RALPH L DESHONG JR
1933-2018
November 26, 1933— March 11, 2018
Ralph Lee DeShong Jr., longtime resident of Houston, Texas, was born on November 26, 1933 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Ralph Lee DeShong and Eva Harrell DeShong. He died peacefully on March 11, 2018 in Houston.
Ralph attended Washington and Lee University and then completed his college education at the University of Texas, graduating with a business degree in 1958. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Ralph was a maker of things and a maker of fun throughout his entire life. From building a hot-rod in high school, a dune-buggy in the 60’s, to making wood handled purses in his early career, Ralph had a knack for creating. He constantly was thinking about ideas for solving problems and was most alive when his mind and hands were crafting things. While serving in the 50’s as Army Captain in Virginia Beach, his favorite memory is the raft he fashioned out of pallets he found around the base. Ralph and his army buddies enjoyed the raft’s brief maiden voyage before it sank just off the shore.
One of Ralph’s greatest accomplishments was his company, Landes, Inc. which he started in 1970 with a friend. The Shoe Hut, located at the corner of Westheimer and Fondren, sold Pappagallo shoes and popular accessories that were a “must have” for women of all ages.
In 1983, the partners split and Ralph became sole owner of the corporate charter, Landes, Inc. and began making purses for retail. In 1986, Ralph steered the company into promotional products, manufacturing tote bags and duffels with screen printed logos.
Ralph was married in 1960 to Janet Jorns of Houston, Texas and they had three children: Diane, Paige and Ralph III (Sonny). These special years were highlighted by weekends at Point Venture, playing tennis, sailing and fishing as well as hunting at the farm.
In his later years, Ralph’s greatest thrill, something he couldn’t reminisce about without crying, were summers spent in Italy with his wife Roma—travelling through Cortona, the Tuscan hills and Sorrento, and meeting many wonderful Italians who became dear friends.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Hallie DeShong Graham. He is survived by his children Diane Lee DeShong Pendleton and husband Larry; Paige Lynn DeShong; Ralph Lee DeShong III and wife Carol; and by his grandchildren Matthew Brock DeShong, Claire Cunningham DeShong, Forrest Jorns DeShong and August Jorns Bell.
Ralph’s youthful, fun spirit will continue to live on in our hearts forever. Arrivederci, Dad.
Please join the family in celebrating his life at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018, Christ the King Presbyterian Church, 1201 Silber Rd, Houston TX 77055 with a reception to follow immediately afterwards at the church.