George Thornton Ramin

George Thornton Ramin passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023. George was born on June 5, 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Fred and Virginia Ramin (He would kid that it was Tulsa, Texas). When he was 7 years old, the family moved to Ardsley, New York where he spent his childhood years. After high school, he came to Houston, Texas to attend the University of Houston. Shortly after moving into the dorm – he was introduced to Jeanette Jaster Ramin on his 21st birthday who would become his future wife. They were married for 58 years.

In January 1972, their first son, Reuben ‘Fred’ Ramin was born followed by their second son in November 1973, Gregory ‘Scott’ Ramin. George was a Scout Leader for both sons as they worked through scouting ranks and became Eagle Scouts. He continued to work with the scouts to give to the organization.

George had a love of flying and soloed when he was just 16 years old. His sons, Fred and Scott, and grandson Nikolas got their love of flying from Dad and Grandpa. While Fred took to planes the same as George and soloed at 16 years old and passes that same love of aviation to his son Nikolas. Scott, who was the navigator when George flew, grew to love aviation later in life as he traveled the world sending his dad and mom postcards with stamps (which dad always liked to see) from the countries that he visited.

As a family Jeanette, George, and ‘The Boys’ would travel whenever they could. They were always sure to mark off the week of Oshkosh as the Aviation Summer Camp that George and the Boys loved to do together since the 1970s. In addition to flying to Oshkosh they also did Sundays in the plane to go grab lunch around Texas including many Sundays at the Cotton Wood Inn restaurant. George and Jeanette loved to travel by car whether it be to New Orleans for a trip for Mardi Gras or to Sedona and the Grand Canyon area where they had made plans to go when George came home from the hospital.

In April 1967, he opened Champions Service Center or as many referred to it as George’s Texaco – A Texaco Station for 39 years and then a Shell station for 16 years. George and Jeanette worked together all those years and finally retired in February 2022, making many wonderful friends over the years!

The job George loved the most was being a babysitter and grandfather to his grandson Nikolas Sales Ramin, born on September 23, 2011. George would spend the day with Nikolas as he grew up and they built a bond that will be reminded forever by all.

George leaves behind his loving wife, Jeanette Jaster Ramin, of 58 years of marriage, his two sons: Reuben ‘Fred’ Ramin with his wife Rosilene Sales Ramin and their son Nikolas Sales Ramin and Gregory ‘Scott’ Ramin. His sisters Mary Malone, Carolyn Perri, and Susan Bernard and their families. Bobby Jaster (deceased) and his children Tammy, Amy, and Cody and their families. Nancy Jaster (sister-in-law) and her husband John Grube and their families. Nina Jaster (George’s sister-in-law) and Mary Cook (beloved neighbor in Houston) were their go to travel companions and dinner dates when George and Jeanette would travel and go out to eat. His Cousin Mary Ellen West was someone that he enjoyed calling and sharing stories with whenever he could. He also had many nieces and nephews from all the families he loved. Monday nights at the Casa and Sundays at the Hanger were George’s go-to time with his aviation friends both from Hooks and around the country. He always had a good aviation adventure that he would tell you about if you had the time to listen.

While George has ‘Gone West’, an aviation term for the passing of a beloved airman, he will be with us every day in the stories of the times we spent with him.

In lieu of flowers please think about donating to the EAA Foundation in honor of George or the charity of your choice.

A visitation for George will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home - Champions, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068. A funeral service will occur Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 5830 Bermuda Dunes Dr, Houston, TX 77069.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidechampions.com for the Ramin family.