Joseph Pierre Gomer

Joseph “Joe” Gomer, a devoted family man and beloved pharmacist, passed away peacefully on August 8th, 2024, at the age of 96, in La Porte, Texas. Born during the Great Depression to L.H. Gomer, a railroad machinist, and Stella Gomer, a dedicated mother who instilled the importance of education by quizzing him every night on what he learned at school—a habit he later passed on to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—Joe graduated from Milby High School at just 16 years old. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Joe attended the University of Texas, where he completed his degree in Pharmacy thanks to the GI Bill.

Joe's career as a pharmacist began in Baytown, where he quickly became known not only for his expertise but also for his personal touch—whether it was gift-wrapping, delivering medication late at night, or serving at the soda fountain, Joe approached everything he did with an ethic of excellence. It was while working at the soda fountain that he met Vivian, a "brown-haired, brown-eyed beauty," whom he married in 1951. Their 63-year journey together was filled with love and the birth of their two daughters, Jo Allison and Lisa Carol.

In 1952, Joe and Vivian moved to La Porte, a town that Joe would come to love deeply. He worked at several local pharmacies before opening Gomer's Pharmacy, a cornerstone of the community for over two decades. Joe’s dedication to his patients extended far beyond filling prescriptions; he was a trusted advisor, often receiving calls in the middle of the night from those seeking his guidance. He also found great joy in mentoring young “bright kids” from La Porte High School, and he took immense pride in the fact that eight of the students he mentored went on to become pharmacists themselves.

Joe’s love for La Porte was profound. He had an encyclopedic memory of local history and relationships that was as clear as ever in his 90s. He served multiple terms on the Shoreacres City Council and later the La Porte ISD School Board, where he championed vocational programs and played a key role in the construction of the new high school. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, Heritage Society, and more.

Joe's life was a mosaic of compassion, wisdom, and unwavering service. He touched countless lives, not only through his profession but also through his deep involvement in his community and his enduring love for those around him. Despite the losses of his wife and two daughters, Joe remained a pillar of strength and wisdom for his grandchildren, Kristen, David, Jay, and Laney, and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Jayson, Belinda, William Barret, and Holden who brought him immense joy in his later years.

A memorial service for Joseph will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505.