Theodore Joseph Kornmayer Jr

Theodore (Ted) Joseph Kornmayer Jr., beloved husband, father and grandfather died Sunday, March 31, 2019 at the age of 91. A native of Houston, he was born September 13, 1927 to Theodore Joseph Kornmayer Sr. and Janie Lyons Kornmayer. His family has deep roots in Houston; Lyons Avenue is named after his grandfather, Michel Cusack Lyons and his great grandfather, John T. Browne, served as mayor of Houston from 1892 – 1896.

Upon graduation from Stephen F. Austin High School, Ted enlisted in the United States Navy. A veteran of World War II, he served on the U.S.S. Typhoon in Shanghai, China and the Pacific theater and was honorably discharged from active duty in October 1947. This wartime experience abroad was a formative event and kindled his lifelong interest in international travel. Ted was an active member of the China Burma India Veterans’ Association serving in a number of posts including Texas State Commander.

Ted enjoyed a long and successful career in the petroleum industry with Union Texas Petroleum. One of his responsibilities was to establish and maintain the company’s numerous offices around the world. As a result of the company’s expansion in search for new sources of oil, Ted’s travels took him frequently to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Indian sub-continent. These travels, over time, provided a steady supply of stories and anecdotes that he generously shared with family and friends.

On March 20, 1951 Ted married Jacqueline Holley. After more than 62 years of marriage, Jacqueline passed away in November 2013. Remaining stubborn and independent until the end, Ted insisted on living on his own in the family home in Missouri City until January of this year. He also maintained his life-long love of cigars and was seldom seen without a stogie.

He is survived by his children Chris Kornmayer (Unnur), Karen Phelps (Jack), and Kim Kornmayer. He also leaves behind six grandchildren; Kristjan, Pall, Anna, Holley, Conner, Colton and sister, Mary Sue Wheeler.

Friends and family are cordially invited to visitation with the family from 5 until 8 PM on Thursday, April 4th at Forest Park Lawndale. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 5th at 2 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery and Funeral Home followed by a graveside service.

Pallbearers are Kristjan Kornmayer, Pall Kornmayer, Conner Kornmayer, Kyle Stutler, Seldon “Kippy” Fletcher, Mike Lyons, and Vincent Canzoneri.

The family wishes to especially thank his in-home caregivers, Maria Cazares and Angela Borja, and the staff of The Avenues of Fort Bend Assisted Living for their care and kindness during the final months of his life.