Brian Edward Houlihan

As a geophysicist, Brian spent his long and successful career on math and science, inspecting geographical maps so detailed that they looked to others like gibberish. But Brian spent his time outside of work on family and fun.

Brian was a devoted, loving husband and a kind, funny, really good dad. He played softball, tennis, and went on runs. He took his daughters on hikes and taught them to fish. He always loved airplanes, so he got a pilot’s license, then a plane, then volunteered at the Lone Star Flight Museum in his retirement. He listened to good music and watched the parade of boats that slowly rode past his house every night at sunset. He got to throw in a fishing line whenever he wanted, which was a lot. Though he did have Parkinson’s, it didn’t take him all the way down, as he continued being with family, boxing, playing ping-pong, and even doing some painting, which his artistic wife would have loved.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Helen Houlihan, his beloved wife, Judy, and his brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Margaret. He is survived and greatly missed by his daughter Tara and her partner Greg; daughter Kate and her husband Brad; grandchildren Julietta, Sabrina, Caden, and Adalynn; sister Dottie; sister-in-law Rena and her husband Gordon; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, Chapel, located at 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, on January 24, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the same location on January 24, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by a committal service from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

A Reception will be held in the Chapel of Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home on January 24, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rock Steady Boxing or PingPongParkinson, both of which use the joy of sports to benefit the motor skills, cognition, and confidence of Parkinson’s patients, including Brian himself!