Stephen V. Oliver

Stephen (Steve) Victor Oliver was born on March 15, 1928, in New York City, and having lived a long and happy life died peacefully in Katy, Texas on April 23, 2020. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years Helen and his parents John and Victoria Olivari. Steve is survived by his daughter Barbara Ayers and her husband Randy, his son Stephen Oliver and his wife Gail and his grandson John Ayers and his wife Haley. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Peter Killian and his wife Connie, Paul Killian and his wife Linda, step-grandson Brandt Wathen and his wife Michaelanne and their children Wyatt and Rylee, step-granddaughter Amy Wathen and many loving nieces and nephews.

Steve attended Xavier High School in New York City. He graduated from Columbia University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Following graduation, Steve was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict. While on leave, he met Helen on a blind date and they were later married in October 1953.

Upon completion of his Army service, Steve went to work for M.W. Kellogg, and had a career that spanned 34 years. His assignments took him all over the world, with he and his wife Helen living in New York City, Houston, Amsterdam and Tokyo before finally retiring to Houston in 1986. Steve was a Professional Engineer, and a member of the Scientific Research Society of America, Sigma XI, a Scientific Research Society, and the National Guard Association of Texas.

Steve was beloved husband, a loving father and grandfather, an avid linguist who spoke 5 languages and an accomplished traveler. During their 60 years of marriage, Helen and Steve travelled the world together. For their 60th anniversary and last trip together, they flew to Venice, toured the Mediterranean Sea ports and sailed back to Florida on the inaugural trans-Atlantic crossing of the Royal Princess. Steve’s faith was especially important to him, and he was a long-time member of St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church.

Our family is grateful for the loving care he received from Tephina Harrison and other caregivers from Comfort Keepers, Blue Star Hospice and the Legacy at Falcon Point.

Steve will be dearly missed by his family. He was a kind and caring man who loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. In his later years, he was the Honorary Commissioner of Family Circus, the family fantasy football league, and it brought him great joy. May God bless him and may he rest in peace.