Larry Miggins

Larry Joseph Miggins beloved husband of Sherl Miggins, father of Thomas Joseph Miggins and Laura Marissa Miggins, left this physical world unexpectedly last Friday in a tragic car accident.
Larry was born in Houston on February 18, 1960, the fourth of twelve children of Larry and Kathleen Miggins of Houston who also survive him. He spread his love and joy amongst us all and was an active participant in many groups and attracted loyal following of friends who were drawn to his flavorful character.
Larry embraced life with vigor and a can-do attitude. He loved sports and getting together with people, playing for many years on the Rice Rugby team where he named his legs "thunder" and "lightning" and his exploits were legendary and still grow. He was passionate about baseball, having played in the Houston Men's Senior League for 16 years with his older brother Rory, who preceded him in death in 2007. Most recently Larry was Captain and slugger for the Houston Babes, a historically accurate 1860s baseball team where he was known as "Longball" for his prolific hitting ability. Larry first distinguished himself athletically at St. Thomas High School where he lettered in football and baseball. During his senior year, he was awarded the first ever Fighting Eagle Award for his courage and leadership. Larry's Eagle Fight never died.
He obtained an engineering degree from Texas Tech University in 1982, which credentialed his natural ability to fix anything. Larry and Sherl met their sophomore year. He enjoyed a long and very enjoyable career of 25+ years at the Rice University Facilities and Engineering Department. His love of Rice and his bond with employees, students, coaches, and athletes manifested in many activities including an active role in promoting scholarships to Rice through the HOOTS society. Together with Sherl, they worked together to provide the theme and artwork for the Department's entry into the annual Sand Castle Contest in Galveston.
His love of Texas and Irish history was prevalent in his life as an active member of the Texas Army where he reached the rank of Colonel. He enjoyed with a zeal and passion akin to the original Texas Army on many a reenactment battle of Texas history including the annual battle of San Jacinto where he fondly commented that Texas won again this year.
Larry's Irish roots run deep through his soul and he enjoyed from a young age celebrating his heritage with the annual St. Patrick's day parade, The Irish Society Chili cook-off, the Dick Dowling memorial ceremony where he was chairman taking over for his father who has honored the Irish Hero of Texas for 40 years. With his brother Rory, they were regulars at the art car parade and many music events throughout Houston. He was a fantastic dancer, the first on the dance floor with his wife Sherl as he used to say to "bait the dancefloor" and get the party started. He lived life to the fullest, first in line for hard work, volunteering or the celebration after. He was a truly a blessing to all who crossed his path and had the pleasure of meeting him. He always gave 110% and had an infectious character that was enjoyed by all. He often said "I am not afraid of dying, I am afraid of not living" and indeed he showed us all how to live with passion, fight, humor, thunder and lightning.
In addition to his wife, children, and parents, Larry is also survived by his 10 siblings, their spouses, and his 18 nieces and 19 nephews to whom he was a terrific uncle: Eileen Hohlt (John), Mary, John, and Annie Hohlt; John (Debbie), Christine, Julia, and Matthew Miggins; Maureen Swanson (Pat), Fiona, Patrick, Brian and Kenneth Swanson; Noreen Gottschalk (Stephen), Robert and Daniel Gottschalk; Matthew (Penelope), Gabriella, John, and Maria Miggins; Kathleen Jim), Elizabeth, Conor, Bridie, and Rory; Neil and his children, Charlie, Jack, and Adelaide Miggins; Robert (Julie), Lily, John Carlo, Patrick, and James Miggins; Patrick (Nancy) and James, Rory, and Bridie Miggins; and Michael (Abby), Molly, Cate, Lucy and Claire Miggins. Larry is also survived by his mother-in-law Betty Maxey Clark and his surviving sisters-in-law are Regina Clark Kuethe (Kenneth) and Ashley, Addison, and Hope Keuthe; Kay Clark Popham and Dane Jetty.
Larry's surviving aunts and uncles include Helen Miggins, Rita Miggins, Eileen and Jake Hoppenthal , Margaret McMahon , Ann McMahon, Bridie Morrissey, Martha Smith, and Amelia and Bob Baird. In addition to Rory, Larry was preceeded in death by his father-in-law, Kenneth Clark.
Larry has countless cousins, world-wide, who survive him and cherish his memory.
In addition to his activities noted above, Larry was a member of many other families including St. Augustine parish, the Texas Army, Slippery Rock Booster Club, Dick Dowling Irish Heritage Society (founding member), The Irish Society, and the St. Thomas High School Alumni Association.
The family will receive friends at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer (at Shepherd) on Friday, September 21, from 7 to 9 pm, with the Rosary recitation at 7:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will begin at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 22, with a reception to follow in the parish hall.
Following the luncheon, Larry's remains will interred at Forest Park Lawndale, close to his dear brother Rory.
In lieu of remembrances, Sherl, Thomas, and Laura suggest contributions to the Catholic schools that shaped his character and that of his children: St. Anne's School Foundation, St. Thomas High School (Miggins Scholarship), or St. Agnes Academy.
"God grant you glory, dear Larry Joseph, please open heaven to all your friends."