Onyinyechi Charles Chukwu

Onyinyechi Charles Chukwu (40) was born February 21, 1983 in Enugu, Nigeria. From a young age, he showed an interest and appreciation for the arts, but ultimately received his engineering degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His career as an engineer took him all over Nigeria, the USA and the Middle East. Onyinyechi was a lifelong learner and had numerous engineering certifications and credentials. He was also an avid reader with a library fit for a king. Many of his books were filled with his notes and thoughts in the margins and blank spaces.

While spending time in the US, he met his wife Jessica (Bowers). They connected during a flight to Orlando Florida. Onyinyechi was attending an engineering conference, while Jessica was attending a higher education conference. They were immediately drawn to each other and went on to get married in September of 2013. They established roots in the Houston TX area, and started a family there as well. In 2021, Jessica received an opportunity to work in the United Arab Emirates, so they packed up and headed to Abu Dhabi. They were able to spend time together at their home in Abu Dhabi and their home in Houston, TX.

Onyinyechi lived for his children. He was committed to their success in every possible way. He was a present and engaging father, and found joy in being around his children. Onyinyechi was a beautiful example of someone with a servant's heart. He was always eager to help others, and did so through both his words and his actions. One of the quotes he would often share with Jessica is, “ A rising tide raises all ships.” He strived to be the rising tide every day. He never met a stranger, and while he might have believed he was a man of few words, he could strike up a conversation with a light pole! Onyinyechi has indeed left an indelible mark in the lives of so many. He will be deeply and greatly missed.

Onyinyechi is preceded in death by his mother Winifred Chukwu, his father, Alexander Chukwu, and sister, Nebuwa Favour Esewezie. Onyinyechi leaves behind his wife, Jessica, son Ganiru ‘Jace’ 5, and daughter Amara 3. He also leaves behind his sisters Amechi Nwakalor and Onyeka Ezenagu, brother Osita Maurice Obi, father-in-law, Bill Bowers (Sandra), mother-in-love, Shirley Inkton, mentors, sister-in law, Dawn Powell, brother-in-law, William Bowers, mentors Jim and Robin Vickers, and a host of friends and loved ones.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 26, in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford.

A Celebration of Onyinyechi’s Life will immediately follow the visitation, also in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, immediately following, all are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Onyinyechi during a reception in the event room.