George Ruth, Jr.

George Ruth, Jr.

November 14, 1928 – August 10, 2025

George Ruth, Jr. peacefully joined his Savior on August 10, 2025. He died as he lived, with grace and concern for others over self. His life’s vocations - Soldier, Guardsman, husband, father, community leader, Sir Knight, and Servant of the Lord – gave meaning and purpose to his life and shone brightly to the end, illuminating all he touched.

Born in St. Francisville, Louisiana, George was the sixth of eight children born to George and Hattie (Washington) Ruth, Sr. George entered the military before his 15th birthday in 1943, attending Army infantry training, heavy weapons training, and desert training before shipping out with the 93rd Infantry Division “The Blue Helmets” in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.

After the war, George re-enlisted into the U.S. Coast Guard, attended Military Leadership &

Master at Arms Schools and faithfully served our country in The Korean War and through The Vietnam War. George received multiple medals during his career to include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, The World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, The Korean Service Medal, The United Nations Medal (Korea), The Vietnam Service Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, and The Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. He retired after twenty-three years of active military service.

In 1968, he married the former Lois Deslonde from New Orleans, and they moved to Houston, Texas where their three sons were born. George later moved his family to Rosharon, Texas where he was employed by The Texas Department of Criminal Justice as the Director of Food Services. After completing twenty years of service with the Texas state government, George retired and went on to serve as the Court Bailiff for Brazoria County for twenty years and then became an insurance agent for Catholic Life Insurance for twenty years. In 2022, he finally retired at the age of 94 and lived in his home of 40 years in Angleton, TX and continued to volunteer in ministries at church, the VFW, the American Legion, Angleton ISD, and across Brazoria County.

George was also a Fourth Degree Knight "Sir Knight" of the Knights of Columbus; a member of the VFW; The American Legion; and the Basilian Lay Associates. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Manvel, Texas since 1974 where he served as a head usher, collection recorder, and pastoral minister to the sick. He later became an active parishioner of Most Holy Trinity in Angleton.

Together, He and Lois raised three sons, each of whom attended Angleton public schools from kindergarten to graduation. Through the power of his personal example, the depth of his passion for learning, and the way he enfolded his three boys in an environment of love, support and encouragement, the Ruth brothers thrived. All three earned university degrees and all have risen to leadership and prominence in their chosen professions. They were his proudest achievements.

He is survived by his three sons: George III & Dawn Ruth, Colonel Stephen & Bettina Ruth, Damien & Lisa Ruth; 14 grandchildren: Trey, Adrianna, Spencer (Ashley), Tiffany (Scott), Kierra (Eric), Adam (Dejah), Kyndall (Chance), Marissa, Monica, Stephen II, Sahara, Sterling, Damien Jr. & Devin and 11 great-grandchildren (Trey’s Laila), (Kierra’s Eliath, Eziah, Eliylah, & Eykah), (Spencer' s Spencer Jr. & Kai), (Tiffany’s Remyngton, Abbott, & Tilly), (Adam’s Hazel). He is also survived by half-brothers Rev. Donald Ruth and Rev. Oren Ruth as well as a host of nieces, nephews, loving friends, and those that called him Papa.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Hattie (Washington) Ruth, Sr., his siblings Hillary, Ella, Nellie, Hattie, Wallace, Samuel, Camilla, his dear wife Lois Deslonde Ruth, and daughter-in-law Heather Connolly Ruth.

A Funeral Mass in honor of George Ruth, Jr. will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, located at 6502 County Road 48 in Manvel, Texas. Visitation will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the recitation of the Rosary from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Houston National Cemetery. Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to join in prayer and remembrance to celebrate the life of George Ruth, Jr. and to offer their support to his family during this time of mourning.

In honor of George Ruth’s legacy and service to others, his family asks that you consider giving to the Leadership Opportunities In Service (LOIS) Foundation which funds leadership development for aspiring students going to college. The LOIS Foundation P.O. Box 117 Angleton TX 77516

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.palmsfuneralhome.com

George served with the following US Army Units:

93rd Infantry Division – 1944 to 14 SEP 1945

George served on the following USCG Vessels:

USCGC TAMAROA (WAT-166) - 1947 to 1949

USCGC SPENCER (WPG-36) – Jun thru Jul 1951

USCGC KUKUI (WAK-186) - 1952 to 1955

USCGC ACACIA (WAGL-406) - 1959 to 1963

USCGC CLOVER (WAGL-292) – 1963 to 1964

USCGC BALSAM (WAGL-62) – Aug thru Nov 1964

USCGC TUPELO (WLB-303) – 1965 to 1967