Yook Hon. Wong

On May 12, 2026, Yook Hon Wong, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, entered the presence of the Lord at the age of 103. He was born on December 10, 1922 in Taishan City, Guangdong Province, China. At the young age of 15, he left home to study Civil Engineering in Hong Kong. However, due to the break out of war, he returned home in 1940. His father left for the United States in search of employment and Yook Hon took on the responsibility of helping to provide for his mother and sister at the age of 18 until his father could send home funds. This says Yook Hon accepted challenges at a young age and was responsible to carry them through.

At age 21, in 1943, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended the local Methodist Church in Taishan City. At age 23 in 1945, he met and married Kam Chee Lee. Their first son, Henry is born on 1947 and their second son, James in 1949. He was employed as a manager at a local bus company. His position allowed his family to enjoy “free rides” on the bus and to be together.

In 1951, the sudden change in government led Yook Hon and his young family to flee to Hong Kong. Shortly after, he left his family to find better opportunity in America. He landed in Los Angeles where he took odd jobs washing dishes and cooking in restaurants. Hearing the job market in Houston, Texas for a grocer was more lucrative, Yook Hon agreed to become a co-owner of a grocery store fondly named “John’s Grocery”, Yook Hon’s translated English name. Grocery store business was a seven-day 10-hour business. After nine years, he was able to sponsor his family to America.

Happily, reunited, the family worked together in the grocery store. Three years later and at the advice of his wife, Yook Hon became sole owner of John’s Grocery and continued to work for the next 21 years. Every one worked in the family business and had a specific role. In 1960, a daughter Lena, was added to the family.

His business also included a laundromat where he learned to repair the washer and dryers. He was active member of the Houston Wong Family Association where he served regularly as the Treasurer. Since family is important in the Chinese culture, this membership allowed families to gather regularly as they took time off from their family businesses. The family also enjoyed frequent trips to the beach with other families.

Retirement included frequent trips with the church, Europe was his favorite. Raising their own Chinese vegetables and fruit trees was a favorite pass time. They enjoyed sharing the harvest with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Up until 2019 Yook Hon was still tilling and tending his Chinese garden.

He is survived by: sons Henry and Donna; James and Cherry; and daughter Lena and Michael. Grandchildren: Steven and Quynh, Raymond and Lisa, Ana, Alex, and Aaron. Great-grandchildren: Joshua, Katherine, Kaitlynn, Lauren, Madison and Peyton.

Please make donations in loving memory of Yook Hon Wong’s memory to Chinese Baptist Church, Houston, Texas.