Roger A Hinrichs

Roger Allen Hinrichs was born to Doris and Harold Hinrichs on September 4, 1936 in Pomeroy, Iowa. The family soon moved to Woodville, Ohio where Roger grew up on the Portage Farms, which his father managed. The farms were well known for their prize winning Herefords. Roger, as a young man and FFA member, raised and showed his Herefords at county fairs across the country, winning many top prizes.

Roger, the oldest in the family, had two younger brothers, Dennis (six years younger) and Tom (8 years younger). Roger, a typical older sibling, teased the younger boys unmercifully. Stories are told of Roger not allowing his brothers to ride to school in his car, making them ride the school bus instead. The three also had an infamous peanut butter fight in the kitchen, stopped decisively by a surprised and unamused mother!

Roger is survived by his loving wife Carole Hinrichs, son Bradley Hinrichs and his wife Alicia, brother Thomas Hinrichs and wife Kathern. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Jordan Hinrichs and Brandon Hinrichs.

Roger attended Ohio State University, after which he became employed by Gulf Oil Corporation in Toledo, Ohio. He soon met Carole Jean Blue, also employed by Gulf Oil at the same location. They began dating and were married on July 20, 1963.

Roger and Carole left their wedding reception and embarked on a cross country trip to Houston, Texas, the new Gulf Oil headquarters, where they began their lives together. Settling into a popular Houston area known as West University Place, they soon bought their first home. A few years later their son, Bradley Allen Hinrichs, was born June 9, 1968.

Frequent trips took them back to Ohio and then on to Massachusetts to visit family. They enjoyed time with Roger’s parents and his brothers and their families. Roger had fond memories of exploring historical sites and the landscape of the New England states during these visits.

Working for Gulf Oil Roger was part of the “new” computer age as a systems analyst. He later moved on to employment with Ashland Oil Corporation. During his career he had brief assignments in Brussels and London overseeing the development and installation of the current programming. Once retired (and not one to sit around) he studied to become Microsoft certified and worked for Chase Bank until he retired at age 70.

He, along with his wife, Carole, had many friends from work and church and in their later years were part of a dinner group of 12 close friends for 20 years.

Roger had an interest in older cars and spent many hours tinkering with the latest purchase, a corvette and an old red pick-up, to name a few. His son, Brad, found companionship with his father through their common interest in cars. For many years they could be found together in the garage for hours on end playfully enjoying their “tinkering”.

Roger was also adept in carpentry, building cabinets and always fixing what was in need. He took great pride in maintaining their home, mostly through his own efforts.

Their son, Brad, married Alicia Mays in 1999. Jordan and Brandon, two beautiful grandchildren, soon followed. Roger and Carole spent many hours babysitting, taking zoo trips, attending birthday parties and many other things grandparents do.

Roger was baptized into Christ by his son, Brad September of 2010 at the West University Church of Christ. Roger frequently enjoyed serving communion, working with the children in the crafts section during Vacation Bible School and also supporting the LTC program. The friendships and support of the Christians were a significant blessing to Roger and continue to be for Carole.

Later in life Roger developed Alzheimer’s disease and bladder cancer. He weathered these two very difficult conditions with the same calm, rational demeanor that kept him grounded throughout his life. In the early stages of Roger’s Alzheimer’s, he and Carole spent time traveling to Alaska and also to Europe- going to Italy and Turkey on one trip and then to France on another. These were trips they would both reminisce about for Roger’s remaining years.

Roger passed from this life on March 16, 2017 in a peaceful sleep after enjoying the company of his family. Roger lived a full life and will be missed by all who had the privilege of encountering his wit and gentle nature.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 am at West University Church of Christ, 3407 Bissonnet Houston, Texas 77005.

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, Houston, TX.