Dr. Khalid Paulus Attisha

Dr. Khalid Paulus Attisha, 86, of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully September 25, 2022. Khalid was born July 23, 1936, in Baghdad, Iraq to Paulus Attisha and Amelda Dawaf. He is preceded in death by his beloved son Dr. Walid Attisha, his parents, and his sister, Khalida Hannawi. He is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Faiza Roumaya Attisha, of 62 years, his daughters, Gina Mouser, Sheila Ryan, Basma and husband James Wainerdi, Luma and husband Michael Golden, and his daughter in-law, Janet Attisha. He is also survived by his grandsons, Ricky and Eric Mouser, Mark and wife Kate Ryan, and John Paul and wife Mary Ryan, Brandon and wife Maggie Wainerdi, Christopher and Ryan Wainerdi, William and Connor Golden. Roman, JonCarlo, and Louis Attisha, as well as great grandchildren Emerson and Austin Ryan. His surviving siblings; Majida Mattioni, Majid Attisha, Hamid Attisha, and Rafid Attisha and many loving nieces and nephews throughout the world will remember their patriarch with much love and fondness. Khalid grew up in Baghdad and graduated from Baghdad College High School (run by the Jesuits), then earned his M.D. from the Royal College of Medicine at Baghdad University in 1959. He also studied at the University of Manchester, England and the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France where he obtained a diploma in Allergy and Immunology. After immigrating with his family to the United States, he received his Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Beginning in 1987, he was a Microbiology and Anatomy professor at the Houston Community College system. His students said that he was “caring,” a “tough grader,” and “perhaps one of the greatest professors I have ever had.” He loved his medical practice while in Iraq and he loved teaching future doctors and nurses while in Texas. Above all, Khalid fiercely loved his family, and especially enjoyed spending time and watching NBA basketball with his twelve grandsons. Those grandsons remember their Papa sitting in his favorite chair, playing the doumbek (an Iraqi drum), cracking jokes, and feasting on many meals with them. He also loved gardening and playing poker, a passion that he shared with his wife. As a devout Chaldean Catholic, he was most fervent about his ancient faith, instilling the Church’s teachings in all his children. A visitation beginning at 6:00 PM and Rosary Service at 6:30 PM will be held Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Dettling Funeral Home Funeral 14094 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079. Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following morning Friday, September 30, 2022, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail Houston, TX 77079 with reception to follow in St. Jude Hall. Burial will take place following reception at Memorial Oaks Cemetery 13001 Katy Fwy Houston, TX 77079.

Dr. Khalid Paulus Attisha

July 23, 1936 - September 25, 2022