William Jeffries "Jeff" Greer Jr

William J. Greer, Jr., Geologist, W.W. II Veteran, beloved husband and father, passed away to the Lord on February 28, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Rita and daughters, Mary Greer and her husband Joseph Q. Watson, and Susan Thompson and her husband Michael Thompson, and five grandchildren. Mr. Greer is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Judson and Keever Greer. “Jeff” was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on November 14, 1924 to parents William Greer and Dorothy Jones. His childhood was spent in Topeka, Kansas where he developed his lifelong interest in science and nature, and learned crafts and outdoor skills that he enjoyed throughout his life. During W.W.II, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp after high school, and served in the Pacific Theatre. He fought in military action that included Guam, Okinawa and the occupation of China. After the War, Jeff attended Kansas University and earned his B.Sc. in Geology. He continued graduate study in Geology, and later went to work as a Geologist for Standard Oil of California (Chevron). He was first stationed in Grand Junction, Colorado where he met and married Rita Kessen in 1955. Mr. Greer and his young family moved to Adelaide, Australia in 1959, where he was chief geologist for Delhi Taylor Petroleum. While there, he directed a large exploration program and was responsible for the discovery of several major gas fields in Central Australia. The family moved to Sydney, Australia, in 1969, where he was President of Beaver Exploration. He returned to Houston in 1973 to work with AMAX Petroleum, and ultimately became Sr. Vice President of Exploration, guiding their domestic and international ventures until his retirement. Throughout his life, he avidly pursued a variety of interests that included science, nature, photography, gardening, reading, craftsmanship, classical music and outdoor pursuits, particularly snow skiing and mountaineering. He was a lover of knowledge. In his retirement, Jeff regularly visited Estes Park Colorado, where he cared for his mother Dorothy Greer, and enjoyed hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. He was a devoted husband, and was a mentor to his children, their spouses, and to his grandchildren, with whom he spent endless hours sharing his skills, knowledge and enjoyment of nature. He will be terribly missed but is in God’s peace at last. The Greer family will receive friends Monday, March 7, 2011at 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at D.M. Dettling Funeral Directors, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston TX 77079. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM by Deacon Dale Steffes. The Funeral Mass will commence at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 8, 2011at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston TX 77079 with The Reverend R. Troy Gately Celebrant. Interment Services will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. A reception will follow interment at St. John Vianney Catholic Church at approximately 12:00pm.

William Jeffries "Jeff" Greer Jr

November 14, 1924 - February 28, 2011