Henry George Provazek, age 80, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026. He was born on December 24, 1945, in Moravia, Texas, and spent most of his life in Houston, where he was famously known in Houston’s East End as “Houston Slim.”
Henry was a devoted father, grandfather, and man of faith. He was known for his strength, generosity, wisdom, and deep love for his family. Hard-working and selfless, he spent 20 years working as a Metallurgist at Cooper Cameron Ironworks.
He attended St. Theresa Catholic School and later studied at Rice University. Throughout his life, his Catholic faith remained a guiding force, and he was a member of a Catholic Religious Order. Prayer was a daily part of his life, and he found comfort and strength in the Our Father and Hail Mary.
Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen Provazek, and his daughter, Melissa Provazek.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: Deborah Provazek-Morales and her children, Chelsi Morales and Chase Morales; Douglas Provazek and his wife Misty, and their children Marissa Provazek, Logan Provazek, Landon Provazek, and Macie Provazek; Deanna Provazek-Rodriguez and her husband Ralph Rodriguez, and their children Alec Rodriguez and Ashton Rodriguez. He is also remembered by many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know him.
Henry enjoyed the simple joys of life—playing pool, buying lottery tickets, karaoke, dancing, and spending time with family. He was a true jack-of-all-trades who could fix almost anything with whatever tools or materials he had around. He was also a gifted storyteller who loved sharing stories from his childhood and from Houston’s past. Though he often told the same stories many times, his family listened each time with love, knowing they were hearing pieces of the life that shaped him.
Above all, Henry was a man of deep faith who shared Bible verses and reminded others of God’s glory in everyday life. His strength, love, and devotion to God and family will remain his lasting legacy.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who provided medical care, support, and compassion during Henry’s final months. Through it all, our father’s faith in God remained strong and was a source of comfort and strength for our entire family.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church. A rosary will be prayed at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., with a reception immediately afterward at Forest Park Westheimer Event Room.
Henry’s life was rooted in faith, family, and hard work. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. And as he would often say to those he loved, “Dobrou noc.”
