John Ulmer

John William (Bill) Ulmer, 73, of Katy, died at his home Monday, July 2, 2018.

A native Texan, he was born October 6, 1944 in Waco to Tomlee and W.W. Ulmer. He graduated from Permian High School in Odessa and attended  Odessa Junior College in Odessa and Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He served in the Texas Army National Guard in Lamesa from 1968-1973. He married Patricia Friemel on June 2, 1973 in Port Lavaca. The couple lived in Aldine where their daughter Patricia Denise was born. In 1978, the family moved to Alice where son John Steven was born.  A telecommunications and microwave technician, Bill worked for Mobil Pipeline for 22 years. From 1979 to 1982, he worked for Mobil Overseas Pipeline Company in Saudi Arabia. The family moved to Katy in 1994, and he retired from telecommunications work in 2003 to spend many years enjoying time with his family, friends, and hobbies.

Survivors include his wife and partner of 45 years, Patricia Ulmer, daughter Patricia Stoddart and son-in-law Ryan Stoddart, all of Katy, son John Steven Ulmer of Fulshear, granddaughters Lila Stoddart and Margot Stoddart of Katy, mother-in-law Eleanora Coufal Friemel of La Grange, sister-in-law Susan Friemel of Richmond, nephew Chris Friemel and wife Tami,and great-nieces Abigail, Jessica and Brianna, all of Katy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Gus Friemel, Sr., his brother-in-law Gus Friemel, Jr., and his uncles and aunts, J.K Mallard and wife Doris and B.J. Mallard and wife Dorothy.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Victor Knopp and Dr. Brandon Hsu and their staffs and to Amazing Grace Hospice, all of Katy, for their caring guidance through Bill's illness.

Memorial gifts  may be made to the Industry Brethren Church, P.O. Box 73, Industry, Texas 78944, or to a charity of your choice.

Graveside services were held at La Grange City Cemetery.