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Donald "Don" Herbert Ude, age 77 of Cypress, TX, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.  Don was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 27, 1943 to Herbert and Gladys Ude.  He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith and was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, TX.

Don spent the first half of his life in St. Louis and graduated from Cleveland High School, where he played in the band, and from Washington University, where he received a degree in Business Administration.  In 1963 he married Dorothy "Dottie" Delouhe.  This union was blessed with two children, Dawn and Jeffery, and he enjoyed taking an active part in their social activities. In 1981 the family moved to Katy, TX.  This was followed by moves back to St. Louis in 1989 and finally settling in the Cypress area in 2002, where he delighted in watching his 4 grandchildren (Taylor, Kyndall, Ethan and Sarah) grow up, attend their various sports and other activities--and was so proud of all their accomplishments.  In 2012, Dottie preceded him in death following a long illness during which he faithfully cared for and attended to her needs.

In 2013 Don became friends with a fellow church member, Doris Pena, who had also lost her husband in 2012.  They found that they had very similar backgrounds, had much in common, and soon love blossomed.  Don and Doris were married on March 8, 2014 and moved to the Heritage in Towne Lake where they became a part of the very active social life there.  In late 2016 Don became very ill and spent 4 months hospitalized, followed by months of home rehab, with Doris always by his side nursing him back to health and offering encouragement.  Even though Don continued to have many health problems, he remained as active as possible, enjoying participating in social activities until the coronavirus restrictions prohibited social contact.  He became seriously ill with an infection and was hospitalized 3 weeks ago with Doris and the children unable to be with him until the last few days.

Don enjoyed a long career in sales, specializing in building construction.  The major firms he worked for were Nooter Corp, Cupples/H.H. Robertson, Greer, and Arrowall Corp. He was particularly proud to have been involved with the construction of the World Trade Center Towers in New York, the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel in Colorado Springs, and Transco Tower, Republic Bank Center and Pennzoil Place in Houston.  His career afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively in the U.S. and abroad.  He had a long affiliation with a trade organization, Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), serving as the local chapter President in 2009-2010 and was honored to be inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2013.

Don was a very special individual, blessed with a quick wit and wonderful smile.  He loved spending time with family and friends and traveling.  While in St Louis, Don was a fan of the St Louis Rams and a lifelong St Louis Cardinals fan.  After moving back to the Houston area, he became a devout Houston Astros fan. Don was very handy with tools, always keeping busy fixing whatever might need attention, and he enjoyed woodworking, having a cabinet building sideline at one time.  After marrying Doris, he enjoyed visiting their ranch in Lexington, and inheriting a host of sisters and brothers in law. He especially enjoyed many new friendships at the Heritage and participating in activities such as the men's monthly breakfasts and lunches, playing Bingo and shuffleboard, monthly socials and bus trips.

Don was always active in his home church, most recently (since early 2000's) at St John Lutheran where he attended men's retreats, served as an usher, attended Sunday School and helped with Vacation Bible School each summer.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Gladys Ude, first wife Dorothy "Dottie" Ude, two brothers-in-law, Jimmie Lehmann and Richard Rucker, and his mother-in-law, Dora Domann.  He is survived by his wife Doris Ude, son Jeffery Ude and wife Carla, daughter Dawn Soukup and husband Terry, granddaughters Taylor Soukup, Kyndall Soukup and Sarah Ude, and grandson Ethan Ude.  He is also survived by his sister Nancy Baker and husband Herb of St Louis as well as sisters and brothers in law:  Carolyn & Bobby Buscha, MaryAnn Rucker, Shirley & Doug Wright and Rome & Gregg Berg and special cousin Barb & Gary Cassidy.  He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces & nephews and friends.

A Memorial service/Celebration of Life is planned for a later date when conditions permit.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St John Lutheran Church in Cypress,  the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association if desired.