Roll Call Tribute

Published in Houston Chronicle on Mar. 1, 2006

Joseph Clyde Wessendorff
JOSEPH CLYDE WESSENDORFF, 88, died at home after an extended illness on February 27, 2006. He was born July 21, 1917 in Richmond, Texas to Joe A. Wessendorff and Jane Johnson Wessendorff who preceded him in death. Joe married Loise Douglas Henderson on April 12, 1947. They were married for 58 years. He is survived by his wife and by his son Joe D. Robinson and wife Patty. Also surviving him are close family members Mary Francis Couper, Bennett Chapman and husband David, Brad Ferguson and wife Diane and his beloved grandchildren Ashley and Joseph Robinson, Krystal Sustaita and husband Andrew and Anna and Josh Lachner, Cousins Jane Lain, Anne Baldwin and Nancy Johnson and long time family friends Gay Cole Wheeler and daughters, Sally Magee and husband Bill, Nancy Heller and husband Robert. He attended school in Richmond, Texas, went to Texas A&M University and graduated in 1937 and then to the University of Texas where he attended law school. He was a member of Chi Phi Fraternity. He was called to the Army in World War II and served as a Captain in the Infantry serving in Africa and Italy in the 91st Division. He was awarded the silver and bronze stars. After the war, he returned to Richmond, Texas where he has lived ever since. He was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church where he served as senior warden several times. He was in the cattle and ranching business, lumber business, insurance business and the banking business serving as President of several banks. He was Chairman of the Board of Polly Ryon Hospital and Chairman of the Board of the George Foundation both at the same time in Richmond, Texas for many years. He served on the Board of the Houston Lighting and Power Company (Reliant Energy), the Board of the Texas Medical Center and Texas Children's Hospital. He was President of Morton Cemetery Association in Richmond and managed Houston Farms Development Company on Chocolate Bayou near Alvin, Texas for many years. He belonged to The Houston Country Club, The River Oaks Country Club, The Fort Bend Country Club and The Rotary Club of Richmond. He loved hunting, especially shooting quail. He also enjoyed all kinds of fishing. He was a great sports fan especially of football, baseball and golf. The family is most thankful to Doctors David Schauer, Donald Donovan and Dale Faulkner for the excellent care he was given by them. The family is very grateful to his long time caring nurses Darlene Boatwright RN, Terri Woodruff RN, Jemma Cooper RN, Jennifer Beckett RN, Marilyn Wortham RN and Ann Daniel RN, Sonia Jaramillo CNA and lately to his sitters Lillian Jackson CNA, Linda Hunter CNA and Helen Azzah CNA who have been very helpful. The family thanks his long time employees that he cared so much for Socorro (Rocky) Cruz, secretary, Pat McDonald business partner, caretaker and friend, Lonnie Meadows and Dan McDonald his caring companions and business associates. For Ron Carter his Kennedy ranch partner and employees Joe Rodriguez and Dolores Rodriguez, for Richmond ranch foremen Oscar Rodriguez and Reynaldo Salas. For Hattie Mae and Leonard Bailey, Dave Barrett, Pat Brown, Greg Ambres, Thelma Marie White, Renee McAnally, Judy Dobesh, Al Soza, Christina Rodriguez, Joan York, Megan Jurasek, Frank Morales, Freddie Morales, Christopher Rodriguez and Trey Jaramillo. Serving as active Pallbearers are Lonnie Meadows, Pat McDonald, Dan McDonald, Frank Johnson, Tony Johnson, Jack Moore, Ron Carter, Roland Adamson and Ambrose (Pete) Gerner. Honorary Pallbearers include Hilmar Moore, Jack Wendt, Richard Joseph, Milton Robinowitz, Bert Bleil, Dr. David Schauer, Dr. Donald Donovan, Robert R. Cocke, IV., Bill Magee, Robert Heller and James A. Elkins, III. There will be a grave-side burial service (open to any one who wishes to attend) at 10:30 a.m at the Morton Cemetery in Richmond, Texas on Wednesday, March 1, 2006. A memorial service will be held later at the Calvary Episcopal Church at 2:00 p.m. with The Reverend Frankie Rodriguez and The Reverend Seth Deleery officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the parish hall at the Church at 806 Thompson Road on Wednesday, March 1, 2006. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that if you wish to make a donation it could be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, 806 Thompson Road, Richmond, Texas 77469, American Cancer Society, Greater Houston Office, P.O. Box 570127, Houston, Texas 77257-0127, Polly Ryon Foundation at Polly Ryon Hospital, 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas 77469 or the charity of your choice.
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The Association was notified of this Aggie's passing on 02/28/2006.