Kraft Eidman

Kraft Gregory Eidman passed away on Tuesday afternoon, the 15th of November 2011, after a brave and courageous battle. He was born on the 1st of May 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Kraft and Kiddie Eidman.

He is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-six years, Georgeann Wilson Eidman; his children, Kraft Gregory Eidman Jr. and his wife Nicole, Courtney Ann Eidman, and Mark Lynn Lester and his wife Elizabeth. He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. Dan Kelly Eidman, and John Bates Eidman and his wife Nadine. He was the proud grandfather of Emma Grace Eidman, Kraft Gregory Eidman III, Mary-Claire Keck Eidman, and Elinor Wingfield Lester, whom he loved and cherished deeply. They were his pride and joy. His family meant the world to him. His nieces and nephews loved their uncle deeply, and included, Jamie Lynn Eidman, Scott Warner Eidman, Megan Warner Eidman, John (Jack) Bates Eidman Jr., Michael Kelly Eidman, Zachary James Wilson, Dalia Marie Rihani, and Michael Edward Rihani. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, James Wilson III and his wife Pam.

Greg was President and CEO of Sunbelt Steel, and was greatly admired and respected by his peers.

Greg had a genuine zest for life that centered around his abiding love for his family. With his uniquely warm and expansive personality, he embraced life, family and friends with ultimate gusto. In his signature baritone and with a mischievous sparkle in his eye, he could tell a story like no one else, and at its conclusion, pour you a glass of wine to toast the good times. On the family's annual vacation to Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California, Greg was truly in his element, and creating memories with family was of paramount importance to him. He relished life, and, although he was a citizen of the world and a thoroughly seasoned traveler, he understood that nothing mattered more than family; his filial pride was real and boundless. A passionate Longhorn and season ticket holder, he cheered his beloved University of Texas team at every opportunity. As a longtime member of the Longhorn Foundation, and the Chancellor's Council, he proudly sported the burnt orange. A longtime member of Houston Country Club and an avid golfer and dedicated devotee of the game, he welcomed each opportunity to spend time with his family and friends. Greg was a kind, giving, compassionate, and selfless man. He cared about everyone deeply, and always made sure that his family came first. He embodied strength, warmth and grace. Affectionately called Grande by his younger aficionados and family members, Greg warmly welcomed people into his world and truly made friends feel like family with a fatherly greatness of spirit, zeal for life and genuine love of people that added up to making him a truly larger than life man. It was as natural as breathing to Grande to let people know that they were loved. Greg's bear hug for life and the people he loved was as real, heartfelt and unwavering as it gets. He will be deeply missed. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of St. Luke's Hospital and MD Anderson.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock this afternoon until eight o'clock this evening, Thursday, the 17th of November, in the Parlor and Pavilion of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The memorial service is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 18th of November, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Martin J. Bastian, Senior Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, and the Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman, Associate Rector for Outreach and Family and Young Adult Ministries, will officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.

Honored to serve as casket bearers during the service are Kraft Gregory Eidman Jr., Mark Lynn Lester, Dr. Dan Kelly Eidman, John Bates Eidman, James Wilson, III, Jack Starr Wetmore, and Gerhard P. Adenacker.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Greg's name may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Thoracic Department, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX, 77210-4486.