns!

Steve loved Christmas and decorating for the holidays. He had many ornaments from the Children’s Art Project in support of the MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. A unique way to honor his memory would be to make a holiday purchase from the Children’s Art Project. Donations to the MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital are also appreciated.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 13 at 10:00 am at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX, 77598.