Herbert Lum

Born on October 17, 1936 in Lexa, Arkansas, Herbert moved to Houston in 1946 with his family. His father, Tom Lum, was one of several Chinese immigrant businessmen that helped shape the future of the Chinese-American community in Houston. His mother Louise raised four sons while helping run the family grocery store. Herbert, the third oldest, and his brothers worked at the store while attending school, each earning a degree from the University of Houston. Herbert graduated in 1963 with a Civil Engineering degree. He later met his future wife, Faye Jean Chan, during a visit to Hong Kong. A university graduate, Faye was an elementary teacher in the local school system. They married in Hong Kong in 1966 and made their home in Houston. They had two daughters, Lydia and Carolyn.

Herbert had a long and distinguished career as a civil servant. He worked for the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation for 28 years. He then served the City of Houston as Chief Engineer in the Department of Public Works and Engineering for 9 years. In 1998 Herbert was made Deputy Director of the Construction Division of Public Works and was responsible for implementing and overseeing the construction phase of Capital Projects. He retired from the City in 2002 with recognition from the Houston City Council and the Mayor’s Office for his loyal and dedicated service. He remained active for many years afterwards with the neighborhood civic association and community groups, and continued to serve as a mentor and resource for former colleagues.

The value of education was instilled in Herbert by his parents. During his lifetime he encouraged younger family members to pursue their education so the next generations would have more opportunities. Herbert and Faye assisted over the years with college gifts to great nephews and great nieces; they also established an endowed scholarship at his alma mater.

Herbert is survived by his wife Faye, their daughters Lydia and Carolyn, brother Dozier Lum and his wife Jenny, sister-in-law Lorna Lum, and many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

A visitation for Herbert will be held Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 17, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. A committal service will occur Friday, June 17, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077.

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