Christopher A. Minton

1936 - 2025

Christopher A. Minton, age 88, of Alvin, Texas, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at HCA Clear Lake Hospital. Chris was born on July 7, 1936, in Philadelphia and had been a resident of Alvin since 1981. He was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Alvin.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 56 years, Carol Minton; his grandson, Conner Minton; his mother, Florence Downey; his father, Christopher A. Minton, Sr.; his stepmother, Katherine "Kitty" Minton; his sister, Delores Fletcher; and his brother, Dennis Minton.

Chris is survived by his wife, Martha Owen; his brother, Francis Minton, and wife Diane; his daughters, Jacquie Duncan and Debbie Branch (and husband C.R.); his sons, Chris Minton III and Chuck Minton (and fiancée Carrie); his grandchildren, Scott Branch, Stephanie Montoya (and husband Luis), Travis Branch, and Baylen Smith; as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Alvin. A reception in Chris's honor will follow immediately at the Minton home, 3600 W. South St., Alvin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Chris's honor to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Alvin.

Chris was raised in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, and attended St. Andrew's Grade School. He later went to West Catholic High School in Philadelphia. During his freshman and sophomore years, he delivered the Philadelphia newspaper as part of his paper route. In his junior and senior years, he worked at an A&P grocery store. He graduated from West Catholic in 1954.

That fall, he enrolled at Villanova University, where he continued working at the A&P grocery store throughout his college years. In June 1958, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

That summer, he worked for a CPA firm in downtown Philadelphia. The following year, he taught Business and Math courses at St. James High School in Chester, Pennsylvania.

In June 1959, he began working as an accountant with RCA in Somerville, New Jersey, where he remained until July 1961. During this time, he met the kindest woman he had ever known, Carol Harman. He often said he was drawn to Carol because she was so pretty and so nice. Everyone liked her-she was a friend to all. They married, and their first daughter, Jacquie, was born during this period.

In July 1961, he joined Lockheed in Plainfield, New Jersey, as an accountant. During his early years with Lockheed, two more children, Debbie and Chris III, were born. In December 1965, the family moved to Nassau Bay, Texas, where their fourth child, Chuck, was born. Around this time, he also passed the state exam to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

In 1981, the family moved to a ranch in Alvin, Texas. Over the course of his career with Lockheed, he received several promotions, becoming a manager and later Director of the Texas Finance organization during the 1970s.

In approximately 1985, a new Lockheed company was established in Texas, and he was promoted to Vice President of Finance. The operation was highly successful, and his responsibilities were expanded by Lockheed's corporate leadership.

In 1991, he became Vice President of Business Operations for seven Lockheed subsidiary companies, overseeing 30,000 employees across diverse business units. It was a challenging and rewarding role, which he held until his retirement in December 1995.

He dedicated himself to many volunteer roles throughout his life. He served on the building committee for St. Paul's Catholic Church in Nassau Bay and was also a lector and usher there, as well as at St. John's Catholic Church in Alvin. Later in life, he served on the board of trustees for Mount Carmel Catholic High School.

He frequently volunteered at Nassau Bay swim meets, always cheering on his children with pride. Of all his volunteer roles, we believe his favorite was being part of the bean-cooking committee for the annual Lockheed picnics. He also served as President of the Lockheed Retirees group and looked forward to their annual BBQ picnics at Walter Hall Park and festive Christmas parties.

During retirement in Alvin, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, raising horses, cows, and llamas, and attending his grandchildren's activities-including Little League, basketball, volleyball, and various school events.

He also cherished his status as a Villanova alumnus, attending reunions, activities and in recent years, their basketball games in the Final Four.

Beyond his accomplishments as a successful businessman, he was a devoted husband, a beloved father, and a cherished Grandpa. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued, and he loved hosting gatherings with Carol over the years-whether it was for the Lockheed Sip and Sing, the Lockheed Retirees Group, or festive holiday celebrations.

He shared a love of travel and adventure with his daughter, Jacquie, and together they visited many countries, creating memories that reflected their shared zest for life. He was especially proud of his sons and their athletic achievements, finding great joy in watching them play basketball throughout their high school and college years. Watching his daughter Debbie become a mother later in life filled him with immense joy and purpose, as it was then that he proudly obtained the cherished title of "Grandpa."

His happiest moments were often spent in his role as Grandpa, taking immense pride in his grandchildren's accomplishments and always showing up to cheer them on.

In the final two years of his life, he met and married Martha Owen. Though their time together was brief, it was filled with mutual care, companionship, and love.

His legacy-defined by integrity, hard work, kindness, and warmth-lives on in all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements are under the care of the Scott Family, 1421 East Hwy 6, Alvin, Texas 77511. For more information, please call (281) 585-1000 or visit www.scottfuneralhome.net.