William Francis Carew

William (Bill) Carew went to be with the Lord and deceased family on March 13, 2024.  After a very long illness and years of chronic pain. Bill was born on January 13, 1930 in Carrollton, Missouri, the second son of Patrick and Anna Carew. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Jim Carew and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In 1971, Bill met the “Love of his life”, Nancy Dutton in Houston. They were married in a double wedding in 1972 along with her sister, Libby, who married Bill Buell at St. Michaels in Houston. They celebrated 51 years of marriage together.  Bill and Nancy were blessed when they welcomed into their family a son, Kevin in 1973 and a daughter, Kerry, in 1974. Surviving Bill are wife Nancy, Kevin Carew and Lauren with sons Cody and Wesley, and Kerry and Marc Hightower and daughters Karsyn, Kendall, Kylee, and Kamryn.

Bill attended St. Mary’s parochial school and Carrollton High School and after graduation in 1948, he took the advice of Horace Greeley who said, “Go West young man” and attended St. Mary’s College of California. After graduating in 1952, he was drafted into the Army and served two years during the Korean War. After discharge he attended graduate courses at UCLA. In April 1955, he was employed by Shell Oil Company in San Francisco. Assignments in Los Angeles and New York City followed, and he was permanently transferred to Houston, Texas in 1970 when Shell relocated their headquarters to Houston. He retired from Shell in 1989 after 34 years of service.

In retirement, Bill was an active member in the Adult Faith Formation Ministry at St Maximilian Catholic Community. Bill was a sports enthusiast and after playing football and baseball he was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Notre Dame, Kansas City Chiefs, and later on the Houston Astros and Texans. He had several hobbies including-stained glass, picture framing, collecting sports memorabilia and old car hood ornaments. He also enjoyed the horse track and placing bets on the horses, he had a knack for handicapping the horse races. 

Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Bill managed his illness with strength, faith and grace, and found great joy in his children and 6 grandchildren. He loved spending time with family and seeing videos of his grandkids playing sports.  He always had a love for animals and those that were his pets were lucky to be loved and cared for by him.  His positive demeanor kept him going and we were always amazed at his sharp mind and ability to recall facts and scores on anything sports related.  Bill was a man of compassion, integrity and generosity.  His radiating smile and love will linger in our hearts.  He touched the lives of all the knew him and he will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Community at 11:00 am on March 18, 2024.  Prior to that a visitation will begin that morning at the church at 9:30 am. The Rosary will be prayed in the church at 10:15am.  Luncheon immediately following at church in the Kolbe Hall

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a donation to a charity of your choice.

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