Houston Fire Department

Houston Fire Fighter
Obituaries

George Walter Radcliffe, 77, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2003. A native Houstonian, Mr. Radcliffe was born November 23, 1925 to Mary and George Edward Radcliffe. After serving his country with the U.S. Marine Corps during W.W. II Mr. Radcliffe spent four years with the U.S. Coast Guard. He later retired from the Houston Fire Department after 21 years. George was preceded in death by two children, Baby Radcliffe and George Edward Radcliffe and two brothers, Raymond and Charlie Radcliffe. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Shirley Merton Radcliffe; daughter, Cheryl Lyn Radcliffe; son, Gary Lee Radcliffe; sisters, Mary Hubbard and Elizabeth Abshire; grandchildren, Kimberley, Tori, and Ryan Radcliffe. Many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends also survive him. Visitation will be 1:00 to 9:00 PM Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at Brookside Funeral Home Cypress Creek where funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 19, 2003 in the Chapel. Interment will follow in Fairbanks Cemetery.

William S. Radtke, retired Sr. Captain, City of Houston Fire Department died September 18, 2006. He was born February 3, 1920 in Cameron, Texas. He was a resident of Houston since 1952. He was a member of Lazybrook Baptist Church and Reagan Masonic Lodge #1037. He served on Tankers, WW II, and L.S.T.'s in Korean War, Past Post Commander V.F.W. Post 4458, Caldwell ,Texas. He was preceded in death by son, Bill Jr., wife, Marie and wife, Billie. Survivors include daughters, Kathleen Mae Radtke and Mary Christine Radtke Ross and her husband David; step son, Milton Holecek and wife Jennifer; grandchildren, Nathan Lightfoot, Grantham Ross, James Ross and Jessica Holecek along with others relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 21 in the Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment to follow in Woodlawn Garden of Memories. Listing on Findagrave.com

Kyle Quincy Raney, born January 16, 1953, passed away on April 16, 2009 after a fight with cancer. He is survived by his three sons, Matthew, Nathan and John Raney, John's mother Ann Moore, brother Byron Raney, sister Tammie Murphy, and countless friends and colleagues he considered his extended family. Kyle was a retired District Chief and served with the Houston Fire Department from April 5, 1973 until ending his career in District 8 on the A shift on September 25, 2008. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday April 22 2009, at the Firefighters Pension Hall, 4225 Interwood North Parkway, Houston, Texas 77032, 281-372 -5100. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to The Last Alarm Club, 1907 Freeman, Houston, Texas 77009. www.lastalarmclub.org Listing on Findagrave.com

Rocco Richard Rao, passed from this earth on Friday, May 16, 2003 following a courageous battle with cancer. Rocco was born June 17, 1942 in Houston, Texas to Samuel and Camille Rao. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. On November 1, 1971 he joined the Houston Fire Department and retired following 30 years of service on December 18, 2001. He was a Lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and was a volunteer with the Corral Club. He is preceded in death by his father Samuel Rao and daughter Denise Rao. Rocco is survived by his loving wife Sharon Rao-Stiewert, his mother Camille "Moose" Rao, his daughters Lisa Rao and husband Rocco Scavone and their children Rocco, Jr and Vincent Scavone, Danette Rao, Theresa Rao and her children Madison and Triston Lyons, step-daughter Valerie and her husband Roy Amonette, his brother Joseph Rao and his wife Toni, niece Samantha Rao and her fiance Jim Young. His is also survived by his mother-in-law Evelyn Smith, brother-in-law Gary Smith and wife B.J. and their sons Tyler and Chase Smith, sister-in-law Linda Kubricht and her sons Thomas, Jonathan, and David Kubricht. Rocco was blessed with many loving friends as well as his "brothers" from the Houston Fire Department. Rocco's comical wit and giving nature will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. We understand that this world has lost a truly unique individual. Rocco's last few months were made more bearable by his close friends Donna Kay and Gary, Richard and Elaine, Steve and Sharon, Caren, Mike and Diana, Wally and Lana, Lisa and Eric, LeAnn and Bob, Craig and George and the many others who came by to hold his hand, share a laugh, and show their love during his most trying times. On Monday, May 19, 2003 the Rosary will be recited by the Charity Givers of St. Joseph at 3:00 P.M. in the chapel of Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. At 7:30 P.M. a Vigil will be held for Rocco with Rev. Charles Samperi officiating. The funeral liturgy will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, 10503 Westheimer at the Sam Houston Tollway, at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Charles Samperi, celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Kramer, Steve Levell, Richard Martinez, Eric Olsen, George Ross, and Craig LeTulle. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Richard "Wally" Hane. The family would like to thank all of Rocco's friends and loved ones for their help and many prayers during his difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Last Alarm Club through the Houston Fire Department of the 100 Club of Houston through the Houston Police Department.

