Dr. Edward K Wong

Ed, a Chinese Texan, began his life’s remarkable journey in San Antonio on July 29, 1932, born to Tai Hay Wong and Chin Shee Wong. Ed’s parents came to the United States from China for a better life and owned and operated their family grocery stores in the Alamo City and later in Houston.

Ed is survived by the love of his life and beautiful bride for 69 years Emily Joe Wong; children Dr. Matthew Wong and wife Rhonda, Dr. Michael Wong and wife Kathleen, and Dr. Stephanie Wong; and granddaughter Emily Pannes and husband Tim.

Ed knew Jesus Christ as his Savior growing up in the Chinese Baptist church in San Antonio and later joining the First Presbyterian Church in Houston. He grew up working in his family’s grocery store where he learned the importance of hard work. This was the start of his ability to be a jack-of-all-trades. He drove and delivered groceries at the age of 14, helped purchase produce at the farmer’s market, butchered meat, swept floors, stocked shelves and performed any task to help run the store. These skills and confidences learned as a young boy would carry over to adult life where Ed could accomplish just about anything. Ed credits his father, who did not have the privilege of education, with instilling his desire for education and success in business. His dad always encouraged working hard and doing the right thing.

Ed attended a Chinese school in San Antonio where he continued his education of the Chinese culture and language. He loved and excelled in school graduating from high school in 1949, then moved to Houston where his family started and operated H&H Grocery. Ed graduated from the University of Houston in 1952. He was the first Chinese American to attend and graduate from The University of Texas Dental Branch in 1956. Ed would later give back to other students teaching and mentoring at UT Dental School.

Following graduation from dental school, Ed joined the U.S. Air Force in 1956 as the first Chinese American officer where he served two years as a First Lieutenant and then Captain providing dental services to Air Force personnel and family members.

In 1957 Ed married the girl of his dreams, Emily, whose parents also moved to Texas from China. The couple made their home in Yuma, AZ during his service in the military. After work ended each day around lunchtime, Ed would head out to go fishing or hunting depending on the season. He even had a daily standing boat reservation at a local lake.

Later, Ed would travel the world fishing and hunting, often with his sons. He was an incredible left-handed shot, truly gifted with a gun and well respected in the competitive shooting world. Always wanting to help others, Ed regularly took medical supplies on his trips abroad and occasionally had to use them for treating injuries to fellow hunting companions.

After military service, Ed opened his dental practice in Houston in 1959. He told stories of getting started with two exam rooms and an extra room to build model airplanes and transistor radios to stay busy while waiting for patients to telephone and schedule appointments. The business grew quickly and today the practice is now owned and operated by his son Mike and daughter-in-law Kathleen. Ed’s practice has served five generations for some fortunate families in the Houston area.

Ed never shied away from being first. He had been first most of his whole life. In his 80’s and retired from dentistry, Ed took up a new hobby of running competition retrievers in AKC field events. He purchased a trained black Labrador retriever named Weston from his trusted pro trainer in Oklahoma and began his new adventure. Ed was published in Retriever News for earning his first AKC Field Retriever title with Weston followed by the Canine Good Citizen title to enable Weston to work as a hospital therapy dog.

Ed was a foodie with a superb palate who had a love for all types of cuisine. He was always delighted to host dinners and share delicious meals with family and friends. Without a doubt, hilarious stories and witty jokes always accompanied these meals. Above all else, family was the most important thing in Ed’s life. He was so proud of Emily and his accomplished children, all doctors. He tirelessly devoted himself to his wife and kids as well as extended family and friends. To all who knew and loved him he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of love, kindness, decency and compassion.

Ed’s family sincerely appreciates your loving kindness in sharing condolences, your thoughtful prayers and all who gather to celebrate Ed’s life.

On August 29, 2026, Ed’s family will receive visitors during a visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. and a catered reception at The Settegast-Kopf Company at Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.