E.W. "Sonny" Gidden

E.W. “Sonny” Gidden, 85, of Houston passed away Sunday, August 30, 2015. Sonny was born in Houston, August 21, 1930 to Everett Llewellyn and Clady Gidden. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edna Gidden Hammond; brothers-in-law, Dr. J.R. Hammond, F.W. "Chuck" Eubank, Col. Ray Stratton; and his beloved son Evan Gidden. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia S. Gidden; his son, Andrew Stratton “Drew” Gidden & wife Evelyn; grandchildren Mark Evan Gidden and Haley Marie Gidden; sister, Yvonne Eubank Porter as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Sonny, a native Houstonian graduated from San Jacinto High School and Baylor University, class of 1952. After finishing school he served his country in the US Navy being stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Sonny spent his entire career in the cemetery and memorialization industry. Sonny was a part of the Forest Park Cemetery group started by the Eubank family. He served thousands of families in need over the years and made a significant mark on the industry. Sonny and his wife Pat were charter members of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Bridgebuilders Sunday School Class and a member of the Board of Stewards for many years. He was also a member of Rotary International, Downtown Houston Club and a Thirty Second Degree Mason and member of the Arabian Shrine. Sonny loved to run, spend time with his family and serve the Lord every day. He was a kindhearted man of integrity who will be sorely missed and always fondly remembered. Pallbearers include Jim Eubank, Brent Hammond, Mike Elrod, Dr. Pat Jones, John McMurray and Tom Bray. Honorary pallbearers include the MDUMC Bridgebuilders Sunday School Class. A Memorial Service celebrating Sonny’s life will be held Friday, September 4, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079. A reception will follow services in Friendship Court, adjacent to the sanctuary. Private family graveside services will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider contribution’s in Sonny’s memory to the Caring Forever Foundation of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church.

E.W. "Sonny" Gidden

August 21, 1930 - August 30, 2015