S. Reed Morian

1946 - 2024

S. Reed Morian
02/14/1946 - 04/25/2024
Many asked what the S. stood for in S. Reed Morian. Let's go with Super.
Reed Morian was born on Valentine's Day (re-named St. Reed's Day), February 14, 1946. Red was justifiably his favorite color. Just before his birth, his mother traveled to her family home in Oklahoma, but they quickly returned to Houston, which became his much-loved place for the rest of his life. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood and early adolescence along the wooded bayou and surrounded by those who became lifelong friends.
Reed's interests were multifaceted. He curated an interesting life for himself, always rooted in his education, his voracious love of books, and his time spent outdoors. He especially appreciated salon style conversations with friends, reading the newspapers, gardening, and good fishing and hunting trips.
Reed's love of the land came from exploring his grandfather's Oklahoma ranch and adventures with his family, including manual labor with the animals, hand plowing, riding horses, and mending fences with the cowboys. He held a special place in his heart for his first horse Sugar, though she was not particularly sweet and threw him on a number of occasions. Old Baldy was the sweet one. On the ranch he lived without electricity at times, rode the train unchaperoned to and from Houston many times, and shot many quail from the front porch. Reed was given wide open space to roam freely with unlimited access to myriad adventures. The ranch was a perpetual camp. His interest in ranching continued throughout his life, most notably through Trinity River Land and Cattle, a refuge for him throughout his adult years.
Reed's time at St. John's School shaped the person he became. There he received a broad education sparking his interest in travel, history, and literature. It also provided him with additional friends he maintained throughout his life. He believed education expanded beyond the classroom and is something that should ignite and fuel one's desire to become a thoughtful and interesting person.
Reed faced a unique and pivotal moment as a young man that would determine the trajectory of his life. After attending Oklahoma University, he entered graduate school at The University of Texas. Then, at the age of 22 and just prior to his father's passing, Reed was asked, "Do you want to take the reins of Dixie Chemical, or do you want me to sell the company?" Maybe too young to fully understand the implications, but never regretful, he took the company. From the inception, Reed was a hands-on owner, learning the chemical distribution and manufacturing business from the ground up. Only when he was ready at 34 years old did he become President of Dixie Chemical. With time and a great lineup composed of Bill Hixon, Gary Mossman, Rick Karm, and a phenomenal support team, his business scope expanded beyond the chemical business, and DX Holding Company was formed as an umbrella for a wide array of investments.
Anyone who knew Reed will testify that he was modest, hardworking, honest, loyal, and with a moral compass of the highest level. He never spoke ill of anyone and found good in all. Though his contributions to the world were many, he always shied away from taking credit for them. If something bad happened, Reed was known to say "That was yesterday. What are we doing today?" He believed that if you were absent from work for two days and not missed, it was a good thing, but if you were gone for two weeks and not missed, you might not be needed. He was known to negotiate by falling silent.
Reed was always great fun, a mischievous practical joker with an infectious chuckle and twinkle in his eye, and also a world class raconteur. He was an avid reader, devouring histories and biographies weekly with a worldwide interest in both. He felt that books and museums provided him the opportunity to "time travel" and soaked it all in. He was the person who read every label in a museum.
There was not a specific motivation for Reed's desire to give back to the world. He worked his entire life with the goal of sharing his time, treasure, and talent. He was happiest when he discovered a way to do all three while remaining anonymous. For over 40 years, Reed could be found on the Saturday morning after the naming of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Grand Steer Champion, supporting the young steer-raising students who he felt represented everything he believed in: hard work, a goal for higher education, and a healthy dose of fun.
His longtime friend, Meredith Long introduced him to the Texas Heart Institute, where he was deeply involved since 1992. Reed served on various boards including the Houston branch of the Dallas Federal Reserve, and most recently as Director of Natural Resource Partners, Rockhill, Gulf Capital, and Athena Gun Club in addition to many other leadership positions. His desire to enhance greenspace for all was exhibited through his time spent on the Houston Parks board, where he served as Chairman. Reed's interests were wide ranging and his expertise and thought greatly valued.
Perhaps his two greatest passions, however, were the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Texas Parks and Wildlife. At HMNS, Reed was one of the longest serving board members, participating on committees and also serving as Chairman. His favorite role was quietly catapulting the museum to its position as one of the leading museums in the field.
At Texas Parks and Wildlife, Reed served on the Foundation, the Commission, and as Chairman. From rattlesnakes to oysters, he studied each matter in question to make the most intelligent and informed recommendations and decisions. He will remain one of the key voices in the trajectory of the agency for future generations to come. By recent proclamation of Governor Greg Abbott on behalf of the State of Texas, Reed's esteemed legacy in the conservation arena will forever be echoed through the good deeds of the program he first helped establish and now bears his name, the S. Reed Morian Gear Up for Game Wardens Program.
Beyond work, he enjoyed a good club, especially one that allowed the smoking of cigars, and he participated on their boards. He was president at the River Oaks Country Club and a lifelong participant on the Coronado Club Board and its committees.
Reed's love of travel and exploration was evident to all who knew him and was imprinted early in life by his mother. His first European trip was less than luxurious, crossing the ocean on a freighter piloted by a former German captain, but he then set his sights on many adventures to Africa, Argentina, England, and many other places. His passport was very full and inspired his collections from art to books and bespoke treasures.
Reed was predeceased by his parents, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Lucas Morian and Stanley Coffin Morian. He is survived by his sister, Sallie Morian Clark and her husband, Mike; his niece, Sarah and her husband, Earl Dyke and their children, Fletcher and Andersson; and his nephew, Lars Wadstrom. Also, by his beloved wife and "wingman", Laurie Morian; and his stray cat, Lady Edith.
Reed was very private and courageous, maintaining a philosophy of "never explain, never complain." During his battle with cancer, he was deeply grateful for Dr. Jimmy Muntz, Dr. Manoop Bhutani, Dr. Sean McGuire, Dr. Stephanie Coulter, and Dr. Ecaterina Dumbrava. He was also especially grateful to Cyvia Wolff and David Grimes for helping to navigate his cancer safari; and to all of his many treasured friends.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, or your favorite charity. If you love flowers, send yourself a lovely arrangement.