Published in Houston Chronicle from May 18 to May 19, 2003 Listing on Findagrave.com

Rocco R. Rao “In Loving Memory” June 17, 1942 – May 16, 2003
Although it seems like yesterday, an entire year has passed since you had to leave. Your compassion, love of life and sense of humor will continue to live on in each of our hearts. Rocco, we miss you every day and just wish we could hear that laugh of yours again. Love always, Sharon, Moosie, Lisa, Danette, Theresa, Valerie, Joe, Toni, Samantha, Little Rocco, Vince, Madison, Triston, Skylar, your yet unborn grandson and your many friends

I am not afraid of the future for I have seen yesterday and I love today!
SUNSHINE FADES

Joey Sheldon Reed Sr., 52, expired (Saturday) April 12, 2008. Joey was Captain of the Football Team, V.P. of Student Council, National Honor Society, Who's Who 1974 and Top Graduating Male, all while attending Evan E. Worthing Sr. High. He received the Jesse Jones Scholarship, was a Worthing High Scholar, and a graduate of E.E. Worthing Sr. High Class of 1974. He attended Texas Southern University and later became a Fire Fighter with the Houston Fire Department for 13 years. He was loved by all that knew him and will be remembered as our "HERO" He is survived by his mother, Verdell Reed; wife, Prenise "Peaches" Reed; 3 sons, Joey, Jared and Varian; 4 brothers, and a host of family and friends. Visitation (Monday) April 21, 2008 from 9-10:55 a.m., Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., both services will be held at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, 3605 Tangerine, Rev. Johnny Kelly, officiating. Interment Houston Memorial Gardens.

Brian Ellis Rhone Houston Firefighter and loving father of daughter Hunter, died tragically in a motorcycle accident on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009. Brian was born on in Houston and graduated from Tomball High School in 1980. Brian's main focus and primary consideration was his daughter, "Daddy's Little Girl". He provided her with a country home where she could have a horse, dogs, and an FFA show animal. They were a devoted father/daughter pair. A firefighter for 13 years and an avid outdoorsman, Brian loved dove hunting and working on the family farm in Crockett. He was a man of action, seldom idle, who believed in hard work, doing a good job, and solving problems for others. Brian was preceded in death by his father Jimmy Rhone. He is survived by his mother Betty Rhone, daughter Hunter and her mother Theresa Rhone Spell, sisters Rhonda Ortmayer (Dave) and Donna Ritter (Chris), niece Brooke Nichols, nephew Patrick Nichols, aunts Patsy Rhone and Gay Simi, uncle Joe Rhone, several cousins, a host of friends, his firefighter family, and the Crews family and friends of Energy Quest. Visitation at Klein Funeral Home, Tomball, Thursday from 6-8 P.M. Services: Tomball United Methodist Church Friday 3 P.M. Burial: Klein Memorial Park Cemetery S.H. 249 N. Memorials: Houston Texas Firefighter Federal Credit Union (cannot be called in, must be mailed) 4200 Kolb Street, Houston, Texas 77007 Memorial Benefit: Hunter Rhone.
Published in the Houston Chronicle on 5/28/2009
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Kenneth Lee Richards Sr., 58, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2003 in Houston. Kenneth was known as a "Firefighter's, Firefighter" and retired after 33 years of loyal service. He is survived by wife, Mary Ann Richards; mother, Era Richards; sons, Kenneth Lee Richards, Jr. and wife Cathy, Brian Keith Richards and wife Michelle; daughters, Cynthia Ann Crosby and husband James, Julie Lynette Silby and husband Joe Michael; grandchildren, Valerie Michelle Richards, Johnathan Ryan Silby, Elisabeth Avery Silby, Hannah Bailey Silby, Kendall Paige Crosby; sisters, Melva Hunter and husband Al, Carolyn Higginbotham; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends. Visitation will be 5:00 to 9:00 PM, on Monday, December 21, 2003 at Brookside Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Tuesday at Forest Cove Baptist Church, 22770 Hwy 59 North, Kingwood, Texas 77339 with Rev. Gary Ladd and Rev. Fred Dallas officiating. Interment will follow in Brookside Memorial Park.

