Luis Armando Gomez, a native of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, touched the lives of countless individuals. Luis answered to many names: husband, father, doctor, provider, reverend, chaplain, friend and most importantly a man of God. His personal relationship with Christ was reflected in his lifetime of service to others.
Born in Trinidad on October, 28, 1952 to Luis C. Gomez a native of Trinidad and Amanda Marchan, a native of Venezuela, Luis was a compassionate, humble pillar of support for thousands of people of all backgrounds – the suffering, the homeless, the destitute, the hopeless, the abandoned, the disenfranchised, the enslaved, and persons with mental and physical limitations and disabilities. He obtained a Doctorate in Theology, but in obedience to the calling God had on his life and his love for people, Luis chose a career path of servant leadership. In the 1980s, he was the only person in his department who would work with AIDS patients during the height of the epidemic. For over 20 years, he helped the indigent as a licensed social worker in Houston. As an agent of change, Luis served Harris County as a guardian for individuals who were declared incapacitated by the courts, and he eventually assumed full responsibility of the ward’s estate. He uplifted and supported homeless adults and runaway teens while serving as the director of the intake and outreach department of a Houston area social agency. Taking to the streets of Houston at night by foot, Luis searched for homeless youth and brought them back to the agency to provide them critical resources such as shelter, food and clothing.
Luis extended his calling of servant leadership during his healthcare career when he worked as a chaplain at Ben Taub Hospital. At one of the busiest trauma hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, Luis inspired and comforted patients, families and staff during the most difficult times of their lives. His tender way of bringing calm to the chaos of the emergency room, to victims and perpetrators of violent crimes, and patients with chronic illnesses was admirable. Licensed in mental health and social work, Luis facilitated access to adequate health services for the mentally ill, intellectually and developmentally disabled population during his 3 decade-long tenure at what is now the county’s Harris Center.
He was a social worker for the homeless, a guardian for the mentally ill, and a chaplain for those in distress. He served thousands of people from all walks of life, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and religious affiliations. He served humanity faithfully – growing in grace and sympathy.
As a humble man, Luis always gave reverence, praise and honor to Jesus Christ.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 37 years, Sandra; his son, Juliano; his brothers Emilio and Ricky; niece, Alicia; great-niece, Gabriella; sister in law, Marcia; nieces Nicole and Marissa; cousin, Larry Hospedales; and numerous family members and friends and coworkers. He was preceded in the transition to Heaven by his parents and sister Marina.
May the hearts of those Luis touched be lifted up, knowing that he is in the kingdom of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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