Billy Ken LaRue

Billy relocated to Austin, Texas when he was a young man, and he succeeded as a student leader at Stephen F. Austin High School. His high school achievements included becoming the senior class president, captain of the Maroons cheer squad, member of the student council, junior class favorite, and member of the Red Dragons Players and Maroon Chorale. He attended The University of Texas at Austin after he graduated from Austin High School in 1955. Billy was the first person in his family to graduate from college, so this was a significant achievement for him. Billy was a Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Fraternity member and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from UT in 1959.

Billy started his professional career as a manager at JC Penney in San Antonio, Texas, after earning his degree from UT. He later held the position of district manager for ARCO and Sinclair Oil Corporation. He relocated to the southwest area of Houston, Texas, in the late 1960s. He spent the next 45 years actively participating in the community life of the West Houston subdivision, Lakeside Forest, where he was committed to raising his family. In addition, Billy was a founding board member of the Westheimer Sports Association and coached his sons in a variety of sports, including football, soccer, and baseball. He was a devoted follower of Ascension Episcopal Church, his local parish. Billy also possessed excellent business and entrepreneurial sense. During his business career, he owned and ran a number of companies, including automotive services, which at one point was the largest Goodyear tire dealer in the state of Texas, pool service and construction company, and commercial real estate enterprises.

Billy was a committed community leader who had a lifelong love of helping others and giving back to his community. As an active leader and member of the Order of DeMolay, a group that helps young men improve their character and leadership skills, Billy began down this path when he was a teenager. He maintained his commitment to serving others by joining the Freemasons, a global organization that promotes community service. Billy received his 60-year Freemason service pin as a testament to his lifetime dedication to the community. Among his many philanthropic affiliations and achievements were the Order of the Eastern Star, Ben Hur Temple of the Mystic Shrine A.A.N.O.M.S., 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, Master Mason raised in Austin Lodge #12 A.F. & A.M., and Ben Hur Temple of the Mystic Shrine A.A.N.O.M.S.

Billy also participated heavily in The Exchange Club, an international volunteer organization, during the 1970s and 1980s. He served as President of the Galleria Chapter for several terms and received the following distinguished honors from the Exchange Club for his hard work and dedication: the Chapter President's Distinguished Award, the District Director President's Distinguished Award, and the District Director Distinguished Award.

Along with his siblings Bess Mae Bell, Susan Van Dyke, Otis Grant LaRue, and Joel Leonard LaRue, Billy was predeceased by his parents, Albert W. LaRue and Susie B. Willet LaRue. Billy is survived by his four sons: Donald Ken LaRue of Galveston, Texas, and his wife, Lisa McLellan LaRue, Stephen Christopher LaRue of Houston, Texas, and his wife Jennifer Sue Randol LaRue, John David LaRue of Houston, Texas, and his wife Melaney Amber Bennett LaRue, James Patrick LaRue of Sugar Land, Texas, and his wife Juliana Johnson LaRue; granddaughters: Lauren Elizabeth LaRue and Celie Rece LaRue, and grandsons: Austin Lee LaRue, Bryce Patrick LaRue, Mark "MJ" Marsh, and Logan Lucky LaRue; niece, Mara Lee Moats, and her husband, Jeff Moats, and great-niece, Lennon Lee Moats.

On Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2 p.m., friends and family are cordially invited to a service at Ascension Episcopal Church, which is situated at 2525 Seagler Rd., Houston, Texas 77042. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall immediately after the ceremony. Billy will be buried at a private graveside service in Houston, Texas.

Please consider about making a donation in Billy’s honor to Ascension Episcopal Church @ https://www.ascensionepiscopalchurch.org/giving.html.