Herbert Franklin Ely

Herbert Ely, age 94 of Baytown Texas passed away on March 7, 2024 at 1:22 PM. He was born in Marion, Louisiana, on June 25, 1929, to Clarence and Elsie Carlton Ely. He was married to Wanda Carol Ely (Carol) for 63 years.

Herbert served in the United States Air Force after graduating from high school before going on to hold positions with Missouri Pacific Railroad and Shell Oil Company. He retired from Shell, after 23 years, as a Safety Engineer. That career at Shell saw him aiding others during times of crisis and developing such a solid reputation that he received a personal phone call after his retirement from the famous Paul Neal “Red” Adair offering him a job to fight oil fires in the Middle East during Desert Storm/Gulf War in 1990. He respectfully declined having seen enough fires - and their destruction - up close to last him a lifetime.

Herbert was a life-long member of the Freemasons and his life exemplified that organization’s core values of “Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.” He had a passion for family, friends, and traveling with Carol. He also enjoyed bird watching, and in his later years spent many hours observing his favorite bird the Cardinal. Herbert especially enjoyed woodworking and his creations, which included puzzles and children’s toys, can still be seen in many homes today in Baytown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clarence, Jr., his sister Margie and his wife, Carol.

He is survived by his daughter Stephanie and her husband Eddie; his son Randy and his wife Amy; and youngest son Bryan and his wife Rhonda. He is also survived by his grandchildren Derek and Damon Ely; Connor, Griffin, Anderson, and Phoebe Toups; and Bailey and Taylor Ely.

Funeral service will be held at 1 pm, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Navarre Funeral Home Chapel, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, Texas 77521. Committal will follow at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Rd., Baytown, Texas 77521.