Ralph Eads

1921 - 2017

Ralph Eads

After a rich and purposeful life, Ralph Eads died peacefully on April 24, 2017 at the age of 95. He was born to Ralph Eads Sr. and Lela Carr Eads on November 23, 1921 in Laredo, Texas. A fourth generation Texan, he spent his early years in Encinal, Texas where his family was engaged in cattle ranching. Ralph spent his adolescence in Robstown, Texas where he was an Eagle Scout and an outstanding tennis player. He captured the state championship in 1939. Attending Texas A&M on a tennis scholarship, his college career was interrupted by the Second World War. He volunteered in 1942 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. He served with distinction and valor in the Pacific theater, earning multiple commendations including a bronze star.

Following the war, Ralph returned to Texas A&M, where he served as a Ross Volunteer. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering and then headed to Houston. There, he met and married the love of his life Sarajane Reid Eads. Ralph and Sarajane raised their four children in Houston and together were engaged in all manner of civic, social and philanthropic activities. They traveled the world together and instilled a love of travel and adventure in their children, who have remained closely bonded through legendary Eads family trips.

In 1953, Ralph founded The Eads Company and built it into one of the most successful industrial distribution companies on the Gulf Coast. An energetic entrepreneur and exceptional salesman, Ralph founded nine different businesses including Air Exchangers, the Baker Filtration Company and the King Tool Company. He was also awarded several patents and invented important products for the process industries.

Known as "The Chief", Ralph's most powerful legacy is his indelible impact on his family. He led a life of exemplary character that inspired those who knew him well. The consummate gentleman, he enjoyed people from all walks of life and treated everyone with genuine respect. Ralph also had a natural generosity of spirit that created warmth and love wherever he went. He had a magical combination of determination infused with a great love of life. He was a true bon vivant. Chief loved fishing, hunting, and golf. His greatest joy was a wonderful meal with friends and, above all, family gatherings.

The family wants to acknowledge the life extending love and presence of his primary caregiver Ioana Revnic, and also Paul Ignat, Ionela Marinca, Doina Bustecu, Helga Borontis and Sandra Espinoza. Each of these people brought dignity and joy to his last years and months.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Tom. He is survived by his former wife, Sarajane Eads, and his children, John Eads and his wife Mary, Carol Eads Bailey Medwell and her husband Steve Medwell and Ralph Eads III and his wife Lisa. Chief is also survived by 13 grandchildren (the "Cousins"), Hallie Eads Spies and her husband Matt, John Carr Eads and his wife Kim, Chaney Trotter, Brandon Trotter, Sarah Medwell Redican and her husband Colin, Bridget Bailey Brito and her husband Victor, John Patrick Bailey, Jake Medwell, David Eads, Alia Eads, Julia Eads, Evan Eads and Matthew Eads. He also has six great grandchildren, Charles and John Spies, Evelyn and Cameron Redican, John Thomas and Andrew Eads.

A celebration of this great American will be held in Houston, Texas.