Lawrence (Larry) Francis Probst Jr. 88, of The Woodlands, TX passed away on September 26, 2014. He was born on October 4th, 1925 in Lock Haven, PA. Larry graduated from Malvern Preparatory in 1943 and received his degree in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University in 1950.
Larry served in the 86th "Blackhawk" infantry division in WWII. His division captured record numbers of Nazi soldiers, liberated the Attendorn labor camp, freed over 200,000 Allied POWs, and recovered the Crown Jewels of Hungary. In August of 1945, Larry's division was redeployed to the Pacific Theater, where he guarded Japanese prisoners of war on Corregidor Island.
Larry married Ruthie (nee Gallagher 1925-2007), his childhood sweetheart, on June 7th 1949. They moved to Philadelphia, Pa while Larry finished his last year at college. In 1950 he was hired by Betz Laboratories where he began a 40 year career with the company.
In 1978, Larry moved to The Woodlands to open Betz Process Chemicals, a subsidiary of Betz Labs. Larry was Chairman & President of Betz Process Chemicals as well as Chairman & President of Betz Energy California. He served on the Board of Directors of Betz Labs and its subsidiaries; Betz Canada, Betz Mexico, Betz International, Betz Entec; and InterBio. Larry served as President of the Cooling Tower Institute in the mid 1970's and was an active participant in the National Petroleum Refiners Association.
An avid golfer, Larry served on the Board of Directors of the Houston Golf Association and was on the Board of Directors at Carlton Woods Country Club. Larry also served on the Boards of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands National Bank and served as Finance Chair of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church for over three decades.
Larry is survived by his four children and their spouses; Lawrence F. Probst III and wife Nancy, Thomas Probst and wife Sue, Michael Probst and wife Sue, Regina Allen and husband Chris; grandchildren Lawrence IV, Scott Probst, Jonathan Probst and wife Alexa, James Probst and wife Jessica, Kelly Probst, Michael Allen, and Elissa Allen; and great-grandchild Ellis Thomas Probst.
Wake service will be held at Forest Park, The Woodlands at 5:30 PM Thursday, October 2nd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on October 3rd at 11:00 AM at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Loch Drive, The Woodlands, Texas. A reception will be held after the service in the Domec Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Vincent de Paul Society of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Parish and The First Tee of Greater Houston.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Larry's devoted friend Ardis Anderson, the family of parishioners at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, the loving team of caregivers from SETX HomeCare who supported Dad in his final months, Rose of Texas Hospice and Dr. Sanjaykumar Patel and his staff for the fine care that they gave to Larry.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Oct. 1, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Probst

16 Entries

Robert C. Cozzone

September 25, 2023

Larry, you were the best leader I have worked for. Thank you for all who worked under you.
You truly educated us.

R

Robert Cozzone

ANN STEWART

October 20, 2014

My deepest sympathy to you all. My late husband, Forrest Stewart, was a member of The Houston Golf Association, and he and Larry would go to the meetings together. We often went with Larry and R uthie to an affair.

Peace be with you

Ginny Carter

October 7, 2014

What an honor it is to have known and worked for Larry. I learned so much from him. Larry set the bar high for both himself and those around him. Integrity is the prevailing word to describe him. Larry epitomized this in everything he did. It was a joy to see how he cherished his “Ruthie” and kids. I will miss him as a mentor and good friend. He would never say “Goodbye,” he would always say, “So long.” Sadly, we must now say goodbye to this wonderful man. We will miss him so much.

Bill Britton

October 6, 2014

Larry was a remarkable person!
We worked together closely for a number of years...accomplished a lot, had a few duds and lots of laughs along the way.
He was always very proud of his family.

October 5, 2014

I remember Larry Well. I began working at Betz Laboratories in early 1963 at the old Gillingham & Worth Sts. in Philly and when it moved to Trevose, PA. I left in late 1967 when I was pregnant with my first child. I was one of the first private secretaries hired for the executives. I was hired to be secretary to Mr. John Drew Betz and Mr. John J. Maguire. Larry would come by my desk and he always had a quip. When I married and left Betz. I also remember his wife Ruth when shopping at the Acme in Baderwood Shopping Center in Jenkintown. I remember his excitement when he purchased his home on Meadowbrook Road in Rydal, PA. The last time I saw Larry was at the funeral of Mr. Betz at St. Rose of Lima in North Wales, PA, but I think of him often. He was a great guy.
Kay O'Drain Devlin.

October 2, 2014

LARRY HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. HE WAS A PHILANTHROPIST BUT FEW NEW. I WILL MISS SEEING HIM AT DAILY MASS.
GLENNIE BEAUCHAMP HOFFEREK

October 2, 2014

Our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Probst. He was a man of great character, and love of his family. He was a pleasure to work with over the years.

Mike & Susan Overbeck

Max Cobb

October 1, 2014

My sincere condolences to the Probst family. I am sure that Larry Jr was very proud of all his son Larry III has accomplished as the leader of the Olympic movement in the United States and recently elected to the International Olympic Committee. Clearly a family of heroes.

Karl Vonder Schmalz

October 1, 2014

I am one of many who can say that Larry had a tremendous influence on my life. He was my boss, my mentor, and eventually my very good friend. My wife, Elaine, and I admired the enduring relationship between Larry and Ruth and valued the motherly role that Ruth assumed in our lives. Elaine and I will miss Larry and Ruth but we take comfort in our fond memories of them.
I offer my condolences to Larry's family who can be proud of a man who touched so many.

October 1, 2014

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Probst.

Ron Robb

September 29, 2014

Larry was a great friend. I have though about him a lot since I moved to Georgetown, Texas. I will miss him.

Gaey Hill

September 29, 2014

Sally and I wish to convey our best wishes to Larry's family. I worked with Larry and served on the Board of the Houston Golf Association and was proud to be his friend! His dedication to the children, PGA Tour and the Houston Golf Association was unending.
God bless him! Always a smile!

jjimmylewallen

September 29, 2014

restinpeaceasyoubroughtussunshine

jimmy lewallen

September 29, 2014

restinpeaceaslarrywasagreatperson

Janice Kelley

September 28, 2014

Rest in peace Mr Probst . . you will be in our hearts forever.

Lilly Smothers

September 28, 2014

Thank you for being part of my life. When I worked at Betz Process Chemicals, you were my rock. You were always there. You will be missed by all who loved you.

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