Harry C. Early Jr.

Harry Christopher Early, Jr., a long-time resident of Pasadena, Texas, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior for eternity on Sunday morning, October 14, 2012. A service to celebrate his life will take place on Saturday, November 10, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception at First Presbyterian Church, 4647 Preston Ave., Pasadena.

Harry was born on June 12, 1930 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Harry C. and Alta Ruth Steward Early. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lillian (Lee) and his son, Leslie Ian (Les). Harry was most proud of all his family: his daughter, Kristin; his son, Richard, and grandson, Tyler Christopher; his daughter-in-law, Patricia, and grandson, Leslie Ian (Ian) II; his son and daughter-in-law, Andy and JoAnn, and grandsons, De, Andy, Luke and Spencer; and his great-grandson, Matthew Christopher. He also enjoyed close relationships and fun throughout his life with his younger sister, Beverly, his large extended family of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and his many treasured nieces and nephews.

Following high school, Harry served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, and was stationed overseas in Germany. He received an honorable discharge in 1955. After college, Harry enjoyed a long and successful career working as a newspaper printer, and in 1967 the family moved to Pasadena to be closer to extended family. He embarked on a significant career of 27 years at The Houston Post, only retiring in 1994 because the paper was sold just short of his 65th birthday.

Harry was a charter member and past Vice-President of the Pasadena Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, a life member of the Greater Houston Area 100 Club, and an honorary Member of the Pasadena Police Patrolmen's Union. He served extensively as an 11-year-member of the Pasadena Optimist Club, and was their President from 1998-1999. He served on numerous grand juries following his retirement, as well.

His most important endeavors were with his church, First Presbyterian Church of Pasadena, where he was ordained as an Elder and served on many committees for years. His dearest life-long friends were members of the church and Harry treasured those friendships.

The Early family wishes to thank the pastors and prayer teams of several churches for years of prayer for both Harry and Lee during many periods of illness. Thank you, also, to the Prayer Shawl Ministry of First Presbyterian, and most especially, to Pastors Jim Currie and Greg Thurstonson for giving Harry their steadfast presence and faithful friendship. The family also thanks Harry's long-time gifted physicians, Dr. Milton L. Kirkwood and Dr. Sathish Cayenne, the staff at St. Luke's PatientsMedicalCenter, and the staff at the Intensive Care Unit of Kindred Hospital. All were kind and considerate, not just of Harry, but of the entire family.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in Harry's memory are asked to direct them to the "Memorial Fund" of First Presbyterian Church, 4647 Preston Ave., Pasadena, 77505; or to the Pasadena Police Department "Les Early Firearms Training Facility", c/o the Pasadena Police Academy, 4801 Spencer Highway, Pasadena 77505.

"Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father." Proverbs 17:6