GERHARDS
Muriel Parker was born in Mexico City, Mexico to George and Mary Lou Parker. She was one of seven children. Her family moved to Queens, New York, at the age of seven where they lived for five years. From there, the family moved to Corpus Christi, where she met the love of her life, a tall, blonde blue eyed German named Karl Gerhards. They met at a Catholic Youth Organization function where he declared her to be the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. They were married five months later on July 20, 1955.
Muriel graduated Suma Cum Lade with an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Del Mar College in Corpus Christ in 1975. She went on to graduate Valedictorian of her class with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Corpus Christi University in 1980, the same year she earned her CPA licensure. Prior to graduation, Exxon Corporation hired her as an accountant. She went on to establish herself in the company and eventually became Assistant Controller of Exxon, the second highest position in the company. (20 years)
In the 66 ½ years of their marriage she managed to raise four children and she played an active role in the lives of her 11 grandchildren and attended every activity she could, especially if it was tennis related. She believed that tennis was the “perfect” sport and ensured that everyone could play at some level. If a prospective girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse did not know how to play tennis, she strongly urged then to learn.
Retiring at age of 63, she traveled extensively with her husband all over the world. In between her travels she volunteered for the St Vincent De Paul Society at the Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Wallis, Texas. She served as treasurer and secretary for 15 years. She also delivered meals, gifts and flowers to shut-ins and nursing home residents during this time period.
Muriel was a loving, beautiful and brilliant woman who adored her family. After suffering from Alzheimer’s for 12 years she passed away peacefully in her daughter’s home, surrounded by her family on Nov. 21. She will be missed.
She is survived by her husband, Karl Anthony Gerhards, siblings; Roy Parker, Mary Lou and Robert Crowl and Eileen Parker, four children; Karl Alan Gerhards, Ronald and Susan Ger hards, Laura and John Myres and Keith Gerhards, 11 grandchildren; Andrew and Louise Gerhards, Jonathan Gerhards, Benjamin Gerhards, Alex Gerhards, Sophie Gerhards, Grace and Austin Scott, Jennifer Gerhards, Cynthia and Michael Longworth, Shelly and Pops Morales, Hunter and Kelsey Myres and Cathryn Myres, Great Grandchild; Olivia Gerhards.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Deacon John Glueck will be officiating. Visitation will be from 1 – 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation, 6055 South Loop E, Houston, TX 77087 or Rice Medical Center, 600 S Austin Rd, Eagle Lake, TX 77434.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.