Louis DelHomme Jr.

1935 - 2024

Louis DelHomme Jr.
09/21/1935 - 09/04/2024
Louis DelHomme, Jr., passed peacefully on September 4, 2024, from natural causes. He was a much loved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle.
Louis was born and raised in Baytown, Texas, to Louis and Anna Mae. He played football for Robert E. Lee High School and graduated in 1954, before attending the University of Texas on a full football scholarship. He was co-captain of the team with Walter Fondren and played for Darrell Royal. He credits the many coaches throughout his years as role models.
Upon graduation, Louis entered the U.S. Army as a commissioned Second Lieutenant. He served six months active duty at Ft. Lee, Virginia.
He returned to Houston and was hired by Ford Motor Company for their Management Training Program. After seven years with Ford, Louis joined his uncle's company, C.B. DelHomme and became Vice President of sales for three years.
With tremendous support from his parents, on January 1, 1970, Louis formed Louis DelHomme Marine and began business at the Houston Boat Show. Within two and a half years, the company had grown to three stores. Louis attributed the rapid growth to the many fine employees that joined his company. In all, he built six locations and was the premier Sea Ray dealer in the Southwest.
At a Sea Ray Dealer meeting, Louis approached four of the other largest dealers in the U.S. to explore interest in a merger and formation of a company that would go public on the New York Stock Exchange. On June 5, 1998, that became a reality and Marine Max opened for business on June 6, 1998. It was the largest marine dealer with 27 stores across the United States.
Louis was a very active outdoorsman, spending time fishing, boating and hunting. He traveled throughout the world for these sports and took his father on the trip of a lifetime to Africa. Closer to home, he loved fishing and spending time with family and friends on Lake Sam Rayburn where his parents had built a cabin.
He took the grandkids, Lindsey, Crystal, Sara and Bradley, on yearly trips which brought him much joy. From Six Flags to Hawaii, train rides, boat rides and hot air balloon rides… they had a blast. He considered these very special times.
Adventures were had with his daughter onboard Sea Ray yachts, cruising from the Florida Keys, Bahamas, up the entire East Coast to Canada. Along on many of these trips were two great friends, Dick Antonius (Captain Bligh) and Robert Arrington (Seaweed). Louis and Sherri chartered a boat in Greece to cruise the islands… talk about an adventure!
Louis in his later years was content to live at the St. James. He was surrounded by wonderful caregivers, Rose Eason, Faye Brown, Karen Page, Barbara Sias and Ella Allen.
Rose was the foundation of his daily care, arranging all medical appointments and being a loving and caring companion. They had many memorable times together. Jackie Gieptner, who had worked at Louis DelHomme Marine for many years came back to join the team in 2022.
Louis is survived by a loving sister, Charlene Harrington; daughter, Sherri Spicer; granddaughter, Lindsey Leme; great-grandchildren, Isabella and Vincent; and nieces and nephew, Annessia, Tommy and Renee. He truly had a life well lived!
Services held Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 2pm, St. Martins Episcopal/Christ Chapel, 717 Sage Rd., Houston, 77056. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.