Rev. Nathan T. Huang, 95, beloved husband of the late Susan Ann Huang; loving father to Andrew Huang and his wife Debbie; Meiling Zelahy and her husband Randy; adoring Grandfather to Chris (Lauren), Lauren "Ren", Riley Patrick and Haley and Megan Huang; and Great Grandfather to Elliot and Oliver Patrick, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Nathan led an extraordinary life over the span of nearly a century and leaves behind such an incredible legacy with his family and his ministry. He was born in Kiangsu, China and while in his 20's fled to Hong Kong to escape the communist takeover via a train so jam packed with people that some clung to the roof of the train. It was in Hong Kong that he met missionaries who introduced him to Christianity and ultimately brought him to the United States where he became an ordained Lutheran Pastor. He attended college at the University of Iowa where he met his soul mate, Suzy, during a homecoming parade and attended Lutheran Seminary in Chicago. He served as a pastor at churches in California, Hawaii, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Texas. He continued his pastoral care by becoming a Chaplain for MD Anderson Hospital for many years. After his retirement from MD Anderson at the age 76, Nathan continued to minister to others by volunteering as Chaplain at Grace Care Center and North Cypress Hospital until 2012 at the age of 83.

Nathan (better known to his family as "Papa") often talked about how much he loved his life with friends and family, getting great joy from socializing and playing cards and Mah Jong with his friends from The Mansions, CAPS, and Messiah's Young at Heart Group. He was quite the social butterfly. Papa was the definition of the American Dream, coming to America with virtually nothing and building a life rich with family and friends. His grandchildren were his pride and joy with just about every conversation starting with him asking how the kids were doing and saying how much he loved them and was proud of them. It is a blessing that he was able to know his great grandchildren Elliot and Oliver and he enjoyed playing with them every chance he could. He loved hearing his grandchildren sing or play sports and would always proudly tell everyone around him who his grandchildren were on the field or on the stage!

In his later years, he suffered from significant hearing loss -  but if he couldn't hear what you were saying, he always assumed you were saying "I love you" and always responded "I love you too" to just about everything.

Papa was eager to pass along his wisdom and advice to all of us and while not a medical doctor, he was able to diagnose the treatment of most ailments with "gargling with salt water" or telling you to "steam your throat". Ironically, the key to healthy eating was ZERO salt on anything! He did have enormous wisdom for his family and friends having lived just shy of a century and we are all better for receiving his advice and learning from him.

The loss of our dear Papa is still fresh in our hearts and minds and that hole will never fully heal. But over time as we reflect on his life and our many memories, we will remember a great man, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and husband to our mom, Suzy Huang, (otherwise known as "Nee") who has patiently waited for him to join her in heaven for the past 19 years. He vowed to remain faithful to her and never love or marry another as she was the love of his life. He died keeping that promise, still wearing his wedding ring til the day he died.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church  located at 11522 Telge Road in Cypress, Texas, with the Bishop Michael Rinehart and Pastor Brad Otto officiating. Reception to follow in Fellowship Hall after service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, New York 10016-5337 or to the American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75231.

We will miss him dearly and cherish the many fond and funny memories we made with our beloved "Papa". Thank you for being here for such a long time and for your love for your friends and family. We will love you and Nee always.