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James Donald "J.D." Robinson born in Humble, TX on August 4, 1918, and passed away April 8, 2009 in Alvin, TX. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, James Wiley and Nellie Robinson. J.D. is survived by his wife of 70 years, Cleo Mae Robinson; daughter Pat McClendon and husband Tommy of Del Rio, TX, son Wayne Robinson and wife Judy of Friendswood, TX. He is the proud grandfather of Brandon Bradley and wife Kris of El Canjon, Ca, Jim Wayne Robinson of Pearland, TX, Chris Robinson and wife Kristi of Friendswood, TX, Jeffrey Robinson and fiancé Kimber Welch of Spring, TX, Danny McClendon and wife Tricia of Hutto, TX, his only granddaughter, Kerri McClendon of San Antonio, TX, and 8 great grandchildren. Also survived by one sister, Opal Williams of Pearland, TX, 2 brothers-in-law and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. J.D. grew up in the Houston area, attending school and working at an early age in the oil fields alongside his dad. He went to work for the Houston Fire Department in 1940 and retired after 30 years of service as a Fire Prevention Inspector. After retirement he moved to Roans Prairie, TX and ranched and sold real-estate. He loved those 80 acres, but in 1984 he sold his property and moved to Granite Shoals, TX on Lake LBJ. In 1999, he moved again to Alvin, TX to be near family. J.D., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He cherished his long time friendships, loved people and they loved him, while he gathered friends for 90 years. J.D. was a master builder, having built several homes and over 21 grandfather clocks. He always had a plan. He was a member of South Park Baptist Church of Alvin, TX. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm till 8:00 pm, Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Brookside Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am Friday, April 10, 2009 at Brookside Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow in Brookside Memorial Park. Officiating will be Dr. Bruce Petterson and Pastor Jerald Brown. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Bedias Baptist Church, P.O. Box 176, Bedias, TX 77831 or South Park Baptist Church 1718 S. Johnson, Alvin, TX 77511.
Listing on Findagrave.com

Captain Jay Robinson, born March 20, 1955 in Houston, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2005 in Friendswood, Texas. Jay joined the Houston Fire Department in 1974 and was Captain of Station 70. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Esmeralda Robinson; his two sons, Michael and Jason Robinson; parents Jack and Billie Robinson; and brothers Rodney and Barry Robinson. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 9th, from 5:00-8:00pm, and the Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 10th, at 10:00am, both held at Niday Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.
Listing on Findagrave.com

Wilbur A. Robson, 71, born September 25, 1933 in Houston, Texas to Hampton and Loreina Robson, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2005 in Houston, Texas. Mr. Robson is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Elizabeth; children, Michael and Carol Robson, Lorene and Greg Kubeczka, Samuel Robson and fiancé Amanda Cox, Sheila Hartigen and fiancé David, Donald and Lea Robson, Karen and Jeff Dion, Josephine and James Sirman; grandchildren, Skyler, Sebastian, Catherine, Joseph, Vincent, Christy , Courtney, Mary, Curtis, Jeffrey, Laken, Dustin, Taylor, Cody, Matthew, Keenan, Jordan, and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Hailey; brother Jeff Robson. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. - 8p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at Earthman Resthaven Chapel, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, Texas. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 15 , 2005 at Earthman Resthaven Chapel. Interment will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Curtis Lewandowski, Joseph Kubeczka, Vincent Kubeczka, Joseph Orlando, Bennie Raska, and James David Oliver.
Listing on Findagrave.com

Donald L. Ross, 78, passed away February 5, 2006. Donald proudly served with the City of Houston Fire Department for 20 years and retired as a district chief. He was a veteran of The U.S. Army Air Corps and and avid golfer. He was a friend of Bill W. for over 17 years. Preceded in death by a daughter, Margie Richardson, his parents, George Washington Ross and Susie Ross Sumney and brothers, Harold Ross, Sr., Billy Ross and Jim Ross; he is survived by his wife of 32 years, Winnie Ross; children, Terry Donaldson, Alan Horton and wife, Margo, Joe Horton and wife, Sherri; grandchildren, Shaun Cummins, Margo Tolbert and husband, Aaron, Jonathan Horton, Crystal Horton, Kimberly Horton, Letha Horton and Alan Horton; sisters, Joy Bean and husband, Allen, Ruth Cones and Shirley Shaw; brother, Hartsel Ross and wife, Juanita; aunt, Juanita Martin and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Funeral Services and Houston Fire Department Honors: 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 8, 2006 in the Main Chapel of Forest Park Lawndale, Rev. James Palmer officiating. Interment: Forest Park Lawndale.

Captain James Thomas Rowell, We celebrate the life of retired fire Captain James Thomas Rowell, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was born on June 28, 1927, and went to be with our Lord on January 3, 2006. Captain Rowell spent 20 years atStation # 1 in downtown Houston serving his city. Funeral services will be held on Friday January 6, 2006 at Addison Smith Funeral Home.

Ronnie Rucker Sr. was born on November 11, 1948 and Died December 4, 2005 in Houston. He was preceded in death by his parent, Bud and Betty Rucker, and is survived by 2 sons, Ronny Rucker Jr. and wife Kayla, Randy Rucker, and one daughter, Reagan Rucker. Memorial services will be 2:00 pm, Thursday, December 8, 2005 at the grace baptist Church in Tomball, Texas.