Collins Hamilton LaCroix Jr.

Collins Hamilton LaCroix Jr. passed away on November 3, 2010 in a Houston hospital. He was born October 2, 1928 in Lufkin, Texas to Collins Hamilton LaCroix Sr. and Frances Margaret Harvey LaCroix. He served four years in the United States Air Force. He married Betty JoAnn Hansford on August 1, 1949 in Reno, Nevada. He took his bride home to Lufkin and they moved to the Houston area in 1962.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 62 years, Betty JoAnne LaCroix, son Ronald, and grandson Lee. He is survived by his son Wayne and wife Annette; daughters, Cheryl and husband Larry, Sheila and husband Drew, and Teresa; sister Julia “Judy;” grandchildren, Adam, Brandon, Bryan, Burnett, Melissa, and Stacy; step-grandchildren, Blythe and Tara, and great-grandchildren, Alley, Chelsea, Cheyenne, James, Jayden, Jonathan, Larissa, Maggie, and Megan.

He had a long career as a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative in the wholesale plumbing industry. He was so very proud when he gained the status of “million dollar salesman” while representing Valley Faucet. He retired from the Rep Business in the late 80’s and worked briefly for H&R Block preparing income tax returns. He also worked for Home Depot for a few years.

When grandchildren began to arrive, he said, “When they come, they come like popcorn.” He was so excited the day he found out he was going to be a grandpa. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home. He could tell a story and loved to tell the story of meeting his “Sugar Babe” in a Borden’s ice cream shop in San Rafael, California. He often quoted the phrase “If it’s Borden’s it’s got to be good.”

He loved to work with his computer. Many wonderful, sometimes frustrating hours were spent working with him trying to get his computer operating again. When Mom wasn’t holding their toy poodle, Lil’ Bit, he was. Lil’ Bit had legs; he just didn’t have to use them much. He would always ask Mom when they were going anywhere whether he could take Lil’ Bit. If Lil’ Bit couldn’t go, he wasn’t going.

Dad was always there when you needed to talk to him. He was the best father anyone could ever have! God blessed our family with a wonderful Dad who will be missed so very, very much.

He was active in two organizations after the death of his grandson Lee; Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) and The Compassionate Friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 6-8 pm Monday, November 8, 2010 at Forest Park East Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2:30 pm Tuesday, November 9, in the Chapel at Forest Park East, with Rev. Ted A. Duck officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements under the direction of Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, Webster, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of these organizations. Contact information is listed below.

Parents of Murdered Children

Houston Chapter

P O Box 4118

Houston, TX 77210

The Compassionate Friends

Houston Bay Area Chapter

2115 Willow Blvd.

Pearland, TX 77581