Herman Joseph Kresse IV

He met his sweetheart, Patricia Anne Bridges, at college and they were married on June 12, 1950. In their 66 years together, they had eight children: Susan (Charles) Berniard, Mark Kresse, Joe (Kim) Kresse, John (Brenda) Kresse, Matt (Sandra) Kresse, Steve (Angie) Kresse, Geoff (Jackie) Kresse, and Margaret McCoy.

In 2005, they became founding residents of the Eagle’s Trace Retirement Community in Houston. Herman served on the Residents Advisory Council and several committees before he became ill.

He was passionate about learning from an early age and through his singing ability he won a scholarship to the Boys Catholic Subiaco Academy, where he attended high school. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas. He later earned a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Texas School of Public Health.

Reflecting on his career, he said, “I thoroughly enjoyed working as a chemist for all employers and always gave 100-percent-plus. God gave me a special talent which I found would be useful to many industrial applications especially involving analytical chemistry. “ Ever the inventor, he also earned several patents for employers and himself.

His early work history included ICC Company in Texarkana, TX, (1951-1954); St. Regis Paper Company, Dallas, TX, (1955-1960); Continental Oil Company, Houston, TX, (1960-1969); Chemola Corporation, Houston, TX (1970-1974).

After polishing his skills as a chemist, inventor and salesman, he founded his own business, MBA Labs, in Houston, TX, and became a science sleuth. He was the owner and president for 30 years. During that time, MBA performed all types of chemical and microbiological testing for industry, principally along the Texas coastal regions. Materials tested included metals, chemicals, drinking water, raw water and food commodities carried by ships. He was involved in finding results for insurance claims, Federal-State-& City NPDES permits, soil, water and air contamination. He often testified as an expert witness in federal and state courts on such matters. His wife and several of his children worked with him in the business, which gave him great joy.

His faith was a constant throughout his life and he was an active member of several Catholic parishes over the years, most recently St. John Vianney in Houston. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years, a Friend of Bill W for 40 years and an American Legion member as well.

He was a longtime member of the American Chemical Society and an officer with local chapters of the American Public Health Association as well as the Water and Wastewater Analysts Association.

He was the most entertaining storyteller you ever heard and would keep his children enthralled for hours with ghost stories and the like. He loved fishing, playing poker and a spirited debate. He appreciated music and sang tenor in a college quartet. He loved to travel and explore.

He was also quick to serve others. He served his country in the U. S. Navy Reserve & Army Reserve for 12 years and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve as First Lieutenant. While his sons played baseball in the Sharpstown Little League, he volunteered as a coach for 13 years. He also taught religious education at his church for five years. In his retirement, he enjoyed working in the woodshop at Eagle’s Trace and making toys for children’s charities to distribute at Christmas.

He is predeceased by his parents, Herman and Felicia Kresse; beloved son, Mark Edward; sister, Barbara Beem; brother, Lawrence Kresse; and his great-granddaughter, Sophie Marie Knight.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; sister, Linda Tinnon of Little Rock, Arkansas; his remaining children; 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Family visitation will be held at the Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park Lawn Cemetery, 2454 Dairy Ashford, Houston, 77077, on Wednesday, September 28, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Rosary at 7:00.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079) on Thursday, September 29, at 10:30 a.m.

Burial will be at Forest Park Lawn Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX, 77077.

Following the graveside service, a reception will be held at Eagle’s Trace, 14703 Eagle Vista Dr., Houston, TX, 77077.

For those desiring, memorials may be made to any of the following:

Subiaco Academy (405 N. Subiaco Ave, Subiaco, AR 72865),

St. John Vianney (http://www.stjohnvianney.org/),

Benevolent Fund at Eagle’s Trace (14703 Eagle Vista Drive, Houston, TX 77077)

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, Houston, TX.