Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Louis Wu Obituary
1949-2020
Louis Wu, beloved brother, uncle, cousin, friend and colleague was born June 12, 1949 in Canton, China. He was the surviving son and third of four children born to Shang Zhih and Lucia Lee Wu, both predeceased. He is survived by sisters Jean Wu, Joan Wu and Jane Wu, a niece, Lucy Wu Weberlein, and many cousins.
In 1956, the Wu family immigrated from Hong Kong to the US and lived in Fort Worth with relatives. The family moved to Houston in 1957, where his parents ran a grocery store until 1972. Louis graduated from Milby High School, earned a bachelor's degree in Health Science from the University of Houston, went to graduate school at UT Austin and UTMB Galveston, where he earned a master's degree to become a Physician Assistant.
Louis' first job was with the VA Hospital in Detroit and worked there for several years. He transferred to the Houston VA Hospital in the 1980s and remained there as a staff PA for Prime Care. In 1982, he enlisted in the Army Reserves as a medic and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He retired from the VA in 2007 and from the military in 2009.
Louis was active in retirement and continued to work at the VA part-time. His many volunteer activities include teaching CPR at the American Heart Association and treating migrant patients at San Jose Clinic. He founded the Shang-Zhih & Lucia Lee Wu Scholarship for Excellence in Chinese Studies at UH.
Louis' many interests included travel and books, and he belonged to several book groups. He was a loyal member of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and a longtime Astros fan, and rooted for the Rockets and Texans. He went for morning runs in Hermann Park and swam laps at the Y.
Louis' recent health crisis shocked and bewildered all of us. He was diagnosed with a rare, advanced lymphoma which was discovered too late for successful treatment. On Jan. 1, Louis took his last breath.
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the diligent, caring medical team at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, and the attentive staff at Houston Hospice. We also thank Louis' friends in the medical field for their help.
A graveside service on January 8 will be private with burial at Houston National Cemetery. A memorial service is being planned for next month.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations be made in Louis' honor to San Jose Clinic in Houston, www.sanjoseclinic.org, or to the college of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louis Wu
Robyn L. Lively
January 1, 2023
I didn´t know Louis well, but I do remember Joan very well. I reached out last year & never heard back.
Joan, you have my deepest sympathies! I hope you are well.
Jing Zhang
December 31, 2022
This link popped up to me and I am glad to received it. It brings back the sweet memories of Louis. We miss you Louis.
Alero W.
December 31, 2022
I can´t believe it´s been 2 years already since you were called from this world. I was at Gloria´s restaurant 2 days ago and recalled a lunch there with you- you introduced me to Gloria´s! You are not forgotten Mr.Wu. RIP my friend
Brenda Rodriguez
February 5, 2020
It was my pleasure knowing you, for 8 yrs Dr.Wu. You will always be my favorite doctor & friend. I miss you dearly. May you rest in peace with Jesus.
Benjamin Law
January 20, 2020
Louis will be truly missed. He is a quiet gentleman, private but so very personable. He spared no time and expenses to share his love for his family. For over 40 years, despite the many miles apart, Louis would find time in many occasions to pay us a visit in California as he travelled west for his medical continuing education. The last time he visited was this past September when he was at Oakland for his CEU again. He took an extra triangle flight as he returned from Oakland via LA to Houston. After a quick lunch, in spite of his tight schedule, he even took time to request to visit my late wife's (Linda his niece) resting place. This is so very shocking. Who would imagine in a very short few months that cancer has snatched him away from our presence! May he rest in peace, and may God's Mercy and Grace be with the Wu's family.
Anna Lum
January 17, 2020
Louis was really my dads cousin, but because our chronological age puts us as peers, I refer to him as my cousin in Houston. I meet plenty of kind and compassion folks. But Louis? Hes in a class of his own. Until recent years, I only knew that about him from afar. Until we asked if he could host us while we flew to Houston to help our daughter during her cancer treatments and check ups. He did not hesitate picking us up from the airport, taking us around Houston like a seasoned tour guide, engaging us in the most interesting dialogue from his vast knowledge, and showing us what kindness, selflessness, and humility looked like. He was a treasure, and the world is a better place because he graced us with his presence. He will be forever missed.
Alero Waterhouse
January 9, 2020
Mr. Wu will be greatly missed, he is a dear friend and colleague. I enjoyed volunteering with him at San Jose because he was compassionate and smart. You could always count on him to diagnose a complex patient. The world has lost a gem.
