Christudoss V. Theodore

He was born on April 17, 1944 and was a native of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, where he spent his childhood.

Christudoss had an unusual upbringing: of Brahmin parentage, he grew up in a Bethania Convent and was raised by many nuns, which fostered his deep religious values and thorough education. He was a graduate of American College, Madurai and Madras Christian College, Chennai followed by McCormick University, Chicago. He lived in Vellore, Bangalore and eventually settled in Chennai with his wife and daughter. He moved to the United States in 2001 and spent long periods of time in Jersey City, NJ, Queens, NY and Pittsburg, TX before moving to Texarkana in 2024.

Christudoss was an avid reader who loved English and Tamil history and literature (among his favorite authors were Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Muthuvel Karunanidhi). And his own literary talents extended from observational essays, to sermons, to published novels, to annual Christmas newsletters shared with his wide circle of acquaintances around the globe, to the occasional (very lengthy) email to close family and friends. He was intensely curious, a lifelong learner who was fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. He was also a talented violinist and spent countless hours playing Mozart and Beethoven on the instrument.

Christudoss was full of sunshine and eternal optimism. He was the definition of “happy-go-lucky,” and in fact spent much of his life exasperating his family with his perpetual absent-mindedness, adventures on a whim and stubborn streak. He was also extraordinarily generous and a friend to anyone and everyone. He could teach us all about how to live life without caring much for society’s rules or restrictions; he did everything he wanted to do, followed his own strict moral code, and was propelled by a boundless positivity. He rarely raised his voice and believed love was the most important thing in the world.

He had a long, varied career and was always chasing new passions and experiences. He was, by turns, an English professor, a music teacher, a hospital chaplain, a newspaperman and a long-haul truck driver (at the age of 70!). Above all, he was a member of the clergy and found much comfort in the teachings and values of Christianity.

Christudoss was fond of a good meal and fellowship; trips to the grocery store and the local library provided him with as much enjoyment as excursions to Broadway and the symphony. But his deepest love was for his family, especially his beloved wife and daughter, whom he cherished above all else. Towards the end of his life he moved closer to his equally beloved grandchildren and was able to spend much time with them, a gift we are all thankful for.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Eva Kamalakaran, brother-in-law, D.Francis Kamalakaran and nephew-in-law, Rev.S.Martin Jesudoss.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pramila Devasagayam Theodore of Chennai, India; daughter Cheruba Theodore Justin and son-in-law Jeff Justin of Texarkana, Texas; and three grandchildren: Raga Justin, Jebin Justin and Oviya Justin. He is also survived by his niece Mary Packiam Valarmathi; great-nephew Sathy Francis and great-niece Sagana Feylicia of Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 28 at 5 p.m. at East Funeral Home Chapel, 2807 Moores Lane, Texarkana, Texas.

Online tributes may be submitted to www.eastfuneralhomes.com