Mervin J. Albert, Jr.

Mervin Joseph Albert Jr. was born on September 28, 1940, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. A true native Houstonian, Merv was the oldest of three children born to Mervin Joseph Albert Sr. and Ignatia Danna Albert. He was raised in a close-knit Italian Catholic family where faith, family, and hard work were at the heart of life.

Merv’s Catholic faith took root at a very young age. As a teenager, he entered the La Salette Seminary in Jefferson City, Missouri. Although he remained there for only about a year, his faith and love for the Lord stayed with him throughout his life. He lived that faith through his devotion to his family, his service to others, and his generous spirit.

At the age of 18, while attending Texas A&M University, Merv joined the Knights of Columbus. He became a proud Fourth Degree Sir Knight and charter member of Knights of Columbus Council 8482. Over the years, he served as Grand Knight of his council, District Deputy for several area councils, and Faithful Navigator of his Fourth Degree Assembly. He led with humility, faith, and a sincere desire to serve others.

That spirit of service extended throughout Merv’s life. Inspired by his lifelong friendship with a family affected by muscular dystrophy, he volunteered for 17 years as the Pledge Center Coordinator for the Houston Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon. His willingness to give his time and talents reflected the way he lived: always ready to help and never seeking recognition in return.

In 1982, Merv became a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. During more than 40 years of dedicated volunteer service, he served as Chairman of the Communications–Editorial Committee and as a member of the Calf Scramble Arena and Calf Scramble Donors committees. He was also a proud member of the “DAs,” a local fraternity of longtime, honored Calf Scramble volunteers, and the Barrelhouse BBQ Cookers at the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. His years with the Rodeo brought together so much of what Merv loved: friendship, community, storytelling, laughter, and service.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Merv believed that life was “the sum total of your experiences.” He believed in getting out into the world and truly living, and that is exactly what he did. He learned to fly a plane, became a scuba diver, earned certification as an emergency medical technician, and traveled extensively on cherished adventures with family and friends.

Merv never met a stranger. His natural charm, easy humor, and genuine interest in others made people feel welcome wherever he went. He loved a good story and an even better laugh, and he had a remarkable gift for bringing joy to those around him. His stories, humor, and unmistakable personality will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Above all, Merv loved his family deeply. He married Mary Jane on February 7, 1987, and together they built a life filled with faith, family, laughter, adventure, and countless treasured memories. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy. Merv loved fiercely, laughed often, served faithfully, and lived fully. His presence could fill a room, and his absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved him.

Merv was preceded in death by his parents, Mervin Joseph Albert Sr. and Ignatia Danna Albert; his grandfather, Joseph Charles Danna, with whom he shared a special bond; and his beloved grandson, Jason Michael Albert.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Albert; his sisters, Joe Ann Dickson and her husband, Charles, and Mary Lynn Hughes; his son, Joseph Charles Albert; his daughters, Lisa Anne Albert, Gina Marie Albert, Dayna Louise Frazer, and Ashley Hutchison and her husband, Michael; his grandchildren, Isabella Larkin Albert Russell and her husband, Chance, Travis Hutchison, Gavin Hutchison, Maya Hutchison, Jessica Olivares and her husband, Sergio, and Belle Ann Albert; his great-grandchildren, Sergio Gabriel Olivares and Benjamin Stephen Olivares; and numerous extended family members and dear friends whom he loved very much.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 19222 Tomball Parkway, Houston, Texas. A vigil service and Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. An additional visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

Live Stream link to the funeral below:

https://www.pophouston.org/livestream/

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 8482 Scholarship Fund in Merv’s memory.