Gareld Ross McEathron

Gareld grew up in South Dakota and moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, as a teenager. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School and attended the University of Houston. A man of remarkable dedication and work ethic, he devoted nearly 40 years to Tenneco, where he built a distinguished career on projects across the United States, Canada, and France. He retired in 1992, leaving a legacy of commitment and excellence.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gareld embraced life with enthusiasm and a wicked sense of humor. He loved travel, especially to France and Scotland, and never missed a chance to dance. In his final days, he would hold hands with anyone willing to join him and dance using only his hands to “lead.” That playfulness reflected his joyful spirit and his love of connection.

Gareld was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Esther McEathron; his brothers, Warren McEathron and Wallace McEathron; his first wife, Ruth Kean McEathron; and his second wife, Virginia Lynn Eason McEathron, who also passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He is survived by his son, Ross McEathron, and wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Deborah Taylor, and husband, Karl Rorabacher; four grandchildren, David McEathron and wife, Rebecca Holliday, Deidra Wilson and husband, Carl Wilson, Ryan McEathron and wife, Bethannie McEathron, and Evan McEathron and fiancée, Carla Martinez; three great-grandchildren; nieces Candye McEathron, Karen Stroter, Laurie Evans, and Heather O’Connor; and nephews Edwin McEathron and Andy McEathron.

Gareld was also blessed with a wonderful extended family that became his own when he married Virginia. He is survived by Virginia’s three children, Patti Martin, Juli Robbins, Mike Eason; son-in-law Jack Robbins; four grandchildren, Trevor Martin and wife, Yoonie, Westley Martin and wife, Kaylin, Eric Martin, and Joel Robbins; and six great-grandchildren, Maelie Martin, Makoa Martin, Audrina Martin, Kalia Martin, Raiya Martin, and Kruex Martin.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Gardens of Bellaire for their compassionate care and support. They also deeply appreciate the staff at Bluebonnet Health Services, whose hospice care kept Dad comfortable during his final days.

Gareld will be deeply missed by his loving family and all who had the privilege of knowing him, especially those in the Houston dance community.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 9:00 AM, followed by interment at 10:00 AM. Immediately after the interment, the family hopes you will join them in the Forest Park Westheimer reception room from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. We hope to share favorite stories and hear any of Dad’s secrets we may not have known.

A memorial dance in his honor will be held at a time and place to be determined. He would have wanted a celebration of his life to include dancing. If you can’t attend, feel free to dedicate a song he would have loved to dance to.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice in Gareld's memory.