Edward Gonzalez Linares

Eduardo “Ed” Linares, 68, of Houston, Texas, passed away suddenly on July 26, 2026. Born in Havana, Cuba, on February 8, 1958, he was the oldest son of Eduardo and Pilar Gonzalez Linares. His family made its way to Houston through Miami, Chicago, and Dallas before finally settling there in 1972.

Ed began his Houston life at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in the fall of 1972, graduating in 1976. He attended Baylor University beginning that same fall and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1981.

When Ed was just 22, he lost his father. During one of the most difficult periods of his life, he stepped forward without hesitation to support his mother, younger brother, Alex, and younger sister, Pili. He never sought recognition for it; it was simply who he was. That quiet sense of responsibility, selflessness, and steadfast devotion to family became a defining part of the man so many knew and loved.

Ed's curiosity led him into the emerging world of computers, where he quickly became adept at mastering technology in its early years. His passion for learning and problem-solving remained with him throughout his life.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Ed considered himself a “beach guy” at heart before eventually trading sand for mud as an avid hunter and fisherman. More than the pursuits themselves, he treasured the friendships and camaraderie they brought. Annual traditions, including Mike Sullivan’s stewed tomatoes, okra, and red-eye gravy, became treasured rituals until Mike’s passing. He enjoyed countless adventures in La Grange, Dilley, Centerville, and El Campo with his nephew Alex, and friends Wayne Bowser, Dan Nelson, Charles Saul, Tom Overbeck, and many others. Offshore fishing along the Texas and Louisiana coasts with Tom Overbeck and C.P. Albrecht ranked among his favorite experiences.

A chance meeting with Wayne Bowser in 1986, who became his mentor and hunting companion, opened the door to Ed's long career in the recycling and waste management industry. His career culminated in his role as Field Manager for RMT Management at Waste Management, where he combined his love of computers with strong leadership in the recycling field. Through decades of dedication, he leaves behind colleagues who learned from his deep expertise, benefited from his guidance, and will profoundly miss his knowledge, mentorship, and presence.

In 2003, Ed took a break from recycling and headed west to Colorado and Wyoming with his “choice brother,” Charles Saul, to experience the rugged beauty of the Rockies and the excitement of the oil and gas industry. Together they prepared land for drilling operations around Steamboat Springs, Vail, and Meeker. He got stuck on mountaintops in the mud, saw countless elk and eagles, and lived his own version of a Rocky Mountain High. He loved the rustic settler cabins and the chicken wings at the café in Meeker, along with the wildlife, the mountain landscapes, and the unforgettable adventures they shared. Though the mountains captured his heart, the pull of city life eventually brought him back to Houston, along with a collection of unforgettable memories. He always carried his guitar, and during those years he found the perfect spot to shoot the cover photo for his first country-and-western album, a project that remains unfinished.

Throughout every chapter of his life, Ed met people with warmth, curiosity, humor, and loyalty. Whether he was caring for family, mentoring colleagues, gathering with friends outdoors, or traveling with Sue, he gave those around him the steady gift of his presence.

Ed’s humor, perseverance, and love of learning will be carried forward by all who had the privilege of knowing him. More than anything, his greatest legacy is the blended family he so deeply loved. Mid-life, a brief marriage connected him with two children, C.P. and Vivian, who were forever shaped by his steady presence, generous heart, and unconditional love. He remained their lifelong father-figure, a role he embraced with devotion.

Ed’s relationship with Sue Jacobson began in 2013, and the same warmth, loyalty, and devotion were woven into her family of Jack and Jonathan as well. With Sue, Ed entered a new chapter filled with adventure, laughter, and shared curiosity. Whenever the opportunity arose to explore a new city, state, or country, they embraced it with genuine excitement. Together they traveled both U.S. coastlines, the Gulf Coast region, Alaska, Canada, Italy, and, most dear to them, Portugal, where they traveled with his brother Alex and sister-in-law, Anna. They found special joy in discovering the character of American cities such as Savannah, which they first visited during a family vacation, as well as Charleston, Nashville, and Boston. They held a particular fondness for the Washington, D.C. area, returning often to enjoy the historic grounds of Gettysburg and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

But the greatest joy of their travels was simply being together. Over their 13 years together, Ed was the love of Sue’s life, her constant companion, and her unwavering source of strength and support. Their love was woven in every day, never left unspoken. While his loss leaves an immeasurable void in her heart, she will forever be grateful for every moment they shared and for the life they built together, filled with love, laughter, companionship, and hopes of growing old together in retirement.

His life was defined by generosity, steadfast loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eduardo and Pilar Gonzalez Linares.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Linares; his children of the heart HM1 Charles P. Albrecht SFIDC, Vivian Albrecht, Nathan “Jack” Jacobson, and Jonathan Jacobson; his brother, Alexander G. Linares, DDS, and sister-in-law, Anna Linares, DDS; his sister, Pili Linares; his niece, Aria Linares Clayton, her husband, Jacob Clayton, and their sons, Anderson and Reid; his nephew, Alex Linares, DDS, his wife, Michaela Linares, and their son, Alex Linares; and his much-adored pug, Kona, whose faithful companionship brought him endless joy.

He also leaves behind dear friends Wayne Bowser, Charles Saul, Tom Overbeck, and Dan Nelson, along with many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and loved ones who will miss him deeply.

A memorial service celebrating Ed’s life will be held on August 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at Brookside Funeral Home, 9149 Hwy 6 North, Houston, TX 77095.