At a restaurant in Trier, Germany
Roger Stern
January 8, 2020
One of our fondest memories was visiting Louis when he was deployed in Germany in 2006. He was wonderful and he even enjoyed a brew occasionally. He was a great friend for over 35 years.
At a restaurant in Trier, Germany during Louis' deployment in 2006
Roger Stern
January 8, 2020
Sharon, Louis and I(Jing Zhang) at the Houston Zoo Light Christmas Light Show. We enjoyed the show like little kids.
Jing Zhang
January 7, 2020
Louis presented the scholarship certificate to the awardees, 2017
January 7, 2020
Louis presented the Scholarship to the awardees.2016
Jing Zhang
January 7, 2020
I am writing this message with tears. The tears with sadness for me and for his family who are remain on earth, meanwhile the tears with joy for Louis for he is now with his Lord in paradise. He has started his new life, the eternal life. He is my brother in Christ, and I love him dearly. Whenever he came to UH attending the Chinese festivals held by the Chinese Studies Program or the award ceremony held by our department, he often shares his mission trip to China in recent years. I thank the Lord for his faithful serve to whoever has needs, he will receive his award from his Lord.
For some reason, I thought of Louis about 3 weeks ago. Maybe this is the Holy Spirit trying to tell me about Louis departure, or maybe it is Louis to say goodbye to me.
Thank you Louis to manifest the Love of Christ to may people. You are loved.
Jing Zhang
Xiaohong "Sharon" Wen
January 6, 2020
This news came too suddenly. I am immensely saddened. I hold many profound and fond memories of Louis. He was a very kind, helpful, and supportive gentleman with a generous soul. In November 2008, louis initiated an appointment with me upon hearing the news that UH has established a bachelor's degree in Chinese Studies. During that meeting, he pledged $10,000 to the Chinese Studies program. Immediately in 2009, The Shang-Zhih & Lucia Lee Wu Scholarship for Excellence in Chinese Studies was set up and in operation, giving an annual award to a group of outstanding UH students. In 2018, when we were building our graduate program, another scholarship for Excellence in Chinese Graduate Studies was set up with his generosity to support graduate students. When I invited him for a lunch in May 2019, he asked about the graduate program development and wanted to support more students. He was volunteering in the YMCA, helping new immigrants learning phonics and improving their English literacy. He participated in many cultural events and Chinese festival celebrations organized by the Chinese Studies program in MCL, and award ceremonies by the MCL department in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. He is dearly missed by our students, scholarship recipients, and faculty members in Chinese Studies.
A Chinese Spring Festival card that I have prepared for Louis lays here on my desk waiting to be mailed soon. He will receive it in a peaceful heaven....
Marge Leventon
January 6, 2020
Such a kind and intelligent man! I only knew Louis casually through the Holocaust Museum Houston library book club and book and film events at the ERJCC but I liked him a lot. I'll miss him.
Minister R. King
January 6, 2020
I will always remember Mr. Wu. He was very kind to me and friendly. I was his Letter Carrier for many years. I retired in 2018, but I will always remember his caring spirit. He always remembered me at Christmas and I was grateful that he thought enough, to think of me. May his soul rest in peace.
Larry Youngblood
January 6, 2020
With a last name Wu and alphabetical seating at Deady and Milby...Joan and Louis were always seated just in front of me. I cherish the memories of both of them.
Larry Youngblood
Robyn Lively
January 6, 2020
I remember Louis and Joan from our days at Milby. Both were friends of mine in school. Sincere condolences to Louis' whole family.
- Robyn Lively
Marty Lange
January 6, 2020
Enjoyed Lou's sense of humor. Never forget that when we first met, he called me "Whopper," because I reminded him of former Houston Rockets player, Billy "Whopper" Paultz. I savor that memory and Lou's profound humanity.
Rena Grossfield
January 6, 2020
This is so unexpected and sad.Lou was a longtime friend of our family and was especially close to my mother, Harriet Hrossfield, until her death. When my sister had cancer and was in the hospital, the doctors said she would rally. Lou diagreed and told me to come to Houston right away. She died two days after I arrived and I will always be grateful to Lou for his knowledge and caring. My condolences to his family forcthis great loss.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Louis Wu's name
Memorial Events
for Louis Wu
How to support Louis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Louis Wu's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
