Glendon Bruce De Zell

Glendon Bruce “Butch” DeZell, of Houston, Texas, passed away on February 4, 2025. He was born on September 16, 1945, at Alameda Naval Air Station in Oakland, California, while his father was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Butch’s family returned to Texas when he was an infant, and he spent most of his life there, except for his time in service to the U.S. Navy.

Butch led a life defined by a solid work ethic and a commitment to his community and the university he loved. He was an active volunteer, supporting the Texas A&M Aggies, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Directions and Assistance Committee, the Houston Marathon, and the Bike MS Texas 150.

After graduating from La Vega High School in Bellmead, Texas, in 1963, Butch attended Texas A&M University. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1974 as a Gunner’s Mate Ordnance Technician Mechanic, where he supported the operation, maintenance, and repair of naval weapons and ordnance systems. His service earned him the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Following his military service, Butch earned an Associate Degree from Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas. His lifelong loyalty to Texas A&M University remained unwavering, and he and his family established the G. B. “Butch” DeZell Scholarship in the College of Architecture – Department of Construction Science, a tribute to his passion for the university. Professionally, Butch worked as a Senior Instrument Designer, lending his expertise to companies such as Dow Engineering and Construction Services. Butch lived in Houston, Texas for over 50 years, building a network of friends and family who will remember him for his love of travel and his talent for storytelling.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Glendon Oscar and Athalee Hood DeZell, and his brother, James DeZell. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Shelbie DeZell, and his grandchildren, Tyler, Kylie, and Cash. He is also survived by his sister, Linda DeZell Hall, and her husband, Charles Hall; their children, Tracilyn Hall, Adam Hall, and Kristin Hall; and her grandchildren, Carolyn, Christopher, and Camden. Butch is further survived by his sister-in-law, Sheri DeZell, and her children, Victoria, Matthew, Sayde, and Courtney, and her grandchildren. He leaves behind numerous loving cousins, including Judy Hood Coats, her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Larry Fickel, and son John Coats and his wife Stacey and daughter; David and Gloria Hood; Larissa Carter Blount; Dianne Wilson Gibenrath; Larry Wilson; Joe Wilson; and their respective families.

A celebration of Butch’s life will be held on April 12, 2025, call/text Derek for further details. 832-922-1679 

In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family requests that donations be made to the G. B. “Butch” DeZell Scholarship, Texas A&M University, College of Architecture – Department of Construction Science. Contributions to the G.B. “Butch” DeZell Endowed Scholarship can be made electronically by using this link, http://give.am/ButchDeZellScholarship or by check payable to the Texas A&M Foundation (ref: DeZell Scholarship in the note section) mailed to the Foundation at 401 George Bush Dr., College Station, Tx 77843

May he rest in peace