Billy Byrd Probst

Billy B. Probst, born January 4, 1935 to Wallace Gee and Jennie V. Richards in Yoakum, Texas. Mr. Probst was preceded in death by his parents and sisters-in-law Jacquita Hill and Rexena Harvill. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Vaudry Verne Probst; children, Vonita Peterson and husband, John, Peggy Barnett and husband, Chuck, and Billy Probst; grandchildren, Robert Everling and wife, Michelle, Trisha Cook and husband, Chris, Brandy and Velvet Barnett, and Jacquelyn Probst; great grandchildren, Zachary Everling, Jenson Cook, Ciara Barnett, Chloé Ward, and Kenzie Runnels; sisters, Lady Beth and Delores; and brother-in-law Doyle Harvill; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Mr. Probst served his country in the U.S. Army for 23 years and retired as a Sargent First Class. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He received the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, four Good Conduct Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Expert Qualification Badge for the M-16 rifle and .45 caliber pistol.

Mr. Probst was a family man. He was involved in many groups with his wife, family, and church, such as the Royal Ambassadors (think religious Boy Scout) which he did with his son. He was the first male initiated into the American Girl Scouts as a troupe leader for his daughters. He was also a member of the VWF and foreign legion.

Mr. Probst loved his wife more than anything in this world. He went out of his way to make her smile each and every day. He “spoiled” her rotten . . . not with things but with his actions and words of love and support. He did everything he could to see that wonderful woman smile and in turn she provided him with a wonderful family and loving home.

Mr. Probst loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a big kid at heart. He loved hearing their laughter and did everything he could to spend time with them and make them laugh. He loved playing with them and watching cartoons with them (we think he liked the cartoons even more than the kids did!) His proudest moments in life, were ones with his children.

The most memorable thing about Mr. Probst was his love of trains. It was a lifelong passion to almost the point of obsession. He was always working in his “train room” tweaking, fixing and attempting to perfect his train setup. Anyone who came by his house for any reason eventually got roped into going into the “train room” to help him or see his trains. He would spend hours every day in there . . . sometimes he had to be reminded to eat! He drove his family crazy with his hobby but it was part of who he was.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at the Chapel of Height Funeral Home for visitation and service that will begin at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.

Arrangements under the direction of Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Boulevard, Houston, Texas.